Pre-Seed
Also called Pre-Seed Round
The earliest institutional money a startup raises, usually to go from an idea or prototype to a first version and a little evidence people want it. Often comes from angels, pre-seed funds, or an accelerator, on a SAFE or note.
Why it matters
It is the round that buys you the runway to find something worth a seed round. Raising it well means raising just enough on clean terms without overselling a story you cannot yet back with data.
For example
Two founders raise 1.5 crore on a SAFE from angels to build a prototype and land their first ten users before attempting a seed round.
Go deeper
Related terms
Also in Starting Up
See how founders actually handle this on Raising your first round, part of the Starting Up hub.
eChai Partner Brands
The partnership →
