Definition
Emergency funding meant to tide a startup over until the 'real' funding round happens, often at desperate terms. Named after a bridge because you're hoping it doesn't collapse before you reach the other side.
Example Usage
The Series B negotiations were taking forever, so they raised a $2M bridge round from existing investors to avoid running out of cash.
Origin
Banking terminology adopted into venture capital during the 1980s
Fun Fact
Bridge rounds often signal trouble to savvy investors—if a company needs a bridge, it usually means the next round is harder to close than expected.
Source: Venture capital financing terminology
Related Terms
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See “bridge round” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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