PMF debates in terms of revenue targets, achieving cohort PMF etc have always been contentious and will continue to do so.

Instead, I recommend focusing on a few other factors that combine time to value(or, in other words, moving closer to the supposed PMF). The antithesis of this would be the telltale signs that you can start worrying about PMF if you don't reach any goals in terms of revenue, customers, or market profile in under three years.

A beautiful read & illustration on how long some of the most successful companies took to achieve their first felt PMF in this Lenny's edition: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/finding-product-market-fit

The timeframe to achieve PMF can vary significantly depending on several factors, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

• The time it takes to achieve PMF can differ based on the industry. Some sectors may experience faster adoption, while others might have a longer sales cycle.
• The complexity of your product can influence the time required. Simple products might gain traction quickly, while more complex solutions could take longer for users to fully understand and adopt.
• External factors, such as economic conditions or unexpected events, can impact the time it takes to achieve PMF. A flexible approach that adapts to market changes is essential.
• The availability of resources, including talent, funding, and technology, can influence the speed of achieving PMF. Sufficient resources can expedite the process.

We can connect to discuss the PMF with your startup/idea in perspective. :) Feel free to book a free session with me. Thanks

It is not time bound - but it takes between 1 Quarter to 6 Quarters, Now can you survive without finding a market fit for 1.5 years - No for Startup , yes for Large Enterprise.

PMF is not trial and error , it is rather launch what you think is right for market and then be flexible to pivot if that does not fly.

It's All About Context—there's really no one-size-fits-all timeline. It hugely depends on what you’re creating and who it's for. Let's look at two extreme examples:

• Tesla: Founded in 2003, it took years for Tesla to refine their cars, build infrastructure, and truly fit into the market. Tesla is a category creator for electric cars.
• Clubhouse: Launched in early 2020, Clubhouse became a sensation almost overnight during the pandemic. Its audio-only platform met a timely need for virtual engagement, demonstrating how the digital nature of products can accelerate product-market fit.

If your question specifically pertains to digital-tech products:

• The timelines still differ. For instance, Enterprise SaaS might take a slow and steady route due to lengthy adoption cycles in businesses, whereas consumer apps could spread like wildfire through direct and swift user feedback.
• Regarding the term "wait" in your question—I'm not sure I understood it correctly, but waiting around for product-market fit might miss the mark. Instead, you need to dive into continuous iteration—tweak your product based on real user feedback and adjust to what the market tells you.