Startup Terms

Startup language can feel simple until several ideas begin to overlap. An MVP is not the same thing as product-market fit, runway is not the same thing as funding, and a founder’s role changes as a company grows.

This page brings the core startup terms together in one place. Start with the basics, then follow the links between ideas as you need more detail.

A useful way to learn startup terminology is to follow the sequence a company often goes through: idea, MVP, early customers, product-market fit, funding choices, and growth.

Start with these Startup terms

Startup Meaning Explained What Is a Startup Ecosystem? What Is a Startup Founder? What Is an MVP in Startups? What Is Product-Market Fit (PMF)? What Is Bootstrapping in Startups? What Is Startup Runway?

Looking for a term that is not listed here? Visit the A-Z Startup Glossary or use the site search.