Funding Rounds

How startups raise capital — from pre-seed to growth stage.

15 terms

Beginner

Late Stage
Companies that have raised Series C or later and are approaching IPO or acquisition readiness.
Pre-Seed
The earliest fundraising stage, typically raising $100K-$2M from angels or small funds.
Seed Round
An early fundraising round, typically $1M-$5M, to prove product-market fit.
Series A
The first major institutional funding round, typically $5M-$20M, for companies with proven traction.
Series B
A growth-stage round, typically $15M-$50M, to scale a company with strong unit economics.
Series C
A later-stage round, typically $30M-$100M+, to expand into new markets or prepare for IPO.
Up Round
A funding round where the company's valuation is higher than the previous round.

Intermediate

Bridge Round
A small funding round designed to keep a company alive until it can raise a larger round.
Down Round
A funding round where the company's valuation is lower than the previous round.
Extension Round
Additional capital raised at the same terms as the most recent round.
Flat Round
A funding round at the same valuation as the previous round.
Growth Equity
Investment in established, profitable or near-profitable companies to accelerate scaling.
Inside Round
A funding round led by existing investors rather than a new outside lead.
Series D
A late-stage round that funds further expansion, often preceding an IPO by 1-2 years.

Advanced

Mezzanine Financing
A hybrid of debt and equity financing, often used just before an IPO or acquisition.

Other categories

Definitions are intended as plain-English educational summaries. Not legal, tax, or investment advice.