Insights and updates

From emerging regulation to deal mechanics, we write about the questions founders and investors actually ask — practical analysis you can put to work.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric used to evaluate the profitability and efficiency of an investment. It measures the gain or loss generated relative to the amount of money invested, helping businesses and investors assess the performance of their investments.

Sweat Equity

Sweat equity refers to the non-monetary investment that individuals contribute to a startup, such as their time, effort, skills, and expertise. This form of equity recognizes the value of hard work and dedication, often rewarded with ownership stakes in the company.

Runway

Runway refers to the amount of time a startup can continue operating before it runs out of cash. It is a crucial metric for understanding a startup’s financial health and planning for future funding rounds or achieving profitability.

Proof of Concept (POC)

A Proof of Concept (POC) is a demonstration that verifies the feasibility and potential of a business idea, product, or technology. It involves creating a prototype or conducting a trial to show that the concept can be successfully developed and implemented.

Pivot

In entrepreneurship, a pivot is a significant change in a startup’s business model, product, or strategy in response to market feedback or challenges. Pivots are essential for startups to adapt, survive, and thrive by aligning their offerings with market demands.

CAPEX

Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) are funds used by a company to acquire, upgrade, and maintain physical assets such as property, industrial buildings, or equipment. CAPEX is crucial for business growth and operational efficiency, reflecting long-term investment strategies.

Net Revenue Retention (NRR)

Net Revenue Retention (NRR) measures the percentage of recurring revenue retained from existing customers over a specific period, accounting for upsells, cross-sells, downgrades, and churn. NRR provides a comprehensive view of how customer relationships and revenue are evolving.

Gross Revenue Retention (GRR)

Gross Revenue Retention (GRR) measures the percentage of recurring revenue retained from existing customers over a specific period, excluding any revenue gained from new customers or upsells. This metric provides insight into the stability and loyalty of a company’s customer base.

Burn Rate

Burn rate is the rate at which a company, typically a startup, spends its cash reserves to cover operating expenses. It is a crucial metric for understanding a company’s financial health and sustainability, as well as planning for future funding needs.

Churn Rate

Churn rate, also known as customer attrition rate, measures the percentage of customers who stop using a company’s product or service during a specific period.