Can I really build a SaaS MVP in 30 days?

Yes, with the right approach. AI tools (Bolt.new, v0) handle UI in days instead of weeks. Focus on one core feature, use existing services for auth/payments, and skip nice-to-haves. The key is ruthless prioritization and accepting imperfection.

How much does a 30-day SaaS MVP cost?

Expect $10,000-$25,000 with a development team, or near-zero if you're technical and using AI tools yourself. Costs include: AI tool subscriptions ($20-100/mo), hosting ($20-100/mo), auth service ($0-50/mo), Stripe fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction), and developer time.

What features should an MVP include?

Only what's needed to validate your hypothesis: core value proposition (1 feature), user authentication, basic payment flow (if monetizing), simple admin view. Skip: multiple user roles, complex reporting, integrations, mobile apps, and anything users haven't explicitly requested.

Should I use v0, Bolt.new, or Lovable for my SaaS?

Bolt.new for fastest full-stack prototypes (includes backend). v0 for cleaner UI components you'll keep long-term. Lovable for complete app generation. Best approach: Bolt.new for initial prototype, v0 to rebuild key UI components, custom code for business logic.

What's the difference between MVP and prototype?

Prototype: demonstrates the concept, may use fake data, not secure. MVP: actual product users pay for, real data persistence, secure authentication, handles edge cases. You can build a prototype in days; MVP takes 2-4 weeks with AI tools.

How do I validate my SaaS idea before building?

Create a landing page with value proposition and collect emails (Carrd, Framer). Share in relevant communities. If you get 100+ signups without any product, you have validation. Talk to 10-20 potential customers before writing code. Pre-sell if possible.

What tech stack should I use for SaaS MVP?

Recommended: Next.js (frontend + API), PostgreSQL via Supabase (database), Clerk or Auth0 (auth), Stripe (payments), Vercel (hosting). This stack works well with AI tools, scales to thousands of users, and has great documentation.

When should I hire a developer vs do it myself?

DIY if: you're technical, timeline is flexible, budget is tight. Hire if: you need to launch reliably by a deadline, handling payments/sensitive data, your time is worth more than development cost, or you're not comfortable with backend work.

Can I really build a SaaS MVP in 30 days?

Yes, with the right approach. AI tools (Bolt.new, v0) handle UI in days instead of weeks. Focus on one core feature, use existing services for auth/payments, and skip nice-to-haves. The key is ruthless prioritization and accepting imperfection.

How much does a 30-day SaaS MVP cost?

Expect $10,000-$25,000 with a development team, or near-zero if you're technical and using AI tools yourself. Costs include: AI tool subscriptions ($20-100/mo), hosting ($20-100/mo), auth service ($0-50/mo), Stripe fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction), and developer time.

What features should an MVP include?

Only what's needed to validate your hypothesis: core value proposition (1 feature), user authentication, basic payment flow (if monetizing), simple admin view. Skip: multiple user roles, complex reporting, integrations, mobile apps, and anything users haven't explicitly requested.

Should I use v0, Bolt.new, or Lovable for my SaaS?

Bolt.new for fastest full-stack prototypes (includes backend). v0 for cleaner UI components you'll keep long-term. Lovable for complete app generation. Best approach: Bolt.new for initial prototype, v0 to rebuild key UI components, custom code for business logic.

What's the difference between MVP and prototype?

Prototype: demonstrates the concept, may use fake data, not secure. MVP: actual product users pay for, real data persistence, secure authentication, handles edge cases. You can build a prototype in days; MVP takes 2-4 weeks with AI tools.

How do I validate my SaaS idea before building?

Create a landing page with value proposition and collect emails (Carrd, Framer). Share in relevant communities. If you get 100+ signups without any product, you have validation. Talk to 10-20 potential customers before writing code. Pre-sell if possible.

What tech stack should I use for SaaS MVP?

Recommended: Next.js (frontend + API), PostgreSQL via Supabase (database), Clerk or Auth0 (auth), Stripe (payments), Vercel (hosting). This stack works well with AI tools, scales to thousands of users, and has great documentation.

When should I hire a developer vs do it myself?

DIY if: you're technical, timeline is flexible, budget is tight. Hire if: you need to launch reliably by a deadline, handling payments/sensitive data, your time is worth more than development cost, or you're not comfortable with backend work.

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FOUNDER'S GUIDE

SaaS MVP in 30 Days: A Founder's Realistic Guide

The 30-Day Breakdown

Week 1: Validate idea, build prototype with AI tools
Week 2: Set up auth, database, core feature
Week 3: Add payments, subscription management
Week 4: Security, monitoring, launch

Cost: $10K-$25K with developers, or near-zero if you're technical.

This isn't theory. It's the exact process we use with startups to go from idea to paying customers in 30 days. AI tools make this possible — but only with the right structure.

Week-by-Week Timeline

Week 1Validate & PrototypeDays 1-7

Day 1-2: Define ONE core feature that solves the problem
Day 2-3: Build landing page, collect email signups
Day 3-5: Create UI prototype with Bolt.new/v0
Day 5-7: User testing with 5-10 target customers

DELIVERABLE: Working prototype + initial user feedback

Week 2FoundationDays 8-14

Day 8-9: Set up proper repo, database schema
Day 9-11: Implement authentication (Clerk/Auth0)
Day 11-12: Build core feature backend
Day 13-14: Connect UI to real database

DELIVERABLE: Users can sign up and use core feature

Week 3MonetizationDays 15-21

Day 15-17: Integrate Stripe payments
Day 17-18: Build subscription management
Day 18-19: Add basic admin dashboard
Day 19-21: Error handling, loading states, edge cases

DELIVERABLE: Users can pay and manage subscriptions

Week 4LaunchDays 22-30

Day 22-24: Security audit, fix critical issues
Day 24-26: Set up monitoring, analytics, backups
Day 26-28: Final testing, bug fixes
Day 28-30: Deploy, soft launch to early users

DELIVERABLE: Live product with paying customers

6 MVP Mistakes That Kill Startups

We've seen these patterns hundreds of times. Don't fall into these traps:

❌ Mistake

✓ Fix

Building too many features

One core feature only. Add more after launch based on user requests.

Perfect design before launch

Functional > beautiful. Users care about solving their problem.

Custom auth/payment systems

Use Clerk + Stripe. Don't reinvent security-critical wheels.

Skipping user validation

Talk to 10+ users BEFORE coding. Saves weeks of wasted work.

Building mobile app first

Web MVP first. Mobile after you have product-market fit.

Waiting for perfect code

Ship, get feedback, iterate. Refactor later with real data.

Recommended Tech Stack for 30-Day MVP

FRONTEND

Next.js + v0

AI generates clean code, great performance

DATABASE

Supabase (PostgreSQL)

Free tier, easy setup, scales well

AUTH

Clerk

5 min setup, secure, great UX

PAYMENTS

Stripe

Industry standard, excellent docs

HOSTING

Vercel

One-click deploy, free tier

MONITORING

Sentry + Plausible

Error tracking + privacy-friendly analytics

Why This Stack?

All these tools work well with AI code generation, have generous free tiers for MVPs, and scale to thousands of users. No need to migrate or rebuild when you grow. This is the same stack we use at our Bangalore and Coimbatore offices for startup projects.

Need Help Building Your SaaS MVP?

We've launched 50+ SaaS MVPs for startups. Share your idea and get a realistic timeline.

Get Free MVP Assessment →

Related Guides

Cost GuideTool ComparisonProduction GuideMVP Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about AI automation for SaaS MVP development

Can I really build a SaaS MVP in 30 days?
Yes, with the right approach. AI tools (Bolt.new, v0) handle UI in days instead of weeks. Focus on one core feature, use existing services for auth/payments, and skip nice-to-haves. The key is ruthless prioritization and accepting imperfection.
How much does a 30-day SaaS MVP cost?
Expect $10,000-$25,000 with a development team, or near-zero if you're technical and using AI tools yourself. Costs include: AI tool subscriptions ($20-100/mo), hosting ($20-100/mo), auth service ($0-50/mo), Stripe fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction), and developer time.
What features should an MVP include?
Only what's needed to validate your hypothesis: core value proposition (1 feature), user authentication, basic payment flow (if monetizing), simple admin view. Skip: multiple user roles, complex reporting, integrations, mobile apps, and anything users haven't explicitly requested.
Should I use v0, Bolt.new, or Lovable for my SaaS?
Bolt.new for fastest full-stack prototypes (includes backend). v0 for cleaner UI components you'll keep long-term. Lovable for complete app generation. Best approach: Bolt.new for initial prototype, v0 to rebuild key UI components, custom code for business logic.
What's the difference between MVP and prototype?
Prototype: demonstrates the concept, may use fake data, not secure. MVP: actual product users pay for, real data persistence, secure authentication, handles edge cases. You can build a prototype in days; MVP takes 2-4 weeks with AI tools.
How do I validate my SaaS idea before building?
Create a landing page with value proposition and collect emails (Carrd, Framer). Share in relevant communities. If you get 100+ signups without any product, you have validation. Talk to 10-20 potential customers before writing code. Pre-sell if possible.
What tech stack should I use for SaaS MVP?
Recommended: Next.js (frontend + API), PostgreSQL via Supabase (database), Clerk or Auth0 (auth), Stripe (payments), Vercel (hosting). This stack works well with AI tools, scales to thousands of users, and has great documentation.
When should I hire a developer vs do it myself?
DIY if: you're technical, timeline is flexible, budget is tight. Hire if: you need to launch reliably by a deadline, handling payments/sensitive data, your time is worth more than development cost, or you're not comfortable with backend work.