<p>The software market is among the fastest-growing sectors of the German economy. Companies such as Celonis and Personio illustrate the considerable potential of software startups—in terms of both revenue generation and international competitiveness. Nevertheless, the failure rate in this sector remains high, with many startups faltering at an early stage, often due to a&#xa0;lack of product-market fit. Software startups, in particular, face distinct challenges. They frequently develop digital, complex products whose value propositions are difficult to convey. The widespread misconception of “build it and they will come” often leads to the development of products without a&#xa0;solid understanding of customer needs. To mitigate this risk, user- and market-centered methodologies have been developed. These approaches facilitate the early collection of market feedback, the clear articulation of product value, and the development of a&#xa0;deep understanding of the target audience. Startups that communicate transparently and actively engage their intended users can not only validate product ideas but also cultivate early customer loyalty. This article demonstrates that the integration of user- and market-oriented methods can significantly increase the chances of success for software startups. A&#xa0;practice-oriented overview at the end of the article illustrates how key methods can be applied strategically depending on the startup’s development phase.</p>