AUM, which stands for Assets Under Management, refers to the total value of assets that a venture capital firm manages on behalf of its investors. It serves as a key metric in measuring the size and success of a venture capital firm.
An accelerator is a program designed to support and nurture early-stage startups by providing them with mentorship, resources, and funding. The main goal of an accelerator is to help these startups grow and succeed in their respective industries.
Acquisition refers to the purchase of one company by another, usually involving the acquisition of a controlling stake or all of its assets. It is a strategic business move where one company takes over another to expand its market presence, gain access to new technologies, or eliminate competition.
An advisory board is a group of experienced individuals who provide guidance and expertise to the management team of a startup. They typically offer their services in exchange for equity or compensation.
An agreement in principle refers to a non-binding agreement between a venture capital firm and a startup. It outlines the basic terms and conditions of a potential investment. While not legally binding, this agreement serves as a preliminary understanding between the parties involved.
The Angel Round is the first funding round for a startup, usually involving angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide financial support to early-stage companies in exchange for equity or convertible debt.
An angel investor is an individual who provides financial support to startups in exchange for equity ownership. These investors are typically wealthy individuals who are willing to take on high-risk investments in the hopes of earning a significant return on their investment.
The annualized return is a measure of the average rate of return on an investment over a year, considering the effect of compounding. It provides investors with a standardized way to compare the performance of different investment options.
An anti-dilution provision is a clause commonly included in investment agreements to safeguard the ownership stake of existing shareholders. It provides protection against dilution in the event of a future financing round at a lower valuation. This provision ensures that existing shareholders maintain their proportional ownership in the company, even if new shares are issued at a lower price.
Articles of Association serve as the "constitution" of a company, outlining operational rules, such as share transfers, director responsibilities, and the issuance of new shares. This document is filed with Companies House, making it part of the public record.
A Board Resolution is a formal decision passed by a startup's board of directors, often required to authorize important actions like issuing new shares, approving a funding round, or other major strategic decisions. It serves as official documentation of the board’s consent, ensuring that all actions comply with governance rules and that shareholders are informed of key company developments.
The Board of Directors is a group of individuals elected by shareholders to oversee the management of a company.
Bridge financing refers to short-term funding provided to a company with the aim of helping it reach the next major funding milestone. This type of financing is typically used when a company needs immediate cash flow to sustain its operations or bridge the gap between two significant funding rounds.
The burn rate refers to the rate at which a company depletes its cash reserves to cover its operating expenses. It is an important metric for investors and stakeholders to assess the financial health and sustainability of a company.
A Business Angel, also known as an angel investor, is an individual who provides capital to startups or small businesses in exchange for equity ownership or convertible debt. Business angels are typically high-net-worth individuals who invest their personal funds, often during the early stages of a business, when other forms of funding, such as venture capital or bank loans, are less accessible.
These investors often bring not just financial resources but also valuable expertise, mentorship, and networks to help the startup succeed.
A business model is a framework that describes how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. It outlines the key elements and activities that contribute to the success of a business.
Business valuation is the process of determining the economic value of a business. It involves analyzing various factors and financial metrics to estimate the worth of a company. This valuation is typically performed when a business is being sold, seeking investment, or undergoing a merger or acquisition.
A Cap Table, short for Capitalization Table, is a crucial document that provides an overview of the ownership structure of a company. It displays the ownership stakes and the percentage of shares owned by each investor or shareholder.
A capital call refers to a formal request made by a venture capital fund to its limited partners for additional capital contributions. This request is made when the fund requires additional funds to support new investments or to meet its ongoing operational needs.
Carried interest refers to a share of the profits earned by a venture capital fund. This share is typically paid to the fund managers as compensation for their investment expertise. It serves as an incentive for fund managers to make successful investments and generate positive returns for the fund's investors.
The churn rate is a metric that calculates the percentage of customers who stop using a company's product or service within a specified period. It is a crucial indicator of customer retention and business stability, often calculated monthly or annually. A high churn rate may suggest issues with customer satisfaction, product fit, or competitive positioning.
A cliff period is the initial phase in a stock option or equity vesting schedule during which an employee or founder does not accumulate any ownership rights. Typically lasting one year, this period requires the individual to remain with the startup for a set time before any shares or options vest.
Co-investment refers to a scenario where two or more investors collaboratively invest in the same company or opportunity. It involves pooling resources and sharing the risks and rewards associated with the investment. Co-investors typically contribute capital, expertise, or both, to support the growth and success of the venture.
Cohort Analysis is a method used to analyze groups of users who share common characteristics or experiences within a specific timeframe. By tracking these groups, or "cohorts," over time, startups can better understand customer behavior, identify trends, and improve decision-making for product development, marketing, and retention strategies.
A convertible note is a type of short-term debt instrument that has the potential to convert into equity in the future. It is commonly used by startups and early-stage companies to raise funds from investors.
Crowdfunding is a popular method of funding a project or venture by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people. This practice has gained significant momentum, especially with the advent of the internet. It allows individuals or organizations to gather financial support for their ideas, products, or initiatives.
Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) measures the total expense a company incurs to acquire a new customer, including marketing, sales, and other related costs. CAC is key to understanding the profitability and scalability of customer acquisition efforts.
Deal flow refers to the rate at which investment opportunities are presented to a venture capital firm. It is a crucial aspect for venture capital firms as it directly impacts their ability to identify and invest in promising startups and businesses.
Debt financing is a form of funding where a startup borrows money and agrees to repay it with interest, rather than offering equity to investors. This allows the company to raise capital without diluting ownership among existing shareholders.
Dilution refers to the reduction in ownership percentage of existing shareholders as a result of the issuance of additional shares.
A Disclosure Letter is a document that details exceptions to the warranties provided in the Shareholders Agreement (SHA). It protects the company by clarifying any inaccuracies or special conditions, reducing the risk of potential legal claims from investors.
A down round refers to a financing round in which a company raises funds at a valuation lower than its previous round. It signifies a decrease in the perceived value of the company.
Drag-Along Rights are provisions in an investment agreement that allow majority shareholders to compel minority shareholders to participate in the sale of a company under the same terms and conditions. This ensures a smoother transaction process by preventing minority shareholders from blocking a sale.
Due diligence is a crucial process that involves conducting a comprehensive investigation and analysis of a potential investment opportunity. It is essential for investors to perform due diligence before making any investment decisions to ensure they have a clear understanding of the risks and potential rewards associated with the opportunity.
Early-stage refers to the initial phase of a startup, typically characterized by product development and market validation. It is the early phase of a startup's journey where the focus is primarily on building the product or service and finding the right market fit.
An economic moat refers to a sustainable competitive advantage that enables a company to maintain its market position and effectively defend itself against competitors. It acts as a barrier to entry, making it difficult for other companies to replicate or surpass the success of the moat-possessing company.
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a program that grants employees ownership interest in a startup through company shares, often used as a method to attract and retain talent. By offering employees a stake in the company, ESOPs align their interests with the company’s success, fostering motivation, loyalty, and long-term commitment.
Equity crowdfunding refers to the practice of raising capital from a large number of individuals in exchange for equity or shares in a company. It is a method of fundraising that allows entrepreneurs and startups to access funding from a wide pool of investors, often through online platforms or portals.
Equity stake refers to the percentage of ownership or shares that an investor holds in a company. It represents the investor's claim on the company's assets and earnings.
An exit event refers to a significant milestone in the investment journey where investors can realize a return on their investment. This occurs when a company undergoes a specific event that allows investors to cash out their investment and potentially earn profits. Two common types of exit events are acquisitions and initial public offerings (IPOs).
An exit multiple is a factor used to determine a company’s sale price relative to a financial metric, such as revenue or EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization). Commonly used in startup exits, it helps estimate the potential return for investors by assessing the company’s valuation at exit.
An exit strategy refers to a well-thought-out plan that outlines how investors can realize their investment and achieve liquidity. It is typically executed through either an acquisition or an initial public offering (IPO).
Founder vesting is a mechanism used to gradually transfer ownership of a startup to its founders over a specific period of time. This process is often tied to the founders' continued involvement in the company. It helps align the interests of the founders with the long-term success of the startup and protects the company in case a founder decides to leave prematurely.
Founder-Investor Fit is the alignment between a startup founder's goals, values, and vision with an investor's strategy, expectations, and approach to growth. This fit is essential to fostering a productive, long-term partnership where both parties are aligned on business objectives, company culture, and strategic direction, minimizing conflicts and maximizing mutual support.
Founder-Market Fit refers to the alignment between a founder's skills, experience, and passion, and the needs and characteristics of the target market. It is a crucial factor in the success of a startup as it ensures that the founder has the necessary understanding and expertise to address the market's demands effectively.
A Founders' Agreement is a legal document that plays a crucial role in outlining the roles, responsibilities, and ownership structure of the founders of a startup. It serves as a foundation for the relationship between the founders and helps establish a clear understanding of each founder's rights and obligations.
Fundraising refers to the process of seeking and securing funding from investors for a startup or early-stage company. It is a crucial step in the growth and development of a business, as it provides the necessary capital to fuel operations, expand the team, develop new products or services, and scale the business.
A Funds Tracker is a tool that startups use to record and organize the dates and amounts of investment funds received. Keeping this updated ensures transparency and organization throughout the fundraising and closing process.
Growth equity is a type of private equity investment that targets established companies with a track record of consistent revenue growth. This investment strategy aims to provide capital to these companies, enabling them to expand their operations and reach new levels of growth.
Growth Hacking is a marketing technique that emphasizes rapid experimentation across various channels and product development to discover the most effective strategies for growing a business.
Growth metrics are quantitative measurements used to track and evaluate the growth of a startup. These metrics provide valuable insights into the performance and progress of a business. By analyzing growth metrics, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and identify areas for improvement.
The growth stage is a crucial phase in a company's lifecycle. It signifies the point at which the company has successfully achieved product-market fit and is now dedicated to scaling its operations and expanding its customer base.
Harvesting refers to the process of exiting or realizing the return on investment in a startup.
Hockey Stick Growth refers to a specific growth trajectory that starts off slowly and then experiences a sudden and significant rise, resembling the shape of a hockey stick. This term is often used in business and marketing to describe a company or product's growth pattern.
Horizontal integration is a growth strategy for startups where they acquire or merge with another company in the same industry. This approach helps startups quickly increase market share, reduce competition, and expand their product or service reach.
A horizontal market refers to a type of market that caters to a broad range of industries or customers, as opposed to a vertical market that focuses on a specific industry or customer segment.
A hub refers to a geographic location or ecosystem that serves as a center for startups, investors, and supporting resources. It is characterized by a high concentration of these entities, creating an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
The hurdle rate is the minimum rate of return that a pre-seed venture capital investor expects to receive before they will invest in a startup. It acts as a benchmark for evaluating investment opportunities and helps investors determine if a particular startup is worth investing in.
The IPO (Initial Public Offering) refers to the first sale of a company's stock to the public. It is a significant milestone for a company as it allows them to raise capital from external investors and transition into a publicly traded entity.
The incubation period is the phase during which a startup receives support from an incubator, gaining access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This period helps startups develop their business model, refine their product, and prepare for growth.
An incubator is an organization that offers support, resources, and mentorship to early-stage startups with the goal of helping them grow and scale their businesses.
An investment thesis refers to a set of criteria and principles that investors use to guide their decision-making process when evaluating potential investment opportunities. It serves as a framework that helps investors determine whether an investment aligns with their goals and risk tolerance.
Investor Consent is the approval required from previous investors, as specified in earlier Shareholders Agreements, before issuing new shares. This consent is formalized through an Investor Consent Notice to ensure compliance with prior agreements.
The J-Curve is a graphical representation of the financial performance of a venture capital fund. It illustrates the pattern of returns over time, showing initial negative returns followed by a steep upward trajectory.
A joint venture is a business arrangement where two or more parties agree to pool their resources and expertise to achieve a specific goal. It is a strategic partnership between companies or individuals who work together to leverage their strengths and minimize risks.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are quantifiable measures used to evaluate the success or progress of a company or project. They provide a way to assess the performance of various aspects of a business or project and determine whether they are meeting the desired goals and objectives.
Kickstarter is an online crowdfunding platform that enables individuals or businesses to raise funds for creative projects or products. It provides a space for creators to present their ideas and connect with potential backers who can contribute financially to support the project. Kickstarter has gained popularity as a platform that fosters innovation and allows creators to bring their visions to life.
The lead investor is the individual or firm that assumes the primary responsibility for leading a funding round and negotiating the terms of the investment.
Leverage refers to the practice of using borrowed capital to potentially enhance the return on an investment. It involves utilizing debt or borrowed funds to finance an investment or business activity, with the aim of generating higher profits than would be possible with only the investor's own capital.
A legal contract between two parties, where one party grants the other party the right to use its intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, or copyrights, in exchange for payment or other considerations.
Liquidity refers to the ease with which an asset or security can be converted into cash without impacting its market price. It is an important concept in financial markets as it determines how quickly and easily an investment can be bought or sold.
A liquidity event is a financial milestone that allows investors to convert their equity into cash. Common examples include mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or an initial public offering (IPO), where shares become publicly tradable, giving investors a chance to “cash out.”
A lock-up period is a set timeframe after an initial public offering (IPO) during which certain shareholders, such as founders, employees, and early investors, are restricted from selling their shares. This period is intended to maintain stock price stability and prevent market fluctuations.
Market analysis is a crucial process in understanding and evaluating a specific market. It involves the collection and interpretation of data to gain insights into various aspects of the market, including its size, growth potential, competition, and customer preferences. By conducting a comprehensive market analysis, businesses can make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to maximize their success.
A market opportunity refers to a favorable combination of circumstances that enables a business to enter and compete in a specific market segment. It represents a chance for a company to capitalize on existing or emerging market conditions and gain a competitive advantage.
Market validation is a crucial process for startups to test and validate their product or service in the target market. The objective is to determine the viability and potential for success of the offering. By gathering feedback and insights from the target market, startups can gain valuable information to refine their product or service and make informed business decisions.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) refer to the consolidation of companies through various financial transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and asset purchases. These transactions involve the combining or buying of companies to create a larger or more competitive entity in the market.
The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is the most basic version of a product or service that allows a startup to test its hypothesis and gather feedback from early adopters. It is a strategy commonly used in the startup world to validate ideas and minimize the risk of developing a product that may not meet market needs.
Monetization refers to the process of generating revenue from a product or service. It involves implementing various business models to generate income. Some common monetization strategies include advertising, subscriptions, and transaction fees.
A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that serves as a protective measure for confidential material, knowledge, or information that two or more parties wish to share with each other for specific purposes. The primary objective of an NDA is to restrict access to or by third parties, ensuring that the shared information remains confidential.
Net Present Value (NPV) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. It calculates the present value of an investment by subtracting the initial investment cost from the sum of the discounted cash flows over a specific period of time.
A non-compete clause is a contractual agreement in which one party agrees not to enter into or start a similar profession, trade, or business in competition with another party. This clause is commonly used in employment contracts, business partnerships, and acquisition agreements to protect the interests of the party with whom the agreement is made.
Non-Dilutive Financing refers to funding obtained by a company without the need to give up equity or ownership. This type of financing provides alternative options for companies to raise capital without diluting the ownership stake of existing shareholders.
An operating agreement is a legal document that defines the rights, responsibilities, and governance structure of a limited liability company (LLC). It serves as a contract between the members of the LLC, outlining how the company will be managed and operated.
Opportunity cost refers to the potential benefit that is foregone or sacrificed when an individual or organization chooses one investment or opportunity over another. It is a fundamental concept in economics and decision-making, highlighting the trade-offs involved in making choices.
An option pool refers to a portion of a company's shares or equity that is reserved for future distribution to employees, consultants, or other individuals as part of their compensation or incentive plans.
Overvaluation refers to the situation where the value assigned to a company or asset is considered to be higher than its intrinsic or fundamental value. In other words, it occurs when the market price of a company or asset is inflated beyond its actual worth.
The ownership stake refers to the percentage or portion of a company's shares or equity that is held by an investor or shareholder. It represents the level of ownership and control an individual or entity has over a particular company.
A pivot refers to a strategic change made by a startup in response to market feedback or changing circumstances. This change can occur in various aspects of the business, including the business model, product, or target market. The primary objective of a pivot is to enhance growth and profitability.
A portfolio refers to a collection of investments made by a venture capital firm. It typically includes startups and other high-growth potential companies. The primary objective of creating a portfolio is to generate returns and diversify risk.
Post-Money Valuation refers to the value of a startup or company after external funding has been raised. It takes into account the investment amount and is calculated by adding the investment to the pre-money valuation.
Pre-Money Valuation refers to the value of a startup or company before any external funding has been raised. It is calculated based on various factors, including the company's current assets, intellectual property, market potential, and other relevant considerations.
Pre-seed funding refers to the initial stage of funding for startups. It is usually provided by angel investors or friends and family who believe in the potential of the startup. The main purpose of pre-seed funding is to help cover the initial expenses and support the development of a minimum viable product (MVP).
Preemption Rights grant existing shareholders the option to maintain their ownership percentage by purchasing additional shares before new investors can do so. This right is typically exercised through a Preemption Notice, allowing shareholders to avoid dilution of their stake.
Product-Market Fit refers to the stage in the lifecycle of a startup where its product or service successfully meets the needs and demands of the market it serves. It is a critical milestone for any company as it signifies the alignment between the offering and the target customers, leading to sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
A Proof of Concept (PoC) is a demonstration or prototype that validates the feasibility and potential of a startup's idea or product. It provides evidence to investors that the idea or product can be successfully developed and commercialized.
Fore more information, read our full guide on proof of concept.
Qualified Financing refers to a specific type of financing round that occurs in the context of startup funding. In this round, investors must meet certain criteria to participate. It is an important milestone for startups as it often signifies a significant level of progress and validation.
The quorum refers to the minimum number of members required to be present at a meeting in order to conduct official business.
Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment. It measures the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. ROI is expressed as a percentage and is a key indicator for assessing the success of an investment.
