Definition of the term
Start Left by drkv
Start Left by drkv is a way of working for software projects: work happens in the repository from day one. Requirements and documentation are created there and grow with the project from the first day.
What defines Start Left
In the repository from day one
Work on the project takes place in the repository from the first day.
Requirements grow with the project
Requirements are created in the repository and grow there from the first day.
Documentation grows with the project
Documentation is also created in the repository and grows there from the first day.
True North and non-functional requirements as plain text
The True North and the non-functional requirements live in the repository, as plain text in Markdown.
The foundation: Everything as Code
Foundation
Everything as Code
The repository is the single source of truth, including database schemas and the API gateway specification. Everything reaches the surrounding systems through the CI pipeline.
Extension
Start Left by drkv
Start Left extends Everything as Code: alongside code, schemas and specifications, the requirements, the documentation, the True North and the non-functional requirements also live in the repository, from day one.
About the term
“Start Left by drkv” denotes the way Dr. Kirchhof Ventures GmbH works, in the form described here.
Definition as of October 2026.
Suggested citation: Dr. Kirchhof Ventures GmbH, “Start Left by drkv”, https://drkv.com/en/start-left/