Got a software idea that solves a real problem? Start with an MVP. Here’s why — and how to avoid common pitfalls.
At GBA Solutions, we’ve been helping Irish businesses and founders turn their ideas into real, working software for years. But we will always advise you not to include the kitchen sink on day one. We’re into building smart, lean Minimum Viable Products — MVPs.
Right now, it’s never been easier (or more affordable) to launch something meaningful. But — and this is a big but — it only works if you’re ready to test, listen, and keep your head in the real world.
Here’s what we’ve learned (the hard way), what you should watch out for, and why a good MVP isn’t just a tech build — it’s a launchpad.
So, What Exactly Is an MVP?
You’ll hear different takes on this, but for us, an MVP is the simplest possible version of your product that solves a real problem for a real person.
It’s not a wireframe. It’s not a PowerPoint deck. It’s something you can put in front of someone and say, “Go on, try that.”
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. You build something small, put it in someone’s hands, and see what happens next. And if you’ve done it right, that “next” will be shaped by feedback, not guesses.
Two Real Irish MVPs – and What They Taught Us
We’ve worked on quite a few MVPs over the years (some of which admittedly went nowhere), but here are two of our favourites.
1. A Farming App for Tillage Activities
This started with an Enniscorthy (Co Wexford) farmer who was fed up writing in notebooks and trying to remember what he sprayed, where and when. And this is how Tillage Track was born.
We helped him build a basic mobile app that let him log what he did, when he did it, and on what field — all from his phone.
It was simple, fast, and useful. That was the MVP. Once in use, real-world feedback poured in — and we added more features from there.
2. Health & Safety App for the Construction Industry
Another great example is the work we’ve done with AM Site Solutions, a health and safety-focused business in the construction space.
We started with one clear task: digitising a specific H&S form that site supervisors needed to complete. And pushing that simple solution live started something much bigger.
Users told us what they needed next — and the product grew. Today, it tracks all sorts of compliance needs:
- GA1 and GA2 forms,
- Employee certs and tickets,
- Notifications for expiring documents,
- And even a centralised cert repository.
All from starting with just one well-scoped form. That’s what a good MVP does — it opens the door to more.
Why It’s Actually a Great Time to Launch an MVP
There’s a bit of negativity in the world right now, and you might be thinking, “Is this really the time to build something new?”
Short answer: yes — if you’re strategic about it.
Here’s why:
- Modern tools are incredible – We can build fast, securely, and affordably using platforms like Google Cloud Platform, Firebase, and AI models. That saves you months (and money).
- Digital adoption is way up – Nearly every industry in Ireland is now more open to software tools than ever before — even the ones that used to resist them.
- You don’t need a big team or VC backing – You just need a clear idea, a plan to reach your users, and a development partner who knows what they’re doing.
We’ve even followed this path ourselves. Our internal tool NatterNinja began life as an MVP for an AI Assistant for small businesses and is developing new features as users request them.
The MVP Trap: Don’t Forget to Market It
We’ve seen it before: someone puts time, money, and hope into building their MVP — but has no plan for how anyone will actually find it.
The harsh truth is that a great product that no one sees will go nowhere.
Before you start building, you need to be able to answer:
- Who is this for?
- How will they find out about it?
- How will I measure if it’s working?
MVP Pitfall: Spending your entire budget on the build and leaving nothing for promotion, testing, or iteration.
It’s not about shouting from the rooftops — it’s about making sure you’re solving the right problem for the right people, and getting it in front of them.
FAQs: What People Ask Us About MVPs
How much does it cost to build an MVP in Ireland?
Most MVPs we build fall somewhere between €5,000 and €15,000, depending on complexity. The goal is to keep it lean — build just enough to test the idea properly.
How long does it take to build an MVP?
In general, we aim for 6 to 10 weeks. We don’t cut corners, but we also don’t drag things out with endless meetings and fluff.
Do I need a business plan before building an MVP?
Not necessarily — but you do need a clear problem to solve and a rough sense of your market. We’ll help you shape the tech around that.
What if I’m not technical?
That’s fine. We work with founders and business owners from all backgrounds. You don’t need to code — you just need to know your domain and be open to feedback.
Can I launch without spending a fortune on marketing?
Yes — but you still need a plan. Sometimes that’s as simple as talking to your existing network or running small paid tests. We’ll guide you here too.
What happens after the MVP is live?
That’s when the real fun starts. You gather feedback, track what users are doing, and we help you iterate. You’re not stuck — the MVP is your first draft, not your final form.
Thinking of Building an MVP? Let’s Talk.
At GBA Solutions, we help people go from good idea to working software — with clarity, realism and a bit of craic along the way.
We don’t just take a spec and blindly build. We challenge assumptions (gently), help you focus on what matters, and get something into people’s hands quickly — so you can learn, adapt, and grow.
Free 30-minute MVP strategy session
Not sure if your idea is ready? Let’s talk it through. No jargon, no waffle, and no sales pressure. Just sound advice from people who’ve done it before. Give me a call or drop a note to warren@gbasolutions.ie.
MVP Software Development in Ireland – Built with Sense
GBA Solutions is based in Naas, Co. Kildare, and works with founders, SMEs and innovators across Dublin, Galway, Cork and beyond. We build custom MVPs, mobile apps, and smart backend systems — always with a focus on keeping things lean, focused, and future-proof.
Check out this link to our page dedicated to our MVP Service.