The Experimentation Machine: Finding Product-Market Fit in the Age of AI

by Jeffrey J. Bussgang

Today’s most successful founders know that the startups that learn the fastest will win.

In The Experimentation Machine, HBS professor, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist Jeffrey J. Bussgang reveals how AI is transforming the way startups find product-market fit and scale.

Applying timeless methods and cutting-edge tools, Bussgang shows you how to turn your startup into an AI-powered experimentation machine—learning faster and building smarter with leaner teams.

Why founders who use AI will replace those who don’tHow to design, sequence, and rigorously run startup experimentsTools 10x Founders use to create superpowers and leverageHow to scale your startup without growing headcountRedefining ‘Product-Market Fit’ for the AI AgeJoin the new class of ‘10x Founders’ who are building valuable companies faster than ever.

AI-BACKED FRAMEWORK – Developed from Harvard Business School research and real-world AI case studies, so you move from idea to market-fit 10x fasterSTEP_BY_STEP EXPERIMENTATION PLAYBOOK – Templates, checklists and resource guides that let you launch your first MVP within days.REAL STARTUP SUCCESS STORIES – Case studies from AI unicorns plus practical templates illustrating winning strategies.EXPERT AUTHOR CREDENTIALS – Written by an HBS professor and active VC with 20+ years building and funding successful startups.BEYOND LEAN STARTUP – A next-gen approach tackling AI-era challenges that traditional Lean methods can’t address today.

Genres: Business, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Nonfiction, Startup, Entrepreneurship

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the theory and advice about start-ups in general to be more polished than the specific AI sections. Learnt some good frameworks to think about business growth in the tech space, but AI sections felt more like a list of tips and tricks than well thought out experimentation frameworks. As someone who works in the AI space I do have to say that I might be more experienced with AI than average though, so the average person might find it more helpful.

[Jason Dou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled to receive my pre-ordered physical copy of The Experimentation Machine by Professor Jeffrey Bussgang from Harvard Business School! As an early "alpha reader," I’ve already devoured much of the content and integrated key insights—especially around 10X Founder frameworks and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy for AI—into my own presentation decks and lectures for students and executives.
If I had to sum it up? Since the Unit Economy of AI is quite different from traditional software in the Zero to One by Peter Thiel Era (ten years ago), I would like to summarize "the Experimentation Machine" is the "Zero to One" of this AI era—an essential read for every AI founder navigating today’s dynamic landscape.
While I already have access to the full PDF, there's just something about holding the printed version that elevates the experience, and the opportunity to have the author sign the book soon! Also thanks the publisher Ben Putano 📚 for the dedicated customer service and support!

[Juan Camargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Update on Startups for Modern Times

Bussgang’s books rarely disappoint, and this isn’t the exception. This books walks readers through each stage of startup land and how AI changes conditions dramatically. I enjoyed the positive tone that encourages everyone to build with AI, emphasizing that speed is the new guiding principle and that relatively small, well-placed efforts can have tremendous impact for entrepreneurs and startups.

Ironically, I found the appendices more valuable than some of the chapters, but I expect the average reader to find value throughout the content given its concise and refreshing tone.

[Lucille Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections on AI and startups from a VC. Basically, use AI to find a niche, make sure that niche fits your scale needs, keep experimenting. Probably could stand to be a bit more specific other than "automation is good," tbh, the problem about writing about innovations for posterity is that in preparing for anything to happen you say nothing. Which is just what is kind of here, it's more a business essay than a business book.

[Gaby Santin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for anyone who wants to know how to run a startup and how do use AI to the rest, your growth. I was pleased to find a deep dive into important matrix such as LTV/CAC and ARPA and not only a guide on how to use AI to leverage your company’s growth.

Beginner friendly, and super easy to read

[Jake Small Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invigorating and inspiring. As part of my annotations, I wrote in all caps, “I want to start a company!”. Excited to use the foundations from this book to think entrepreneurially and build something for impact.

[Christy Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book. Overall good content but much of it is fairly generic startup advice that's common across many books and then there's a small addition of "AI can help with this" with limited actual insights.

[traveler, learner, lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I read on AI and its practical use in startup entrepreneurship.

(read on kindle combined with audible - love that combo)

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

old tricks, new package

[Léa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bof, could have been just 20 pages long and not missed a single thing. There was a lot, really a lot of fluffy filler, and so much repetition.