Skip to main content

Startups > Glossary > Glossary

Glossary

A

Accelerator

An accelerator is a program that provides startups with mentorship, resources, and funding to help them grow rapidly.

Advisory Board

An advisory board is a group of experts who provide strategic advice and guidance to a company's management team.

Angel Investor

An angel investor is an individual who provides capital to startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt.

B

Board of Directors

A board of directors is a group of individuals elected to represent shareholders and oversee the activities of a company.

Bootstrapping

Bootstrapping refers to funding a startup with personal finances or operating revenues rather than external investments.

Brand Identity

Brand identity is the visible elements of a brand, such as color, design, and logo, that distinguish it from other brands.

Break-even Point

A break-even point is the level of sales at which total revenues equal total costs, resulting in no profit or loss.

Breakthrough Innovation

Breakthrough innovation is a significant technological or business advancement that creates a new market or reshapes an existing one.

Burn Rate

Burn rate is the rate at which a company spends its cash reserves before generating positive cash flow.

Business Accelerator

A business accelerator is a program that supports startups through mentorship, resources, and funding to help them grow quickly.

Business Analytics

Business analytics is the practice of using data analysis and statistical methods to inform business decisions.

Business Development

Business development is the creation of long-term value for an organization through relationships, markets, and customers.

Business Ecosystem

A business ecosystem is a network of organizations and individuals that interact and collaborate to create value.

Business Incubator

A business incubator is an organization that helps startups grow by providing resources, mentorship, and support.

Business Metrics

Business metrics are quantitative measures used to track and assess the performance and progress of a business.

Business Model

A business model is a plan that outlines how a company creates, delivers, and captures value.

Business Plan

A business plan is a formal document outlining a company's goals, strategies, and financial projections.

Business Process

A business process is a series of steps or activities performed by a business to achieve a specific goal.

C

Cap Table

A cap table is a document that outlines the ownership structure of a company, including equity shares and convertible securities.

Capital

Capital refers to financial assets or resources that companies use to fund their operations and growth.

Capital Expenditure (CapEx)

Capital expenditure (CapEx) is the money a company spends on acquiring or maintaining fixed assets such as property, buildings, and equipment.

Cash Flow

Cash flow is the net amount of cash being transferred into and out of a business.

Churn Rate

Churn rate is the percentage of customers who stop using a product or service during a specific time period.

Co-founder

A co-founder is an individual who helps establish and build a startup alongside one or more partners.

Competitive Advantage

A competitive advantage is a unique attribute that allows a company to outperform its competitors.

Competitive Landscape

A competitive landscape is the analysis of the competitive environment in which a company operates.

Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior is the study of how individuals or groups select, purchase, and use goods and services.

Conversion Rate

Conversion rate is the percentage of users who take a desired action, such as making a purchase, after engaging with a business.

Core Competency

A core competency is a defining strength or advantage that differentiates a company from its competitors.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a method of raising capital through the collective efforts of a large number of individual investors, typically via online platforms.

Customer Acquisition

Customer acquisition is the process of bringing new customers to a business or product.

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Customer acquisition cost (CAC) is the total cost of acquiring a new customer, including marketing and sales expenses.

Customer Acquisition Strategy

A customer acquisition strategy is a plan for attracting and acquiring new customers.

Customer Discovery

Customer discovery is the process of identifying and understanding potential customers and their needs.

Customer Engagement

Customer engagement is the interaction between a company and its customers to build a relationship and foster loyalty.

Customer Journey

A customer journey is the series of interactions a customer has with a company from initial contact to post-purchase.

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is the total revenue a business can expect from a customer over the duration of their relationship.

Customer Persona

A customer persona is a fictional representation of an ideal customer based on market research and real data.

Customer Retention

Customer retention is the ability of a company to retain its customers over a period of time.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer satisfaction is the measure of how well a product or service meets or exceeds customer expectations.

Customer Validation

Customer validation is the process of confirming that a product or service meets the needs of its target market.

D

Deal Flow

Deal flow is the rate at which investment opportunities are presented to investors.

Demographic

A demographic is a specific segment of the population defined by characteristics such as age, gender, income, or education.

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is the use of digital channels to promote or market products and services to consumers.

Disruption

Disruption refers to innovations that significantly alter or replace existing markets or industries.

Disruptive Business Model

A disruptive business model is an innovative approach that significantly alters or replaces existing business models.

Disruptive Innovation

Disruptive innovation refers to innovations that create new markets and value networks, displacing established market leaders.

Disruptive Technology

Disruptive technology is an innovation that significantly alters or replaces existing technologies or markets.

Due Diligence

Due diligence is the investigation and evaluation of a business or person before signing a contract.

E

Early Adopter

An early adopter is an individual or business that uses a new product or technology before it becomes widely known or used.

Early-Stage

Early-stage refers to the initial phase of a startup, where the focus is on developing the product and market fit.

Early-Stage Funding

Early-stage funding is the initial capital provided to startups to support their development and growth.

Ecosystem Builder

An ecosystem builder is an individual or organization that fosters the growth and development of a startup ecosystem.

Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech used to spark interest in a project, product, or idea.

Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is a concise and compelling presentation of an idea, product, or business opportunity.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the process of starting and running a new business venture.

Equity

Equity is the ownership interest held by shareholders in a company, represented by their shares.

Equity Crowdfunding

Equity crowdfunding is a method of raising capital through the sale of shares to a large number of investors via online platforms.

Equity Financing

Equity financing is the process of raising capital through the sale of shares in a company.

Exit Plan

An exit plan is a strategy for how an investor or business owner will leave their investment, typically by selling their stake.

Exit Strategy

An exit strategy is a plan for how an investor will sell their stake in a business to realize a profit.

F

Financial Model

A financial model is a tool that forecasts a company's financial performance based on historical data and assumptions.

Financial Projections

Financial projections are estimates of a company's future financial performance based on current data and assumptions.

First-Mover Advantage

First-mover advantage is the competitive edge gained by being the first to market with a new product or service.

Founder Equity

Founder equity is the ownership interest that the founders of a startup have in the company.

Founder's Agreement

A founder's agreement is a legal document outlining the roles, responsibilities, and ownership stakes of each founder in a startup.

Freemium

Freemium is a business model in which basic services are provided for free, while premium features are offered for a fee.

Funding

Funding refers to the money provided by investors to finance a startup’s operations and growth.

Funding Round

A funding round is a stage in the process of raising capital for a startup, typically involving multiple investors.

G

Go-to-Market

A go-to-market is the strategy used to launch a product and bring it to market.

Go-to-Market Execution

Go-to-market execution is the process of implementing a strategy to launch a product and reach target customers.

Go-to-Market Plan

A go-to-market plan is a detailed strategy for launching a product and bringing it to market.

Go-to-Market Strategy

A go-to-market strategy is a plan detailing how a company will launch a product and reach its target customers.

Growth Hacking

Growth hacking is a strategy focused on rapid experimentation across marketing and product development to identify the most effective ways to grow a business.

Growth Metrics

Growth metrics are measures used to evaluate the progress and performance of a business over time.

Growth Phase

A growth phase is the stage in a company's lifecycle where it experiences rapid expansion and increased revenues.

Growth Strategy

A growth strategy is a plan of action designed to help a business increase its market share and profitability.

Growth Trajectory

A growth trajectory is the projected path of business growth over time, based on current trends and data.

H

High-Growth Startups

High-growth startups are companies that experience rapid revenue or user growth within a short period.

I

Incubation Period

An incubation period is the time during which a startup is supported by an incubator to develop and grow its business.

Incubator

An incubator is a program or organization that supports startups by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Industry Trends

Industry trends are patterns or shifts in a particular industry that indicate changes in market behavior and preferences.

Initial Coin Offering (ICO)

An Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is a fundraising method in which new cryptocurrency projects sell tokens to investors.

Initial Public Offering (IPO)

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the first sale of a company's shares to the public, allowing it to raise capital from public investors.

Initial Token Offering (ITO)

An Initial Token Offering (ITO) is similar to an ICO, involving the sale of digital tokens to raise capital for blockchain-based projects.

Innovation Pipeline

An innovation pipeline is the process of developing and bringing new products or services to market.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, that are legally protected.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Intellectual property (IP) is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights are the legal protections granted to creators for their inventions, designs, and artistic works.

Investment Round

An investment round is a stage in the process of raising capital for a startup, typically involving multiple investors.

Investor Deck

An investor deck is a presentation used by startups to showcase their business to potential investors.

Investor Relations

Investor relations is the management of communication between a company and its investors.

K

Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

A key performance indicator (KPI) is a measurable value that indicates how effectively a company is achieving its key business objectives.

Key Stakeholders

Key stakeholders are individuals or groups that have an interest in the success and outcomes of a business.

L

Lean Canvas

A lean canvas is a one-page business plan template that helps startups summarize their business model.

Lean Methodology

Lean methodology is an approach to business that emphasizes creating value for customers while minimizing waste.

Lean Startup

A lean startup is a methodology that favors experimentation, customer feedback, and iterative design over traditional planning.

Legal Structure

A legal structure is the organizational framework that defines the legal status and responsibilities of a business.

Lifetime Value (LTV)

Lifetime value (LTV) is the total revenue expected from a customer over the duration of their relationship with a company.

M

Market Adoption

Market adoption is the process by which a new product or service gains acceptance and usage in a market.

Market Analysis

Market analysis is the assessment of a market to understand its size, dynamics, and potential for growth.

Market Demand

Market demand is the total quantity of a product or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at a given price.

Market Dynamics

Market dynamics are the factors that influence the supply and demand of goods and services in a market.

Market Entry

Market entry is the strategy or method used by a company to begin selling products or services in a new market.

Market Entry Strategy

A market entry strategy is a plan for launching a product or service in a new market.

Market Expansion

Market expansion is the strategy of increasing the market reach of a company's products or services.

Market Feasibility

Market feasibility is the assessment of the viability of a new product or service in a specific market.

Market Fit

Market fit is the degree to which a product satisfies a strong market demand.

Market Forecast

A market forecast is a projection of future market conditions based on current data and trends.

Market Growth

Market growth is the increase in the size or sales of a market over time.

Market Maturity

Market maturity is the stage in a market's lifecycle where growth slows and competition intensifies.

Market Need

Market need is the demand for a product or service in a specific market.

Market Opportunity

Market opportunity is a situation in which a company can meet an unmet need or take advantage of a trend in the market.

Market Opportunity Analysis

Market opportunity analysis is the process of identifying and evaluating potential areas for business growth.

Market Penetration

Market penetration is the extent to which a product or service is recognized and bought by customers in a particular market.

Market Penetration Rate

Market penetration rate is the percentage of a target market that has been reached by a product or service.

Market Positioning

Market positioning is the strategy of establishing a brand or product in the minds of consumers relative to competitors.

Market Potential

Market potential is the total revenue opportunity available in a specific market for a product or service.

Market Research

Market research is the process of gathering and analyzing information about a market, including customer needs and preferences.

Market Segmentation

Market segmentation is the process of dividing a broad market into distinct groups of consumers with common needs or characteristics.

Market Share

Market share is the percentage of total sales in a market captured by a company or product.

Market Size

Market size is the total volume or value of sales in a specific market.

Market Strategy

A market strategy is a plan of action for reaching and engaging target customers to achieve business goals.

Mentorship

Mentorship is the guidance and advice provided by an experienced individual to a less experienced person.

Micro Venture Capital

Micro venture capital refers to small-scale investments made in early-stage startups, typically below traditional venture capital thresholds.

Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a basic version of a product that allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning with the least effort.

Mission Statement

A mission statement is a brief description of a company's fundamental purpose and primary objectives.

Monetization

Monetization is the process of converting something into money, such as generating revenue from a product or service.

N

Networking

Networking is the act of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.

Networking Events

Networking events are gatherings where individuals and businesses connect to exchange information and build professional relationships.

Networking Opportunities

Networking opportunities are events or activities that facilitate the building of professional relationships.

New Product Development (NPD)

New product development (NPD) is the process of bringing a new product to market, from idea generation to launch.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that prohibits the sharing of confidential information.

O

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses are the costs associated with running a business, excluding the cost of goods sold.

Operating Income

Operating income is the profit generated from a company's core business operations.

Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is the ability of a business to deliver products or services in the most cost-effective manner while maintaining quality.

Operational Plan

An operational plan is a detailed plan outlining how a business will achieve its objectives and manage its operations.

Organic Growth

Organic growth is the expansion of a business through increased output, sales, or customer base, without mergers or acquisitions.

P

Partnership Agreement

A partnership agreement is a legal document outlining the rights and responsibilities of partners in a business.

Payback Period

A payback period is the time it takes for an investment to generate an amount of income or cash equivalent to the cost of the investment.

Pitch Competition

A pitch competition is an event where startups present their business ideas to a panel of judges for feedback and potential investment.

Pitch Deck

A pitch deck is a presentation used by startups to communicate their business plan, vision, and investment opportunity to potential investors.

Pivot

A pivot is a significant change in a business model or strategy to better achieve product-market fit.

Pivoting

Pivoting is the act of making a fundamental change to a business model or strategy to improve its chances of success.

Pre-Money Valuation

Pre-money valuation is the estimated value of a company before it receives external funding or investment.

Pre-Seed Funding

Pre-seed funding is the initial capital provided to a startup before official seed funding rounds.

Product Development

Product development is the process of creating or improving a product to meet customer needs and market demand.

Product Differentiation

Product differentiation is the process of distinguishing a product from competitors' products to attract customers.

Product Innovation

Product innovation is the development and introduction of new or improved products to meet market needs.

Product Lifecycle

A product lifecycle is the series of stages a product goes through from development to decline.

Product Management

Product management is the process of developing, marketing, and managing a product throughout its lifecycle.

Product Roadmap

A product roadmap is a strategic document outlining the vision, direction, and progress of a product over time.

Product Validation

Product validation is the process of testing a product to ensure it meets the needs and expectations of its target market.

Product-Market Alignment

Product-market alignment is the extent to which a product meets the needs and preferences of its target market.

Product-Market Fit

Product-market fit is when a product satisfies a strong market demand, often indicated by customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.

Proof of Concept (POC)

Proof of concept (POC) is a demonstration to verify that certain concepts or theories have the potential for real-world application.

Proof of Market

Proof of market is evidence that there is a demand for a product or service in a specific market.

Prototype

A prototype is an early sample or model of a product used to test a concept or process.

R

Revenue Forecast

A revenue forecast is an estimate of future revenue based on current data and trends.

Revenue Growth

Revenue growth is the increase in a company's sales over a specific period of time.

Revenue Growth Rate

A revenue growth rate is the percentage increase in a company's sales over a specified period.

Revenue Model

A revenue model is a framework for generating income for a business, typically detailing various revenue streams.

Revenue Model Innovation

Revenue model innovation is the creation of new ways to generate revenue for a business.

Revenue Stream

A revenue stream is a source of income for a business, typically generated from the sale of goods or services.

Revenue Streams

Revenue streams are the various sources of income generated by a business.

Risk Capital

Risk capital is money invested in high-risk ventures, typically startups, in exchange for potential high returns.

Risk Management

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks to a business.

Runway

Runway refers to the amount of time a startup can operate before it runs out of cash.

S

SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS (Software as a Service) is a software distribution model in which applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet.

Sales Funnel

A sales funnel is a visual representation of the customer journey from initial contact to final purchase.

Sales Pipeline

A sales pipeline is a visual representation of potential sales prospects and their stages in the sales process.

Scalability

Scalability is the capability of a business to grow and manage increased demand.

Scaling

Scaling is the process of expanding a business to handle increased demand while maintaining or improving efficiency.

Seed Accelerator

A seed accelerator is a program that supports startups with funding, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their growth.

Seed Capital

Seed capital is the initial funding used to start a business, typically covering early-stage costs.

Seed Fund

A seed fund is a pool of capital used to invest in early-stage startups.

Seed Funding

Seed funding is the initial capital used to start a business, often provided by angel investors or early-stage venture capitalists.

Seed Investment

Seed investment is early-stage funding provided to startups to support their initial development and growth.

Seed Round

A seed round is the first significant funding round for a startup, often involving angel investors and early-stage VCs.

Seed Round Investment

Seed round investment is the early stage of funding provided to a startup to help it grow and develop.

Series A Funding

Series A funding is the first significant round of business financing, typically involving institutional investors.

Series B Funding

Series B funding is a second round of funding aimed at taking a business past the development stage to expand market reach.

Series C Funding

Series C funding is a third round of funding for scaling a business, typically to increase production capacity, sales, and market share.

Series D Funding

Series D funding is a later stage of funding aimed at scaling a business that has already proven its market viability.

Series E Funding

Series E funding is a subsequent round of investment for companies that need additional capital to continue expanding.

Series F Funding

Series F funding is a later stage of investment aimed at helping a mature company expand further.

Series G Funding

Series G funding is an additional round of investment for companies that require more capital for growth.

Series H Funding

Series H funding is a late-stage investment round aimed at helping mature companies expand further.

Series I Funding

Series I funding is an additional round of investment for companies that require more capital for growth.

Shareholder Agreement

A shareholder agreement is a legal document outlining the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in a company.

Shareholder Equity

Shareholder equity is the residual interest in the assets of a company after deducting liabilities, representing ownership value.

Shareholder Value

Shareholder value is the value delivered to shareholders as a result of the company's performance.

Social Proof

Social proof is the influence that the actions and attitudes of other people have on one's own behavior, often used in marketing.

Startup Accelerator Program

A startup accelerator program is a program that provides startups with mentorship, resources, and funding to help them grow quickly.

Startup Advisory

Startup advisory is the guidance and support provided to startups by experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

Startup Ecosystem

A startup ecosystem is a network of organizations, people, and resources that support the creation and growth of startups.

Startup Valuation

Startup valuation is the process of determining the worth of a startup based on factors like market potential and revenue.

Strategic Alliance

A strategic alliance is a formal agreement between companies to collaborate on mutually beneficial projects.

Strategic Investment

A strategic investment is an investment made to achieve long-term business objectives rather than short-term gains.

Strategic Partnership

A strategic partnership is a formal alliance between two companies to pursue a set of agreed-upon objectives.

Strategic Pivot

A strategic pivot is a significant change in a company's business model or strategy to improve its chances of success.

Strategic Vision

A strategic vision is a long-term plan that outlines the desired future direction and goals of a company.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is the coordination and management of all activities involved in the production and delivery of goods.

Sweat Equity

Sweat equity is the non-monetary contribution of time and effort made by individuals in a business venture.

Sweat Equity Compensation

Sweat equity compensation is non-monetary pay in the form of ownership or shares given for work performed.

Syndicate

A syndicate is a group of investors who pool their resources to invest in a startup or business.

Syndicated Funding

Syndicated funding is when multiple investors collectively provide capital for a single investment or project.

T

Talent Acquisition

Talent acquisition is the process of finding and hiring skilled employees to meet a company's needs.

Target Audience

A target audience is a specific group of consumers identified as the intended recipients of a marketing message.

Target Market

A target market is a specific group of potential customers that a business aims to serve with its products or services.

Team Dynamics

Team dynamics refers to the interactions and relationships between members of a team that affect its performance.

Technical Advisory

Technical advisory is the technical guidance and support provided to startups by experts in the field.

Technical Co-founder

A technical co-founder is a founding member of a startup who brings technical expertise and helps build the product.

Technology Roadmap

A technology roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines the future technology developments and initiatives of a company.

Technology Stack

A technology stack is the combination of technologies used to build and run a software application.

Technology Transfer

Technology transfer is the process of transferring knowledge, technologies, and skills from one organization to another.

Term Sheet

A term sheet is a non-binding agreement that outlines the basic terms and conditions of an investment.

Total Addressable Market (TAM)

Total addressable market (TAM) is the total revenue opportunity available if a product or service achieved 100% market share.

Traction

Traction is evidence that a product or service is gaining market acceptance, often measured by customer acquisition and revenue growth.

Traction Channels

Traction channels are the marketing and distribution channels used by a startup to gain customers and grow.

Traction Metrics

Traction metrics are key indicators that show the growth and progress of a startup, often used to attract investors.

U

Unicorn

A unicorn is a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion.

Unit Economics

Unit economics refers to the direct revenues and costs associated with a particular business model, expressed on a per-unit basis.

User Acquisition

User acquisition is the process of attracting new users to a product or service.

User Experience (UX)

User experience (UX) is the overall experience a user has when interacting with a product or service.

User Feedback

User feedback is the information provided by users about their experience with a product or service.

User Growth

User growth is the increase in the number of users of a product or service over time.

User Interface (UI)

User interface (UI) is the space where interactions between humans and machines occur, including design and layout.

User Metrics

User metrics are quantitative measures that track user behavior and engagement with a product or service.

User Onboarding

User onboarding is the process of guiding new users to successfully adopt and use a product or service.

User Retention

User retention is the ability of a company to keep users returning to its product or service over time.

V

Valuation

Valuation is the process of determining the current worth of a company or asset.

Value Chain

A value chain is the series of steps a company takes to create and deliver a product to the market.

Value Proposition

A value proposition is a statement that explains how a product or service solves a problem and why it is better than alternatives.

Venture

A venture is a business enterprise or startup with potential for growth and profitability.

Venture Builder

A venture builder is an organization that creates and develops multiple startups simultaneously.

Venture Capital

Venture capital is a form of private equity financing provided by investors to startups and small businesses with high growth potential.

Venture Capital Firm

A venture capital firm is a company that invests in startups and small businesses with high growth potential.

Venture Capitalist

A venture capitalist is an investor who provides capital to startups and small businesses in exchange for equity.

Venture Debt

Venture debt is a type of debt financing for startups and growth companies backed by venture capital.

Venture Fund

A venture fund is a pool of capital used to invest in startups and small businesses.

Venture Incubation

Venture incubation is the process of nurturing startups through the early stages of development, often within an incubator.

Venture Partnership

A venture partnership is a collaboration between investors and entrepreneurs to grow a business.

Venture Syndicate

A venture syndicate is a group of investors who pool their resources to make joint investments in startups.

W

Working Capital

Working capital is the capital available for daily operations of a business, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities.

Working Prototype

A working prototype is a functional version of a product used to demonstrate its features and gather feedback.

Y

Y Combinator

Y Combinator is a startup accelerator that provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups.

Z

Zero to One

Zero to One refers to the creation of something new and unique, often associated with startup innovation.