The verdict in three sentences
A well-scoped MVP (minimum viable product) costs 20,000 to 45,000 EUR and ships in 8 to 12 weeks, versus 3 to 6 months and triple the cost for a monolithic project launched all at once. Scope discipline is the primary source of savings: an MVP focused on a single core feature saves 30 to 50% compared with building everything upfront. The rule: ship fast what proves value, measure adoption, then invest in V2 on facts.
The 2026 costed method
An MVP is not improvised: it is scoped. The 2026 sequence fits in five steps, each with its cost and deliverable.
| Step | Deliverable | 2026 cost (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoping workshop | Prioritized backlog, V1 scope | 2,000 - 5,000 | 1 - 2 wks |
| UX prototype | Clickable mockups | 4,000 - 9,000 | 2 - 3 wks |
| MVP build | 1 core feature in production | 20,000 - 45,000 | 8 - 12 wks |
| Adoption measurement | Analytics, user feedback | included | 4 - 8 wks |
| V2 decision | Costed go/no-go | 2,000 - 4,000 | 1 wk |
The scoping workshop is the project's best investment: for 2,000 to 5,000 EUR, it eliminates the "nice to have" features that inflate the budget without creating immediate value. That is where the 30 to 50% saving is made.
Scoped vs unscoped: the cost gap
The difference between a disciplined MVP and a "big project" launched without prioritization is huge. Comparison on the same business need.
| Approach | V1 scope | Total cost | Timeline | Failure risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monolithic | 8 modules at once | 90,000 - 130,000 EUR | 6 - 9 months | High |
| Scoped MVP | 1 core module | 25,000 - 45,000 EUR | 8 - 12 wks | Low |
| MVP + measured V2 | Core then extensions | 55,000 - 85,000 EUR | 5 - 7 months | Controlled |
The MVP + V2 scenario often yields a better application for a lower total cost, because extensions are built on real usage data rather than assumptions. Features never used are never paid for.
Costed go/no-go criteria
After the measurement phase, the decision to invest in V2 must rest on thresholds, not intuition. Indicative benchmarks: adoption above 60% of target users, a measured time gain of at least 20% on the process, and a positive internal NPS. Below these thresholds, iterate or stop: that is exactly the 100,000 EUR waste the MVP prevents.
Mini case study
Sophie, director of a services SME in Amsterdam (38 staff), wants to digitize field intervention management. Rather than a full ERP at 110,000 EUR, she scopes an MVP: a single feature, intervention scheduling and tracking. Cost: workshop 3,500 EUR + build 32,000 EUR = 35,500 EUR, delivered in 10 weeks.
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After 6 weeks of use, adoption reaches 78% and scheduling time drops 35%. The go for V2 (invoicing, reporting) is estimated at 28,000 EUR. Total across the journey: 63,500 EUR for a perfectly fitted app, versus 110,000 EUR for a monolithic ERP she would have paid before validating usage. Saving: 42%.
FAQ
How much does a scoping workshop cost?
Between 2,000 and 5,000 EUR for 1 to 2 weeks. It is the project's most profitable investment: it removes superfluous features and secures the build budget.
How many features in an MVP?
Ideally a single core feature, the one that proves value. Adding modules "to feel complete" is exactly what takes an MVP from 35,000 to 90,000 EUR.
How long for an MVP in production?
8 to 12 weeks after scoping. A clickable prototype to validate UX is produced in 2 to 3 weeks upfront, without committing the development budget.
How much do you really save with an MVP?
30 to 50% versus a monolithic project, because you only build and pay for what is actually used. Unvalidated features are never developed.
How do you decide to invest in V2?
On costed thresholds: adoption above 60%, time gain of at least 20% on the process. Below these levels, iterate or stop rather than over-invest.
Let's scope your project. Tell us which process you want to validate first and your indicative budget: we scope a single core-feature MVP, deliverable in 8 to 12 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
