Software Testing Club

Testing in startups - Adding value by testing business hypotheses

Sep 11, 2012 · 6:30 PM
Idea Space

Hosted by Benjamin Wirtz of Unifyo

The idea of testing business hypotheses before spending loads of time on developing a product which then fails in the market, has been long evangelised - most recently by the Lean Startup movement. Software testers have the right mindset and skills to add value in the very early stages of a startup, but are often mistaken as the "Health and safety of software", which slow down product development.

This event is about exploring how testers can add value to startups at early stages, discussing both startup challenges and tester skills. It will provide attendees with a fresh perspective and make hiring decisions more informed.

We also hope that attendees will share their own insights and hope lasting-relationships and exchange between the tester and startup community will flourish from the event.

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A former member

Hi Everyone,

thanks for coming and sharing your thoughts - an awesome start! As discussed, here the Google group to continue the discussions around Lean Startups and Testing Hypotheses: https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/lean-startup-cambridge

And please, don't be hesitant to start the very first thread :)

Cheers

Ben

0 · September 15, 2012
andrew

Some interesting opinions surfaced there. Good to see testing integrated into lean startup model. Wonder if 'testing' is such a widely used word, in that it covers so many disciplines, that the concept is inherently confusing? Particularly liked the idea that testing in startups could be steered and directed by business mentors, who had enough wide experience to prioritise and match the right testing to the stage of startup and product development. Neatly combines testing MVP with digital testing.

0 · September 13, 2012
A former member

A very useful and thought provoking round table discussion on validating/focusing the MVP for startups (applicable for larger orgs as well). Really enjoyed the conversation - thank you to everyone who attended!

0 · September 12, 2012
A former member

Very good chat, sorry I had to bow out early. I'd love to meet up more regularly for sharing experiences, etc.

0 · September 12, 2012
A former member

I hadn't thought through the topic before attending, so it was very helpful. Before attending I'd thought it would be more about a methodology for testing the business canvas model - it's easy to be delusional about the assumptions in that, especially if you don't have much experience of marketing and pricing. As it was, I was happy to have realised that testing is baked into the Lean Startup model - and relies on experience in applying appropriate testing. And to have had articulated that the MVP is itself a consequence of testing with an internal team (the startup plus advisors/board/investors/eco-system) - and that the pre-MVP testing focus must include the business plan elements.

0 · September 12, 2012
A former member

Awesome! Had to leave early, but wish I hadn't. Looking forward to the next round.

0 · September 12, 2012
A former member

I look forward seeing everyone tomorrow :) I will take care of the access, but if something goes wrong, feel free to call me on[masked] :)

0 · September 10, 2012