Bootstrapping

When to use

"Use when starting with limited resources. Build a minimal capability with what you have, use that capability to build more capability, and repeat. Each cycle increases what you can build next."

Example

"A startup builds a simple tool with one developer. The tool attracts customers, whose revenue funds a second developer, who builds a better tool, which attracts more customers. The bootstrapping cycle starts small and compounds."

Common misuse

"Waiting for sufficient resources before starting. Bootstrapping works because the first cycle uses minimal resources; waiting for sufficiency means never starting."

Also known as

Related models