How to validate a startup idea before building?

Detailed Explanation

Comprehensive validation framework: (1) Problem interviews (50+ conversations)—Don't pitch solution. Ask: "Tell me about the last time you faced [problem]?" "How do you currently solve it?" "How much does it cost you?" "What have you tried?" Goal: Confirm problem is painful, frequent, and people actively seek solutions. (2) Solution validation (20+ interviews)—Now show mockups/demo. Ask: "Would this solve your problem?" "What's missing?" "Would you pay for this?" Get specific: "If this cost ₹999/month, would you buy today?" (3) Landing page test—Create simple page explaining solution. Run Google Ads (₹10K budget) or post on Reddit. Track: Visitors → Email signups → "Buy Now" clicks. 2-5% conversion is good signal. (4) Smoke test MVP—Build fake "Buy" button or "Request Demo" form. See if people try to pay. Uber founders validated demand by posting "on-demand black car service" on local forums before building app. (5) Pre-sell approach—Sell before building. "We're launching in 60 days. Pre-order now for 50% off." If 20+ people pay, strong validation. (6) Competitor research—If no competitors exist, why? (might be no market). If competitors exist, are they profitable? What do reviews complain about? (opportunity). (7) Market size check—TAM calculation: How many potential customers × average revenue per customer. Minimum ₹100 crore for VC-backable startup. (8) Channel validation—Can you reach customers? Post in their communities, run small ads. If you can't reach them cheaply, distribution will kill you. Validation budget: ₹10K-50K total. Timeline: 2-4 weeks. Don't skip—building wrong product costs ₹5-50L and 6+ months.