So, you have this crazy idea that keeps you up at night. Maybe it’s a product, a service, or an app that could change lives (or at least make some money). But where do you even begin? Nepal’s startup scene is growing, but let’s be real—it’s not Silicon Valley. You don’t have unlimited funding, and investors won’t throw cash at you just for having an idea.
Building a startup from scratch can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can turn your idea into a thriving business. That’s where this guide comes in. Want to build a startup from scratch? Think of it as a roadmap—this guide will walk you through the essential steps, from planning to scaling, to help you succeed. Let’s break it down.
Validate Your Idea Before You Build a Startup from Scratch
Not every idea is worth pursuing. It might sound great in your head, but will people actually pay for it? The best way to find out is by testing it.
Ask yourself:
Would I pay for this?
If the answer is no, chances are others won’t either.
Talk to potential customers—friends and family don’t count because they’ll always say it’s great.
Research your competition. If similar businesses exist, that’s a good sign. It means there’s demand.
If people are excited and willing to pay, you’re onto something. If not, tweak the idea or move on.
Choose a Business Model When Building a Startup from Scratch
You don’t just need a product—you need a way to make money from it.
Will you charge a one-time fee, offer subscriptions, or make money through ads?
How much will it cost to get a customer, and how much will they spend?
Do you need a physical store, or can you run everything online?
For example, if you’re selling handmade Dhaka products, setting up an online store might be cheaper than renting a shop in Thamel. Choose a model that lets you start lean without draining your savings.
MVP Product Development: A Critical Step in Building a Startup from Scratch
Perfection slows you down. Instead of spending months on a polished product, start with a basic version—just enough to test if people will buy.
- Focus on the core problem your product solves.
- Launch something simple and improve based on feedback.
- Avoid overcomplicating things—Pathao started as just a basic ride-sharing app before adding food delivery.
Get it out there. The sooner people use it, the sooner you’ll know what works and what doesn’t.
Legal Steps for Building a Startup from Scratch
Nobody likes dealing with legal stuff, but skipping it can create bigger headaches later.
- Register your business (you’ll need a PAN/VAT if you’re in Nepal).
- Open a separate business bank account so your personal and business finances don’t mix.
- If you’ll be accepting digital payments, set up eSewa, Khalti, or bank integrations early.
It’s not exciting, but it’ll save you trouble down the road.
Create a Brand Identity While Building a Startup from Scratch
Your business name, logo, and message should be simple but memorable.
Pick a name that’s easy to remember and spell.
Create a tagline that instantly tells people what you do.
Your logo doesn’t need to be fancy—just something recognizable.
Think of Daraz. Short, simple, and easy to recall. Hamro Bazaar? The name itself tells you what it’s about. Make it easy for people to understand your business at a glance.
Digital Presence: A Crucial Step in Building a Startup from Scratch
Being online isn’t optional anymore—it’s how people find you.
Get a basic website. Even a simple landing page is better than nothing.
Rank on Google with SEO so people can discover you.
Be where your customers are—whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok.
If you’re running a café in Kathmandu, Instagram can bring in more customers than a roadside sign ever could. Digital presence makes a huge difference.
Customer Acquisition: A Key Milestone in Building a Startup from Scratch
Forget big ad budgets—your first customers will likely come from word of mouth.
Ask your network to spread the word. If they like it, they’ll tell others.
Offer early-bird pricing or referral rewards.
Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or Reddit forums related to your industry.
Get real users, listen to their feedback, and improve from there.
Plan for Growth Without Chaos
Scaling too fast can be just as dangerous as not growing at all. Before you expand, get your operations in order.
Automate tasks like customer inquiries, invoicing, and order tracking.
Hire only when necessary—start with freelancers before committing to full-time employees.
Track key numbers: profit margin, customer retention, and marketing ROI.
Think long-term. Growing too quickly without structure can break your business.
Funding? Bootstrap First, Raise Money Later
If you can start without outside funding, do it. Investors won’t take you seriously unless you have traction.
Start with personal savings or small loans if needed.
Seek investors only when you have proof of demand and revenue.
Consider government grants, startup competitions, or crowdfunding.
For example, Khalti started small and grew before becoming a major fintech player. Investors love businesses that prove themselves first.
Stay Flexible & Keep Learning
Your first idea might not be your best one. Stay open to change.
The market shifts—pay attention and adapt.
Listen to customer feedback and tweak your product accordingly.
Keep networking. The right connection can open doors you never expected.
Success isn’t just about launching—it’s about staying relevant. Keep improving, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep going.
But Here’s the Problem Most First-Time Founders Face…
Having an idea is easy. Executing it? That’s where most people get stuck.
Maybe you don’t know where to start.
Maybe you’ve started but feel overwhelmed.
Maybe you’re unsure if you’re making the right decisions.
That’s where Mentor Who comes in.
We help first-time founders like you navigate the chaos of launching a startup. Whether it’s validating your idea, building your first product, or scaling without making costly mistakes, we’ve got your back.
No theory. No fluff. Just practical guidance from people who’ve done it before.
Want to turn your idea into a real business? Join our mentorship program and get expert guidance every step of the way.
Book a mentorship session now and take the first step toward launching your startup.
Your idea deserves a chance.
So, what’s stopping you?
