Learn entrepreneurship by doing it in this order: find a painful problem, interview 20 customers, build the smallest version, get the first 10 paying customers, learn pricing and unit economics, then fundraising and legal basics. Free resources from Y Combinator and Startup India cover the theory.
- 1Problemcustomer interviews
- 2MVPsmallest version
- 3First customerssales, distribution
- 4Unit economicspricing, margins
- 5Team and opshiring, process
- 6Funding and legalangels, DPIIT
Learning path: free resources in order
| Stage | Free resource | Industry tool you will meet |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Problem and customer discovery | Y Combinator Startup School (free) · YC Library | Interview notes, spreadsheets |
| 2. Business model and MVP | Strategyzer Business Model Canvas · Paul Graham essays | No-code tools, landing pages |
| 3. First customers | Masai: get your first 100 customers · First Round Review | CRM, email, communities |
| 4. Unit economics and pricing | Khan Academy: Core finance | Spreadsheets |
| 5. India ecosystem | Startup India · DPIIT recognition | Incorporation, GST, DPIIT benefits |
| 6. Fundraising | YC: how to raise money · Google for Startups | Pitch decks, cap tables |
A realistic 12 to 24 week plan
| Weeks | Focus | Output you can show |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 3 | Discovery | 20 customer interviews and a one-page problem brief |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | MVP | A landing page or no-code prototype with sign-ups |
| Weeks 7 to 10 | First customers | Ten paying customers or ten committed pilots |
| Weeks 11 to 12 | Economics and plan | A unit-economics sheet and a 12-month plan |
Roles in the industry
| Role | What the work looks like | Core tools |
|---|---|---|
| Founder | Own the problem, product and first sales | Everything, badly at first |
| Founder's office or chief of staff | Run projects across functions for a founder | Spreadsheets, docs, analytics |
| Product or growth at a startup | Ship fast, measure, iterate | Analytics, no-code, CRM |
| Venture or incubator analyst | Evaluate startups and markets | Financial models, research |
Mistakes to avoid
- Building for months before talking to customers.
- Raising money before proving anyone will pay.
- Choosing a market you do not understand or cannot reach.
- Confusing a pitch deck with a business.
Build as you learn
Marketing projects
SEO audits, dashboards, email sequences and A/B tests.
Finance projects
Financial models, DCF, scorecards and fintech analyses.
Free tools for this field
Free marketing tools
Measure, email, schedule and design with no budget.
Free AI tools for builders
Run, build and test AI projects without paying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a startup with no money?
Validate the problem with interviews, sell before you build, use free tools and keep your job until revenue justifies leaving.
What is DPIIT recognition?
Startup India recognition that gives eligible startups tax and compliance benefits. Apply through the Startup India portal.
Do I need a co-founder?
Not required, but most accelerators prefer teams. Choose for complementary skills and shared values, not convenience.
Which free course is best for founders?
Y Combinator Startup School, then the YC Library for specific topics such as pricing and fundraising.
Learn this with mentors
Programmes for founders with admissions open: live classes, mentors and project work.
