Lean Canvas Workflow
Your business model on one page: Document and test your startup assumptions
The Nine Building Blocks
1. Problem
Top 3 problems
2. Solution
Top 3 features
4. Key Metrics
Key activities you measure
3. Unique Value Prop
Single, clear, compelling message
5. Unfair Advantage
Can't be easily copied
6. Channels
Path to customers
7. Customer Segments
Target customers
8. Cost Structure
Customer acquisition costs, distribution, hosting, people
9. Revenue Streams
Revenue model, lifetime value, revenue, gross margin
How to Fill Your Lean Canvas
Start with Problem & Customer Segments
Who has this problem? What are their top 3 problems?
Define Unique Value Proposition
Why is your solution different and worth paying attention to?
Outline Solution
What are the top 3 features that solve the problems?
Identify Channels
How will you reach your customers?
Revenue Streams & Cost Structure
How will you make money? What will it cost?
Define Key Metrics
What will you measure to track progress?
Identify Unfair Advantage
What do you have that competitors can't easily copy?
Calculate Cost Structure
What are your customer acquisition costs? Operating costs? Break down fixed vs variable costs.
Define Revenue Streams
How will you make money? What's your pricing model? Calculate lifetime value and break-even point.
Testing Your Assumptions
Identify Riskiest Assumptions
Look at each box and ask: "If I'm wrong about this, will my business fail?" Start testing the riskiest assumptions first.
- • Product risk: Getting the product right
- • Customer risk: Building a path to customers
- • Market risk: Building a viable business
Run Experiments
For each risky assumption, design an experiment to test it. Start with the cheapest, fastest experiments (interviews, surveys, landing pages) before building anything.
Iterate Based on Learning
Update your canvas as you learn. Your first canvas is "Plan A" - expect to go through multiple iterations as you discover what works.
Need help building your Lean Canvas?
We can guide you through business model design and validation.