Traction
Evidence that your startup is working: growing users, revenue, engagement, or other signs that people want what you are building. The proof behind the pitch.
Why it matters
Traction is the most persuasive thing a founder can show, to investors, hires, and themselves, because it replaces hope with evidence. Choosing the right traction metric for your stage, and growing it, is what unlocks the next step.
For example
A pre-Series-A startup shows 20 percent month-over-month revenue growth as traction, replacing its pitch's promises with proof.
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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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