In my experience, it can take anywhere from 1-4 years to find that sweet spot where your product meets the needs of the market. However, there are ways to increase your chances of success, and it all starts with a small team, low burn, and extreme focus. The more time you have, the better your odds are of actually finding true product market fit.
Scaling before achieving product market fit can be fatal for startups. In fact, this is the number one reason why many startups fail. When you scale before perfecting your product and meeting the demands of the market or your investors, you are essentially putting your startup at undo risk.
It's important to not seek ineffective shortcuts to product market fit. This can include hiring an excessive amount of engineers, bringing on senior executives, and pursuing partnerships and business development. These shortcuts will only serve to distract your team from the essential task of honing your product and understanding your market.
It's essential to remember that people and cash constraints can actually encourage innovation. Many of the most successful startups in history have been started by small teams with limited funds. This forces startups to be creative and efficient, ultimately leading to more agile and effective solutions. This truth is also the primary reason why startups stand a chance against large incumbents - they can more quickly adapt to changes in the market and pivot when necessary.
In the end, it's essential to recognize that finding product market fit is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, focus, and diligence to get there. But by starting with a small team, low burn, and extreme focus, you can improve your chances of success and set your startup on the path to greatness.