The Principle of Constrained Experimentation

Constrained Experimentation

Startups—deeptech or otherwise—are systems run under constrained variables. These very constraints are what spark new ways of thinking and drive innovation toward a larger vision. In my journey building companies, internalizing this principle has shaped how we run, envision, and execute.

As an early-stage startup, we experiment constantly: to figure out the product, de-risk the tech, understand the market, and drive growth. We're path-seekers—navigating uncertainty to turn technology into product and product into market traction. Often, it’s a dance between reacting and controlling the chaos. What anchors us through it all is what I call constrained experimentation.

As founders, we’re limited—by time, capital, people, and information. The only way forward is to experiment. But we can’t run endless experiments. We can’t chase every market, build for every use case, or pursue every idea. So, we must choose our few experiments wisely—prioritizing them, sequencing them, and executing with focus. This strategic constraint is not a burden; it’s the core of startup discipline.

Founders who win don’t do everything. They pick sharp bets, gather the signals they need, sense the market, and make progress—experiment by experiment. That’s what reduces waste, avoids chaos, and leads to outcomes that matter.

The real wisdom is this:You only have a few experiments before your startup dies. Use them like they count—because they do.