A proof of concept (PoC) tests whether an idea or technical approach is feasible. A prototype tests or demonstrates how a product might work or look. A minimum viable product (MVP) tests the product's core value with real users. They answer different questions, so the right one depends on what you are least sure about: whether it can be built, whether people understand it, or whether people will use it.
Written by Ganesh Ghatti · Founder, Squirrel Technologies
Updated
| Proof of concept (PoC) | Prototype | MVP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main question | Can this be built? | How will it work and look? | Will real users use it to solve their problem? |
| Risk addressed | Technical risk | Usability and design risk | Market risk |
| Intended audience | Your team and technical stakeholders | Founders, designers, test users, and investors | Real early users |
| Deliverables | A small code experiment | Clickable screens or a demo | A working product people can use online |
| Working backend required? | Only what the experiment needs | No | Yes: sign-in, database, and core features |
| Squirrel Technologies timeline | Scoped case by case | Part of our MVP build: Days 2–3 | 2 weeks (14 days) |
| Can the work be reused? | Usually not; it answers a question | The design decisions carry into the build | It can be built on, though you may choose not to |
| How success is measured | The approach works | People understand the flow | People use it and it solves their problem |
| Recommended next step | A prototype or an MVP | An MVP | Improve it based on real feedback |
A PoC's length depends entirely on the technical question, so we scope it case by case. A prototype is part of our MVP build: on Days 2 and 3 we agree the screens and use AI to make a demo from your brand guidelines. The full MVP takes 2 weeks and typically costs $3,999 to $8,999.
Yes. If the technology is proven, there is no need for a PoC. If you already have designs, or the product is close to products people know, you can go straight to an MVP; our MVP build includes a short design phase anyway. DiaryDad arrived with designs, so we went straight to building.
Skip the PoC only when you are confident the technology works. If the product depends on research or model training, test that first: those products usually do not fit in 2 weeks.
Each one answers a different question.
When you are ready for an MVP, this is how the 14 days work.
Day 1
Your one to three decision makers sit with our product manager or lead developer. We decide which part of the product will test your idea and write down what waits for later.
Days 2–3
We study your top two or three competitors, agree the pages and screens, finalise the user journey, and use AI to create a demo from your brand guidelines.
Days 4–9
Our developer builds the core features, sign-in, database, and the other parts the product needs, using AI coding tools such as Claude, Cursor, and Codex.
Day 10
We put the product on a server so people can use it online. A simple MVP does not need a CDN, queues, or microservices.
Days 11–14
AI writes the unit tests; people test the full user journey and we watch the backend. One or two rounds of changes, then launch and handover.
Want the detail behind each day? Read Can You Really Build an MVP in Two Weeks?
Built an iOS and Android AI journaling app with React Native and Expo from the client's designs. Both stores approved it on the first attempt, and it was live 14 days after kickoff.
App Stores Deployed
Kickoff to Live on Both Stores
Attempt Approval: App Store & Google Play
Ganesh Ghatti, founder of Squirrel Technologies, explains the practices he follows to build MVPs quickly without overengineering. It focuses on the MVP stage rather than on proofs of concept, so watch it once you have decided an MVP is your next step.
A PoC tests whether something can be built. A prototype tests how the product might work or look. An MVP tests whether real users get value from the product.
Start with whatever you are least sure about: technical feasibility (PoC), user experience (prototype), or market demand (MVP).
No. Many products go straight to an MVP when the technology is proven and the design is clear.
A PoC depends on the technical question. A prototype can be part of the MVP build, taking about two days with us. Our MVPs take 2 weeks.
A PoC and a prototype are scoped case by case. A typical MVP with us costs $3,999 to $8,999, more for complex features or several platforms.
The design decisions carry over, but a prototype usually has no working backend. The MVP adds sign-in, a database, and working features.
Some founders do, but neither shows that real users want the product. An MVP with real usage is stronger evidence.
Not always. It depends on what the MVP needs to validate. If the question is whether people will pay, include payments; if it is whether people will use the product, payments can wait.
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