Summary
We’ve compiled a list to help you navigate the dynamic (and often complex) world of startup terminology.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an investor, or a consultant in this vibrant ecosystem, you’re bound to hear some of these words.
No one wants to feel like they aren’t in the know with the most up-to-date jargon.
With that in mind, we have compiled this list to help you navigate the dynamic (and often complex) world of startup terminology. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an investor, or a consultant in this vibrant ecosystem, you’re bound to hear some of these words.
We encourage you to take this guide and save it in your back pocket to refer to in your next conversation.
Accelerator
Like a speed-dating event for businesses, but with more coffee and fewer awkward silences.
IP (Intellectual Property)
It’s like claiming dibs, but legally enforceable.
Angel Investor
Your startup’s fairy godparent with a magic wallet instead of a wand.
Bootstrapping
Like building a spaceship with duct tape – resourceful, but don’t expect safety.
Incubator
It’s a startup kindergarten with less finger painting and more business plans.
Burn Rate
How fast your money is turning into smoke. Hopefully, there’s a fire to cook something.
Churn Rate
Like dating in your 20s, it’s the rate at which you’re losing ‘the ones’.
Equity
What you own in the company, minus all the delusions.
Co-Founder
The person you share your business dreams with – and also the blame.
Lean Startup
Building a business on a diet of minimalism and ‘let’s not go overboard with this idea’.
Convertible Note
It’s money now, stocks later. Like a financial raincheck.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Your product’s baby picture – not fully developed, but cute enough to show off.
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
How much you’re paying to convince people to swipe right on your product.
Due Diligence
Business stalking to ensure you don’t end up in a corporate catfish scenario.
Exit Strategy
The ‘in case of fire, break glass’ plan for getting out of your business.
Growth Hacking
Trying every trick in the book to get popular, like high school but with more analytics.
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
The pinky swear of the business world.
