Startup Launch Checklist

Phase 1: Validate & Plan (Weeks 1-4)

• Define the Problem Statement: Write a one-sentence description of the specific pain point you are solving.
• Conduct 15 Customer Interviews: Speak to potential users to validate that the problem is real and worth paying for.
• Complete a Lean Canvas: Map out your value proposition, cost structure, and revenue streams on a single page.
• Analyze Competitors: Create a matrix comparing your top 5 competitors’ features, pricing, and weaknesses.
• Calculate TAM, SAM, and SOM: Quantify your Total Addressable Market, Serviceable Addressable Market, and Serviceable Obtainable Market.
• Build a "Smoke Test" Landing Page: Use a tool like Carrd or Framer to test interest and collect early emails.
• Draft User Personas: Create 3 detailed profiles of your ideal customers (demographics, goals, frustrations).
• Set "No-Go" Criteria: Define specific metrics (e.g., "fewer than 50 signups in 2 weeks") that would signal a need to pivot.
• Outline the MVP Feature Set: List "Must-haves" vs "Nice-to-haves" to avoid feature creep.
• Design a High-Level Roadmap: Map out the next 6 months of development and growth milestones.

Phase 2: Legal & Financial Setup (Weeks 3-6)

• Incorporate the Entity: Choose between a C-Corp (standard for VC-backed) or an LLC (standard for bootstrapped).
• Apply for an EIN: Obtain your Employer Identification Number from the IRS for tax and banking purposes.
• Open a Business Bank Account: Keep your personal and business finances strictly separated.
• Set Up Founder Vesting: Draft a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement (RSPA) with a standard 4-year vest and 1-year cliff.
• Draft IP Assignment Agreements: Ensure all code and designs created by founders or contractors are legally owned by the company.
• Create Terms of Service & Privacy Policy: Use a generator or legal service to ensure compliance (GDPR/CCPA).
• Set Up Bookkeeping: Implement software like QuickBooks or Xero to track burn rate from day one.
• Establish a Cap Table: Use a tool like Carta or Pulley to manage equity and ownership.
• Secure Domain & Social Handles: Purchase your primary domain and claim @handles on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• Obtain D&O Insurance: Protect founders and the board from personal liability as you begin operations.

Phase 3: Build MVP (Weeks 5-10)

• Select Your Tech Stack: Finalize your frontend, backend, and database (e.g., Next.js, Node.js, PostgreSQL).
• Map User Flows: Create a visual diagram of how a user moves from signup to "Aha! moment."
• Design Low-Fi Wireframes: Use Figma to map out the interface without getting bogged down in aesthetics.
• Set Up CI/CD Pipelines: Implement automated testing and deployment (GitHub Actions, Vercel, or AWS).
• Build Core Auth System: Implement secure login/signup using providers like Auth0, Clerk, or Firebase.
• Integrate Analytics: Install Mixpanel, PostHog, or GA4 to track specific user events and conversion funnels.
• Configure Error Tracking: Set up Sentry or LogRocket to catch bugs before users report them.
• Implement Payment Processing: Integrate Stripe or Paddle for subscriptions and billing.
• Conduct Internal QA: Perform a "bug bash" to identify and fix critical UX blockers.
• Set Up a Documentation Wiki: Use Notion to document your API, codebase, and internal processes.

Phase 4: Pre-Launch Marketing (Weeks 8-12)

• Create a Brand Identity Kit: Define your logo, typography, and color palette.
• Build a Waitlist Page: Transition your landing page to a "Coming Soon" page with a clear CTA to join the waitlist.
• Set Up an Email Service Provider (ESP): Configure Mailchimp, Loops, or Beehiiv for automated onboarding sequences.
• Launch a Beta Program: Invite 10-20 "power users" to test the MVP and provide feedback in exchange for early access.
• Define North Star Metric: Choose the one metric (e.g., Daily Active Users, Weekly Sales) that defines success.
• Develop a Content Calendar: Plan 4 weeks of social media posts and blog content leading up to launch.
• Create a Press Kit: Prepare high-res screenshots, founder bios, and a one-page company fact sheet.
• Select a CRM: Set up Hubspot or Pipedrive to manage early sales leads and partnerships.
• Optimize for SEO: Ensure your landing page has proper meta tags, H1 headers, and fast loading speeds.
• Prepare Cold Outreach Scripts: Draft templates for LinkedIn and email to reach your first 100 customers.

Phase 5: Launch (Week 12+)

• Product Hunt Submission: Prepare your "Hunter" kit, including a video demo and a special launch discount.
• Hacker News/Reddit Post: Draft a non-promotional, "Show HN" style post to engage the developer community.
• Email the Waitlist: Send a coordinated announcement to everyone who signed up during Phase 4.
• Social Media Blitz: Coordinate all founders and team members to share the launch simultaneously.
• Activate Referral Loop: Implement a "Refer a Friend" feature or discount to encourage organic growth.
• Set Up Live Support: Launch a chat tool like Intercom or Crisp to answer user questions in real-time.
• Monitor Server Health: Keep a close eye on AWS/Heroku dashboards for performance spikes.
• Run Initial Paid Ads: Start small-scale experiments on Meta or Google Ads to validate CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost).
• Collect Social Proof: Reach out to early adopters for testimonials and headshots for the website.
• Host a Launch Event: Organize a virtual demo or a small local meetup to build community.

Post-Launch (Ongoing)

• Review Funnel Drop-off: Use your analytics to see where users are leaving during the onboarding process.
• Calculate Unit Economics: Track LTV (Lifetime Value) vs. CAC to ensure the business model is sustainable.
• Establish a Feedback Loop: Schedule weekly calls with active users to guide the product roadmap.
• Iterate Based on Data: Release weekly patches or features based on the most requested user needs.
• Send Monthly Investor Updates: Keep stakeholders informed on KPIs, wins, and blockers.
• Audit Security: Perform a basic security audit of your database and user permissions.
• Scale Customer Success: Build a Help Center or FAQ page to reduce repetitive support tickets.
• Refine Sales Script: Update your pitch based on common objections heard during the first 50 sales calls.

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