growth stage

Definition

The phase when a startup has proven product-market fit and focuses on scaling revenue, typically raising Series B or C funding. Where dreams of changing the world meet the reality of quarterly revenue targets.

Example Usage

We're now growth stage, which means our VC wants us to 3x revenue this year while maintaining unit economics—no big deal.

Origin

Venture capital stage classification, formalized in 1990s-2000s as industry standardized

Fun Fact

Growth stage is where most startups learn that scaling is harder than building, and many promising companies plateau or implode.

Source: Venture capital industry stage definitions

Related Terms

Beginner

launch

The moment when something new is officially unleashed upon the world, whether it's a product, company, or ship sliding into water. In business and tech, launches involve coordinated marketing campaigns, press releases, and the collective hope that people will actually care. It's the corporate equivalent of a grand opening, complete with champagne (or energy drinks, depending on the industry).

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

passion tax

The lower compensation that employees accept to work at mission-driven startups or in attractive industries like gaming or entertainment. Employers exploit your dreams to underpay you.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

fundraising

The noble art of convincing individuals, corporations, and foundations to part with their money for your cause, institution, or startup dream. In education, it's what keeps universities building new buildings with donors' names on them. In nonprofits and startups, it's a full-time job disguised as networking events and carefully crafted pitch decks.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

friends and family round

The first fundraising round from people who love you enough to give you money despite zero evidence your idea will work. The most expensive way to ruin Thanksgiving dinner conversations.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

investment memo

An internal document where VCs justify their investment thesis to partners, typically written with supreme confidence that will be mocked at the next downturn. The receipts for future 'I told you so' moments.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

revenue multiple

A valuation metric calculated by dividing company valuation by annual revenue, popular in tech because it works even when profits are mythical. Allows investors to justify astronomical valuations by citing "industry standards."

🚀 Startup / VC

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