Startup Glossary

Idea Validation is the process of testing and proving that a startup idea is viable, addressing a real need in the market, and capable of attracting customers, often conducted before full-scale development.

Illiquid Asset is an asset that cannot be easily sold or exchanged for cash without a significant loss in value, often due to a lack of ready and willing investors or buyers.

Inbound Content Marketing is a strategy that focuses on creating and distributing relevant and valuable content to attract, engage, and retain a clearly defined audience, ultimately driving customer action.

Inbound Lead Generation is a strategy that attracts potential customers to a startup through content marketing, SEO, and social media, converting them into leads with the potential for future sales.

Inbound Marketing is a business methodology that attracts customers by creating valuable content and experiences tailored to them, drawing potential customers to your products and services via content marketing, social media, etc.

Incentivized Referral Program is a marketing strategy where existing customers are rewarded for referring new customers to the startup, effectively leveraging word-of-mouth to grow the customer base.

Incremental Funding provides capital to startups in portions as they achieve predefined milestones, reducing risk for investors and encouraging efficient use of resources by the startup.

Incubator is a support organization dedicated to accelerating the growth and success of early-stage startups by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources and services such as workspace, seed funding, and mentoring.

Incubator Program is a support scheme designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services.

Indemnification is a contractual obligation to compensate for loss or damage incurred by another party, often included in business agreements to cover potential liabilities or losses.

Indirect Sales Channels involve selling a startup`s products or services through third-party agents, distributors, or retailers, expanding market reach without direct sales efforts.

Industry Disruption occurs when a startup introduces a new product, service, or business model that fundamentally changes market dynamics, challenging established competitors and practices.

Influence Marketing is a strategy where startups collaborate with influencers to market their products or services to the influencer`s audience.

Influencer Endorsements involve partnerships with social media or industry influencers who promote a startup`s products or services to their audience, enhancing brand visibility and credibility.

Influencer Marketing is a strategy focusing on using influential personalities to drive a brand`s message to the larger market, leveraging their credibility and audience reach to promote products or services.

Initial Customer Acquisition refers to the strategies and methods a startup employs to gain its first group of customers, often critical for early-stage validation and growth.

Initial Valuation is the process of determining a startup`s worth at the beginning of its funding rounds, often influencing the amount of equity given away to investors.

Institutional Investors are organizations that invest large sums of money in securities, real property, and other investment assets, such as banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and mutual funds.

Intangible Assets are non-physical assets including brand recognition, copyrights, patents, and trademarks, which can significantly contribute to a startup’s market value and competitive edge.

Intellectual Capital comprises non-physical assets such as knowledge, information, intellectual property, and experience that contribute to an organization`s competitive advantage.