This Web page defines "lean" as "small, tight code that won't waste your time or resources".
But lean as defined by Ries is not about code as much as it is about using validated learning to test market assumptions and only build what customers have verified that they want.
I'm not saying that lean startup methodology is a panacea for guaranteeing startup success; but it isn't about a style of coding, or minimizing how much you spend on your startup.
Yeah, I certainly don't want to knock HBS by any means for technology. The school is big enough that a sizeable proportion are still involved in the tech industry. So there are significant networking benefits if you want to go into tech.
But if you are doing a straight comparison between HBS and GSB, the nod goes to GSB.
I went to HBS so I can tell you a bit about it. The people there are extremely talented and driven, but the student body is somewhat overrepresented by bankers and consultants. Quite a few HBS students want to get into technology but don't really have the background for it. The most likely career path for HBS graduates is banking or consulting, or maybe private equity/VC for a smaller percentage. But Reid Hoffman articulated very well the sentiment that those who are likely to get into a school like HBS have managed their career and education very closely their entire lives, and many may not have the appetite for risk that is required by entrepreneurs.
If you can get into the GSB, I would highly recommend it. It is much more plugged into the startup scene and I think you'll definitely get a richer tech-oriented experience.
But lean as defined by Ries is not about code as much as it is about using validated learning to test market assumptions and only build what customers have verified that they want.
I'm not saying that lean startup methodology is a panacea for guaranteeing startup success; but it isn't about a style of coding, or minimizing how much you spend on your startup.