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This study investigates the impact of developing capabilities on start-up Time-to-Market (TTM) reduction and performance, employing the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV) as a theoretical framework. We analysed survey data from start-up managers in Brazil to explore how various capabilities contribute to accelerating TTM and enhancing performance. Our findings reveal that not all capabilities contribute equally to performance enhancement, with integration-related capabilities showing the strongest positive correlation. Furthermore, we examine the effects of external factors such as uncertainty, technological turbulence, time-sensitivity and innovation ecosystems on these relationships, proposing that even fragmented development of these capabilities can lead to performance improvements. This research empirically validates the DCV in start-up settings and offers implications for the modular and scalable development of capabilities crucial to start-ups operating under resource constraints. Our findings also help managers identify strategic priorities and tailor capability development to their environmental conditions. JEL Codes: O32