off-ramp

Definition

A business and startup jargon term describing an exit strategy or way to gracefully exit a situation, deal, or initiative. Think of it as the metaphorical highway exit when the original plan isn't working out.

Example Usage

The investors are looking for an off-ramp from this underperforming portfolio company by the end of Q3.

Source: Venture capital and startup industry terminology

Related Terms

Beginner

SAAS (Software as a Service)

Cloud-based software customers pay for monthly/yearly as subscriptions instead of licensing, the dominant startup business model.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

vesting acceleration

Speeding up the vesting schedule of stock options, typically triggered by acquisition or termination. It's the consolation prize when your startup gets acquired and you're suddenly unemployed.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

vulture capital

Investors who prey on distressed startups, offering unfavorable terms when founders are desperate. They prefer the smell of burning runway in the morning.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

Ramen Profitability

When a startup's revenue covers basic operating expenses (ramen-level salaries), allowing it to survive without external funding.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

abundance

An overflowing supply of something (capital, resources, talent) that theoretically makes life easier but usually just creates new problems and decision paralysis.

🚀 Startup / VC

Beginner

MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

A half-baked version of your product with just enough features to validate whether customers actually want it—or to prove they don't.

🚀 Startup / VC

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