When to pivot versus persevere
Decide based on validated learning: evidence that your current model can scale versus persistent negative signals that won’t change with iteration.
Key indicators to persevere:
- Improving traction and retention with iterative changes
- Achieving key unit-economics targets over time
- Clear customer feedback that minor pivots will unlock growth
Signs it’s time to pivot:
- Repeated experiments fail to improve core metrics (acquisition, activation, retention)
- Early customers don’t convert to paid users at sustainable rates
- Market or regulatory changes make your current model unviable
How to pivot responsibly
- Define what you will keep (team, core tech) and what changes.
- Validate the new hypothesis with fast experiments.
- Preserve runway and communicate with stakeholders.
Use data, not ego
Make a decision framework with specific metrics and time-bound experiments. A disciplined approach reduces emotional bias and increases the chance of finding a viable path forward.