land grab

Intermediate πŸš€ Startup / VC

Definition

Aggressively pursuing market share and user growth at the expense of profitability or unit economics, betting that dominance now will create a moat later. It's monopoly thinking fueled by venture capital.

Example Usage

Uber's global land grab strategy prioritized capturing cities before competitors, even when rides were subsidized below cost.

Origin

Borrowed from literal territorial expansion, became VC jargon during the internet boom

Fun Fact

Land grab strategies only work in winner-take-most markets; in fragmented industries, they just burn investor money.

Source: Growth strategy and market expansion terminology

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