Series A/B/C/etc.

Beginner 🚀 Startup / VC

Definition

Sequential rounds of venture capital funding, each alphabetically closer to either massive success or spectacular failure.

Example Usage

We just closed Series B at a $150M valuation, which is either brilliant or the universe's way of setting us up for disappointment.

Origin

Simple lettering system adopted by venture capital in the 1970s-1980s

Fun Fact

Series rounds can go up to Series Z and beyond; some companies have raised Series AA, AB, AC financing

Source: Venture capital standard nomenclature

Related Terms

Advanced

carve-out

Reserved portion of an acquisition's proceeds specifically allocated to employees or specific shareholders, ensuring they benefit even if the waterfall would otherwise drown them. Exit sharing mandated by negotiation or generosity.

🚀 Startup / VC
Advanced

409A valuation

An IRS-mandated appraisal of your company's common stock price, required so employees don't accidentally commit tax fraud when exercising options. It's always mysteriously lower than what you tell investors your company is worth.

🚀 Startup / VC
Intermediate

prospectus

The glossy sales document that makes every investment opportunity look like the next Amazon and every university look like Hogwarts, carefully balanced between legal obligation and marketing fantasy. In startup land, it's the formal document that transforms 'three guys in a garage with an app idea' into 'disruptive technology platform poised for exponential growth.' Every prospectus contains enough disclaimers to absolve everyone of everything while somehow still convincing you to hand over your money.

🚀 Startup / VC
Intermediate

Acqhire

An acquisition primarily designed to hire the team rather than use the product—basically human trafficking with a legal framework.

🚀 Startup / VC
Beginner

ditch

To abandon ship faster than a rat on the Titanic. In startup parlance, when a feature, product, or entire business model gets the axe because it's hemorrhaging money or nobody wants it. No ceremony, no fanfare—just gone.

🚀 Startup / VC
Beginner

breakup

The messy dissolution of a relationship (romantic or business) where two things that were stuck together decide they'd rather never see each other again. Bonus awkwardness if they share a friend group.

🚀 Startup / VC

Translate This Term

See “Series A/B/C/etc.” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on XShare on FacebookShare on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

HU

The term is only used in informal settings since it refers to personal matters. It is typically used between friends who...