Lean Startup insights applied to OneAnt.
My 5 biggest takeaways from ‘The Lean Startup’ that made OneAnt the group buying platform it is today:
Takeaway 1: Entrepreneurs are everywhere
The business model was initially a test I conducted in my previous job role as e-Commerce Head at an FMCG giant.
Entrepreneurship isn’t found only in traditional tech startups. Even individuals in established companies can come up with great ideas.
Takeaway 2: Use validated learnings
To be sure we were in the right direction, I conducted multiple digital and in-person surveys and collected data from Vancouver locals.
My first round of data indicated that immigrant locals preferred to group-buy apparel, gadgets, and groceries— in that order (groceries being the lowest priority). But deeper investigation revealed grocery was THE most preferred for group buying.
Takeaway 3: Track metrics wisely
Our focus will be on actionable metrics as opposed to vanity metrics. That’s how we’ve designed our data dashboard too. Repeat usage is front and center (not app downloads).
We’ve taken the approach of setting clear milestones to confirm whether the business is moving in the right direction.
Takeaway 4: Entrepreneurship is management
Startups require a new form of management that is based on their unique challenges. Rapid experimentation and scalability are key. We built the web app skeleton based on just the core features i.e. create a discount group, join a group, find deals, etc.
Currently the deals are for home, cleaning, and kitchen essentials, but there can be other categories in the future. So we’ve ‘kept the door open’ for pivots. The app design allows us to add as many product categories as required.
Takeaway 5: Build-measure-learn loop
In the early stages, one thing is certain— there will be many learnings and changes. That’s why we’ve used the least possible resources to build our minimum viable product (MVP). This includes database design, servers, and hosting, too.
Supporting Local, Growing Together – An Open Invitation to Canadian Small Business Owners 🇨🇦❤️
In a world of mass production, there’s something deeply special about buying local. Every small business has a story—a dream that took courage, a craft that took years to perfect, and a commitment to quality that big corporations can’t replicate.
Yet, many small businesses struggle to reach more customers, break through the noise of big brands, and scale without high marketing costs. This is where OneAnt comes in.
OneAnt is a community-powered group-buying platform designed to help small businesses like yours sell more by tapping into networks of real people—friends, families, and communities who love what’s truly well made in Canada.
✅ No ad budgets
✅ More sales through group orders
✅ A simple, direct way to reach local buyers
If you’re a small business owner creating food, grocery, or household essentials and kitchen essentials, we welcome you on our platform without any cost.
Let’s build something powerful together, where your products don’t just sell, but become part of a movement.
Drop a comment or DM me, to start off how we can support your business.
Let’s make Canadian-made products the first choice for Canadians. Because together, we thrive. 🍁