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Also known as: 0 to 1, zero-to-one innovation

Zero to One

ConceptualStrategiesProduct

Definition

Zero to One: Zero to One refers to creating something entirely new rather than incrementally improving existing solutions. The term was popularized by Peter Thiel's book 'Zero to One' and describes vertical progress (doing new things) versus horizontal progress (copying what works). Zero to One startups create new categories rather than competing in existing ones.

Example Usage

β€œWe're not building a better spreadsheet - we're going zero to one by reimagining how teams collaborate on data.”

Common Misconceptions

Zero to One means no competition. New categories still face indirect competition and substitutes.
All venture-backed startups need to be Zero to One. Many successful startups are better versions of existing products.
Zero to One ideas are obvious breakthroughs. Most appear strange initially and become obvious in hindsight.

Origin: Popularized by Peter Thiel in his 2014 book 'Zero to One'

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