FUD
Also called Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt
Fear, uncertainty, and doubt: negative or misleading information spread to make people wary of a competitor or technology. A tactic to slow a rival's momentum.
Why it matters
Startups face FUD from incumbents who cannot compete on merit, and may be tempted to spread it themselves. Knowing the tactic helps you counter it with clarity and proof rather than getting dragged into a mud fight.
For example
A struggling incumbent spreads doubt about a startup's security to slow its momentum, so the startup counters with proof and customer references.
Related terms
Also in Starting Up
See how founders actually handle this on Founder life, part of the Starting Up hub.
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