Build your startup English vocabulary with this exercise. Understanding these terms will help you communicate confidently in entrepreneurial environments and engage with investors, partners, and early customers.
📚 Key vocabulary bootstrapping — building a business using only personal savings and revenue, without external funding seed funding — the initial capital raised by a startup to develop a product or prove a concept Series A round — the first significant round of venture capital financing after initial seed funding runway — the length of time a company can operate before running out of money at its current burn rate burn rate — the rate at which a startup spends its cash reserves before becoming profitable MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — the simplest version of a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers and gather feedback pivot — a fundamental change in a startup's strategy or product direction in response to market feedback scalability — the ability of a business model or technology to handle growing demand without proportional cost increases exit strategy — a plan for how founders or investors intend to eventually monetize their investment in a company angel investor — a high-net-worth individual who provides early-stage financing to startups in exchange for equity
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
Choose the correct response to complete each sentence.
1. This ___________________ (meaning: number) is the estimate of sales for the first three years.
Correct answer: figure.
2. For certain types of businesses, a list of people who have already ___________________ an interest in buying your products should be included in the business plan.
Correct answer: expressed.
3. Here is a description of the market segments (meaning: groups of people/organizations) we will be ___________________. (meaning: we will be focusing on)
Correct answer: targeting.
4. We plan to purchase 60% of the equipment, and ___________________ (meaning: rent) the other 40%.
Correct answer: lease.
5. How will you enter and develop the market? Do you have a detailed market-____________________ plan?
Correct answer: penetration.
6. We have concerns about certain ____________________ (meaning: details or characteristics) of your sales strategy.
Correct answer: aspects.
7. Did you include an analysis of ___________________ (meaning: similar) products available on the market today?
Correct answer: comparable.
8. This is a detailed list of all the costs ___________________ with (meaning: relating to) the program.
Correct answer: associated.
9. Do you need to obtain legal ____________________ before the product can be introduced to the market?
Correct answer: authorization.
10. An "organization chart" describes the ___________________ of the enterprise/business.