Series B/C/D

Definition

Subsequent rounds of funding representing your startup's graduation from 'scrappy' to 'possibly overvalued' to 'we definitely raised too much money.'

Example Usage

After our Series C, we had $50 million in the bank and absolutely no idea how to spend it wisely.

Origin

Continuation of alphabetical naming convention established with Series A

Fun Fact

Only about 1 in 20 Series A startups ever reach Series B funding

Source: Venture capital funding framework

Related Terms

Advanced

trough of sorrow

The extended period after initial startup excitement fades when growth stalls and reality sets in, but you're too committed to quit. It's the emotional valley between 'we're going to change the world' and 'maybe we should get real jobs.'

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Distribution Moat

A competitive advantage based on how easily you can reach customers. Spoiler alert: most startups don't have one and never will.

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User acquisition

The process and cost of getting new users/customers. It's usually the most expensive thing a startup does and also the most important.

🚀 Startup / VC

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Waterfall Rights

The order in which classes of stock get paid in an exit event, determining who gets what money from the sale. The reason cap table lawyers exist and make inexplicably high hourly rates.

🚀 Startup / VC

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drag-along

Rights allowing majority shareholders to force minority shareholders to join in selling the company. Corporate democracy's escape hatch, where your vote doesn't matter if enough people with more shares decide differently.

🚀 Startup / VC

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Blitzscaling

The strategy of growing a company at breakneck speed while intentionally ignoring efficiency, profitability, and the screams of your finance team. It's named after the German military tactic because both involve advancing recklessly and hoping the supply lines hold.

🚀 Startup / VC

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