Pivot to Mobile

Definition

The startup maneuver of jumping into mobile app development because 'that's where all the users are,' often destroying a working web product in the process.

Example Usage

We're pivoting to mobile-first, which is why we're rewinding 2 years of web development work and starting from scratch on iOS.

Origin

Specific case of 'pivot' terminology, popularized during mobile app explosion (2008-2015)

Fun Fact

Companies that pivoted to mobile-first in 2010-2012 were often celebrated; companies that did it in 2020+ usually just wasted resources abandoning web entirely

Source: Mobile and startup strategy terminology

Related Terms

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The time required for an investment fund to return its original capital to LPs through exits and distributions. It's the VC equivalent of asking 'when do I get my money back?'

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overhang

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dot com

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MRR / ARR (Monthly / Annual Recurring Revenue)

Predictable revenue from subscriptions—the metric that makes VCs smile because it's actually measurable.

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