Crypto Winter

Definition

The periodic collapse of cryptocurrency valuations where billions in imaginary wealth evaporate and crypto bros go silent on social media for several months.

Example Usage

We're launching our blockchain startup right as crypto winter begins, which is terrible timing but our pitch deck still has a cartoon astronaut, so we're optimistic.

Origin

Specific application of the financial term 'winter' to crypto market cycles

Fun Fact

Crypto has experienced at least 5 'winters' since Bitcoin's launch, yet somehow new startups keep launching blockchain solutions nobody asked for

Source: Cryptocurrency and blockchain terminology

Related Terms

Intermediate

party round

A funding round with so many small investors that the cap table looks like a nightclub guest list—lots of names, minimal commitment from anyone. Usually signals either a hot deal everyone wants a piece of, or a desperate founder who couldn't land a lead investor.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

Stock Options

The right to buy company shares at a set price in the future, given to employees as compensation for the salary they're not getting. They're worth millions on paper and nothing in reality, making them the participation trophies of startup compensation.

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Reg D

An SEC regulation allowing private companies to raise money from unlimited accredited investors without formal SEC registration. It's basically the loophole that makes startup funding possible.

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break-up

The messy dissolution of a startup partnership, romantic relationship, or team dynamic—often marked by awkward equity discussions, passive-aggressive Slack messages, and lawyers getting involved.

🚀 Startup / VC

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Series Seed

The earliest stage of venture funding, where investors give a startup money based primarily on the founding team and a vague idea of what success might look like. It's basically faith-based investing with spreadsheets.

🚀 Startup / VC

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down round protection

A contractual mechanism that shields early investors from dilution when a startup raises money at a lower valuation than previous rounds. It's basically insurance against your company becoming less cool than you thought it was.

🚀 Startup / VC

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