Startup
A young company built to grow fast by solving a problem in a new or better way, usually under high uncertainty. Paul Graham's definition centers on growth, not age or industry.
Why it matters
Calling something a startup sets expectations, of rapid growth, experimentation, and risk, that differ from a small business built for steady income. Knowing which you are building shapes how you fund, staff, and measure it.
For example
A two-person company built to grow fast by solving a problem in a new way is a startup, unlike a corner shop built for steady, local income.
Worth your time
Related terms
Go deeper
See how founders actually handle this on Founder life, part of the Starting Up hub.
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