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Lean Canvas

A one-page business model template designed specifically for new product concepts, focusing on customer problems and solutions delivered through a unique value proposition.

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Leanstack
Official platform for creating and iterating on Lean Canvas models
Running Lean
Practical guide to using Lean Canvas methodology for startup validation
The Lean Startup
Foundational methodology for lean business model development and testing
Lean Canvas Explained
Step-by-step guide to completing each section of the Lean Canvas
How to Use the Lean Canvas
Practical application of Lean Canvas in startup validation process
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Introduction

A one-page business model template designed specifically for new product concepts, focusing on customer problems and solutions delivered through a unique value proposition.

Description

Think of the Lean Canvas as your entire business plan squeezed onto a single page! It's custom-built for new product ideas, zeroing in on customer problems, your solutions, and how you'll deliver unique value to specific customer segments. Why write a 50-page document nobody will read when you can capture the essentials on one page?

Quick Note: Wondering about Lean Canvas vs. Business Model Canvas? The Lean Canvas is the tactical, problem-solving cousin of the Business Model Canvas. Use Lean Canvas when you want to laser-focus on the problem-solution fit, and grab the Business Model Canvas when you need the big-picture view of your business opportunity. Both are powerful—just pick the right tool for your current challenge!

Benefits

Because sharing a napkin sketch looks unprofessional, but nobody has time to read your 50-page masterpiece! The Lean Canvas lets you quickly capture your idea in a format you can share, test, and refine at lightning speed.

As Ash Maurya wisely puts it: "Life's too short to build something nobody wants." Amen to that!

Measurable Outcomes: Teams using Lean Canvas accelerate business model validation by 60% through structured hypothesis testing, reduce planning overhead by 75% compared to traditional business plans, and improve investor communication with clear one-page summaries. The canvas enables faster iteration and more focused validation experiments.

When to Use

Jump on this during the Discover stage when you're still figuring out what problem you're solving, who has this problem, and what solutions might work. It's perfect for that exciting-but-fuzzy early phase when you need structure without stifling creativity.

Use this method at startup formation when defining your business model hypothesis, before building anything to validate core assumptions, when validating business model assumptions with stakeholders and investors, or when pivoting and need to restructure your approach. This is essential when you need a structured way to capture and test your business beliefs quickly.

Time Required
1 - 2 hours for initial canvas creation, regular iteration sessions (weekly/bi-weekly as you learn)
Who
Entrepreneur, product manager, startup team, innovation team, business analyst
What you will need

Large format Lean Canvas template (printed A1/A0 or digital), sticky notes for easy changes, markers, flip chart paper, laptop for research and documentation, customer research data, competitive analysis information, whiteboard space for collaboration