innovation

Definition

The introduction of something new—a fresh idea, process, or product that differs from the status quo. The corporate world's favorite word to slap on anything that isn't from 1987.

Example Usage

The company's latest innovation combines AI with customer service, reducing response times by 70%.

Source: Merriam-Webster via Free Dictionary API

Related Terms

Intermediate

Moonshot

An ambitious, seemingly impossible project that aims to solve a massive problem, named after the Apollo missions because both require billions of dollars and a willingness to ignore the odds. For every actual moonshot, there are a thousand founders calling their food delivery app a moonshot.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

IPO (Initial Public Offering)

A startup's dream scenario where it becomes a public company and founders finally get to sell their stock—statistically less likely than winning the lottery.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

sales-led growth

A go-to-market strategy dependent on human sales teams to drive customer acquisition, typical in complex B2B products with long sales cycles. The opposite of letting the product sell itself.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

aqui-dump

When a company acquires a startup primarily to shut it down and eliminate competition, rather than to integrate talent or technology. It's the evil twin of acqui-hire where everyone loses except the shareholders.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

observer rights

The privilege to attend board meetings without voting power, typically granted to smaller investors or advisors. All the tedious meetings with none of the actual authority—basically a corporate internship.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

flat round

A financing round raised at the same valuation as the previous round, suggesting a company has neither advanced nor declined—essentially treading water while burning cash. More diplomatically acceptable than a down round but almost as concerning to investors.

🚀 Startup / VC

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Intermediate

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