Initially, the Lean Canvas template is an adapted version of the brilliant Business Canvas model invented by entrepreneur, consultant, and expert in business modeling Alex Osterwalder. It consists of 9 blocks essential for building a business:

• Key partners
• Key activities
• Key resources
• Value propositions
• Customer relationships
• Customer segments
• Channels
• Cost Structure
• Revenue streams

This strategic management model is being used by all kinds of organizations worldwide to form a successful business blueprint. Still, to comply with the specific startup needs, it had to be slightly modified.

So, Ash Maurya created an adaptation of the Business Canvas model. Using lean methodology (built around the idea of waste elimination and resources optimization to create high-value products or services), he redesigned Osterwalder’s model into a startup-oriented Lean Canvas template.

The number one reason why startups fail is creating a product that nobody needs. It’s called a market-fit failure. To avoid that, we advice using the Lean Canvas model to assure your product has a clear roadmap and a business plan to follow. It’s an excellent business solution that includes all fundamental key points to define before developing and launching a product.

The key metrics in Lean Canvas depend on your business goals and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). These can be downloads, conversion rates, MQLs (Marketing Qualified Leads), SQLs (Sales Qualified Leads), sales, in-app purchases, etc.

Lean Canvas business model is a visual and short business plan with 9 essential blocks that describe your business model on a single page.

The high-level concept in Lean Canvas is a one-sentence pitch characterizing your product with reference to others recognized on the market.