Fast-paced startups prioritize shipping over perfection

In the realm of early-stage startups, particularly in the technology sector, the ability to ship and iterate products efficiently is a crucial determinant of success. Companies like Figma, Superhuman, and Stripe epitomize this principle through their commitment to consistent and rapid shipping processes. Instead of delaying product launches for a perfect presentation, these companies focus on creating and maintaining tight feedback loops with users, allowing them to understand and address user needs quickly and effectively. This iterative process is built upon a strong culture of urgency within the teams, which encourages them not to wait for everything to be perfect before they move forward. Superhuman, for example, is well-known for its extended onboarding process, which might seem counterintuitive to speed. However, this lengthy process is integral to its rapid development cycle as it feeds directly into the team's ability to act on real user friction points. By concentrating on users' immediate needs rather than pouring resources into extensive feature development, Superhuman can refine its product in real-time, aligning it more closely with what users genuinely want. This approach has significant implications for how startups define and achieve their version of 'speed.' Figma has also taken a unique approach to product launches. Rather than seeking a grand unveiling that garners substantial media attention, the company opted for a steady and incremental release of improvements. This method keeps users engaged and demonstrates consistent progress, fostering loyalty by ensuring clients see tangible improvements week after week. The shift from a 'big launch' mentality to a cycle of constant updates reflects a broader understanding of user engagement, which is often contingent on regular interactions rather than rare, large-scale events. Ultimately, the tools employed by these startups are secondary to their speed and approach. Stripe's development was characterized by simple communication methods, using code and email instead of sophisticated software processes. The essence of what these companies do is not defined by the complexity of their tools or their desire for grand debut moments, but rather by their commitment to a disciplined, fast-paced shipping culture solidified by a unique understanding of user needs and ongoing communication. Adopting this mindset could change how startups and larger businesses plan their product development and interaction strategies moving forward.