
Know a couple of friends who are in the startup game and
have no idea what they are referring to, or looking to launch a startup of your
own? A list of the 8 common startup terms will get you up to speed!
Accelerator
An investment is made and in return the investor seeks a
stake in the company and a cash component of up to $50,000. Startups who choose
this route will attend classes, be provided mentorship and spaces to work from.
They are also given a deadline ranging from one to six months to complete their
initial idea and it typically ends with Demo Day where a pitch by the startup
is made to potential investors.
Bootstrap
To fund one’s own startup right from the get-go or to
reinvest initial profits made back into the startup.
Burn Rate
The amount of time that the startup can continue functioning
like how it is currently with the amount of financial resources or funding they
have. To calculate, add all overheads, pay cheques, rent and other
miscellaneous monthly necessities together, then divide it by the amount of
cash capital on hand.
Incubator
Companies (usually larger or listed ones) that help chosen
startups by providing them with a space to work, mentorship, and funding in
exchange for a stake in the start-up.
Social Venture
A “for-profit” or “non-profit” startup that focuses on
providing a solution that will benefit charities, people with disabilities or
the less fortunate. This can be anything from opening a cafe that employs those
diagnosed with down syndrome as wait staff, or selling craft products made by
the disabled community.
Seed Funding
The very first round of and early-stage funding for a startup, usually in the developmental stages of a startup, which can go up to 1 million dollars in capital.
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