Clean-break import pilot for switchers
For a messy incumbent migration, import the live work first and treat old clutter as archive material unless the pilot proves the team truly needs everything.
Why this can grow a startup
Full migrations feel safe but often drag bad structure into the new tool. A clean-break import pilot lowers risk: a few teams move first, active work comes over, stale items go to archive or CSV, and the team sees the new workflow before committing the whole org. That reduces setup friction and makes the switch feel reversible instead of traumatic.
Company example
Linear's importer guide explicitly suggests running a pilot with a few teams and says some organizations use the move as a clean break, importing only what is necessary while leaving long-resolved work behind.
Source and metric
Source: Linear Docs · Browse Linear Docs tactics
Source discovered: May 25, 2026
When to use it
Use this when Product, Onboarding, Sales is relevant to activation, consideration, conversion and you can run a bounded test with a low budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read Linear Docs and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: Product, Onboarding, Sales.
- Define the test around one observable customer behavior.
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Choose product surfaces that compound distribution without hiding weak activation or retention.