Startup terms, in plain English.

A simple contract that gives an investor the right to future equity in exchange for cash now, converting to shares at a later priced round.

A documented, step-by-step process for how a recurring task should be done, so it's consistent no matter who does it.

A framework for sizing your market: total demand (TAM), the slice you can serve (SAM), and the share you can realistically win (SOM).

A mostly non-binding summary of the key terms of an investment, used to agree the deal before lawyers draft the final contracts.

The process of earning equity over time, so shares or options only fully belong to a person after they stay for a set period.