SAM (Serviceable Available Market)

Definition

The portion of the TAM that you can realistically capture with your current product and go-to-market strategy. It's your TAM divided by 'actually achievable' and 'not pure fantasy.'

Example Usage

While our TAM is $50B, our SAM in enterprise healthcare is $2B, which is still a huge opportunity.

Origin

Market segmentation terminology, derived from TAM analysis

Fun Fact

The gap between TAM and SAM often reveals whether founders are dreaming or have a realistic strategy

Source: Market Analysis Standards, startup strategy

Related Terms

Beginner

up round

A financing round at a higher valuation than previous rounds, signaling growth and traction to the market. The opposite of a down round and considerably better for everyone's mood, if not always their long-term prospects.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

runway fumes

The terrifying state of having mere weeks of cash remaining, when every expense is scrutinized and founders start drafting layoff announcements. The financial equivalent of flying on empty while the engine sputters.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

fund velocity

The speed at which a venture fund moves through its investment cycle, from raising capital to deploying it to returning capital to LPs. Faster isn't always better—ask anyone who inhaled their food and got heartburn.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

protective provisions

Veto rights that let preferred shareholders block certain major decisions like selling the company or raising more money. Democracy in theory, oligarchy in practice.

🚀 Startup / VC

Advanced

Antidilution Clause

A provision that adjusts an investor's ownership if future funding rounds happen at lower valuations. Basically a rich person's insurance policy.

🚀 Startup / VC

Intermediate

vested

The magical moment when stock options or retirement contributions officially become yours to keep, transforming from corporate dangling carrot into actual ownership. It's the golden handcuffs' lock clicking shut, ensuring you'll think twice before rage-quitting. The startup world's version of 'you must be this loyal to ride this rocket ship.'

🚀 Startup / VC

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