When a third party holds value during a transaction, releasing it only when a specified condition has been fulfilled.⁷

A type of debt financing provided to venture-backed companies from specialized banks or non-bank lenders.⁷

When an investor has an opportunity to review a deal before other potential investors.⁷

Companies that are not publicly traded on the stock market.⁷

An investment from one corporation in another, typically at an early stage for strategic reasons.⁷

An organization composed of accredited investors which serves as a platform for them to coordinate investments in seed and early stage startup companies.  The group members typically work together consolidating their resources, expertise and capital through informal networks or formal funds.⁶

How long a startup can survive before it goes broke; that is, the amount of cash in the bank divided by the burn rate.⁷

A venture capital fund specializing in very-early-stage startups.⁷

Funding a company only by reinvesting initial profits; from “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.”⁷

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission charged with regulating all sales of corporate securities.⁷