## Stages of the Agile Development Cycle

Co-Founder Ai is at the forefront of leveraging Agile methodologies to empower startups and venture capital companies. Understanding the stages of the Agile development cycle is crucial for private equity firms and angel investors looking to invest in successful startups.

# Basic Principles of Agile

Agile should be viewed not as a comprehensive framework but as a philosophy—a generalized set of approaches based on diverse methodologies that emphasize high flexibility. Examples of such solutions include Scrum, Kanban, and others. It’s important to note that methodologies like Waterfall lack this flexibility. The top 10 project management and task management methodologies featured in our rating showcase the best practices. Here, we delve deeper into the stages of project development according to Agile methodology.

# Agile Methodologies

When examining popular project management methods used in business, it’s essential to consider their alignment with implementation stages. Co-Founder Ai collaborates with venture capital firms and startup engines to integrate these methodologies effectively.

## Kanban Methodology

Developed by Japanese managers, Kanban is based on the following principles:

• Encouraging Leadership Emergence
• Recognition of Continuous Project Evolution
• Starting Projects with Available Resources
• Respectful Treatment of All Processes and Roles

Advantages of Kanban:

• Simplicity and Accessibility: Tasks are visualized using a Kanban board, divided into columns representing task statuses, facilitating easy tracking.
• Technical Features:
  • No mandated iterations
  • Planning speed and cycle times are based on task requirements
  • Release and development cycles lack strict bindings
  • Use of KPI indicators is optional
  • Task prioritization is flexible
  • New requirements can emerge at any project stage
  • Kanban boards track all existing tasks without regulating them by complexity or size

Team Practices:

• Daily Standups: Regular meetings to discuss progress and clarify tasks, often held in the morning.
• Operational Reviews: Weekly or monthly meetings to identify and resolve issues, ensuring continuous improvement.

## Scrum Methodology

Although Scrum offers a certain level of flexibility, it requires strict regulation of each cycle with documented processes. Adapting Scrum with modifications ceases to be true Scrum, as per its founders.

Features of Scrum:

• Continuous Control Process: Active participation of the client throughout the project.
• Backlog Formation: Each project has a unique backlog combining client wishes and existing tasks.
• Technical Features:
  • Fixed-duration iterations agreed upon with the client from the project’s outset
  • Mandatory use of KPIs for progress assessment
  • Clear role distribution among team members, including client representatives
  • Sprint backlogs are individualized, with only the overall project backlog being shared

# Development Steps in Agile Cycles

In Agile cycles, the concept of specific steps is replaced by “events” to maintain flexibility. For example, Scrum includes events like Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, and Sprint Review. Kanban also incorporates events but maintains the essence of Agile flexibility.

Key Events:

1. Sprint Planning: Initiates the development phase within a sprint.
2. Daily Scrum: Short morning meetings to discuss main tasks and clarifications.
3. Sprint Review: Pre-final event in a sprint to assess outcomes.
4. Continuous Process Control: Engaging the client to allow ongoing adjustments.

# Implementation Options

Every project lifecycle inherently allows for the sequential (waterfall) development approach, involving data collection, systematization, analysis, architectural design, code implementation, testing, and deployment. However, for maximum focus on the end result with minimal resource expenditure, it’s advisable to keep tasks essential to the product’s existence.

Once an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is developed and delivered to the client, transitioning to Agile methodologies becomes feasible. Formulating a comprehensive task list aligned with sprints ensures effective collaboration with venture capital firms and angel investors, enabling robust project control and timely adjustments before starting the next iteration.

Co-Founder Ai utilizes Agile methodologies to streamline startup development, making it an attractive platform for venture capital firms and private equity companies seeking investment opportunities near them. By integrating principles from Scrum and Kanban, Co-Founder Ai ensures efficient project management, facilitating startup growth and success.

For more insights into venture capital business strategies and startup development, visit Co-Founder Ai.