Glossary & definitions
Here’s a guide to some of the key terms used across Dealroom research and in the data platform.
Companies
Startup
“A startup is a company designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model with the primary focus to grow fast”. – Read more
Unicorn (& $1B+ exits)
A tech company founded since 1990, that is currently valued, or previously exited at over $1B. – Read more
Decacorn
A $10B+ valued tech company
Centicorn
A $100B+ valued tech company.
Colt
A startup with $25M-$100M annual revenue.
Thoroughbred
A startup with $100M+ annual revenue.
Spinout
Companies developed from technology/IP originating at universities or research centres. (excludes corporate spin-offs).
Funding stages
- Startup stage: Companies with under $15M total funding.
- Breakout stage: Companies with $15M-$100M total funding.
- Scaleup stage: Companies with $100M+ total funding.
Bootstrapped
Companies built without external equity funding, growth funded via revenue generation or debt.
Valuations
Enterprise Value
The (combined) Enterprise Value of an ecosystem is the sum of all the valuations of startups in that specific ecosystem. This is a combination of private company valuations based on most recent VC rounds (which is either announced or estimated by Dealroom based on benchmarks), realized exit value, or publicly disclosed valuations, and public company enterprise value. Enterprise Value Growth is the change in this combined enterprise value of the ecosystem over a given period.
Pre-money valuation
Company value at the point of a new investment round.
Post-money valuation
Company value after new investment round (pre-money + new investment).
Multiples
Valuation ratios used to compare companies (e.g., EV/Revenue, EV/EBITDA). – Read more
Taxonomy
Industries/Sectors
Broad market segments (e.g., Health, Fintech, Energy). Dealroom has a fixed 32 industry taxonomy. Companies can be assigned up to two industries. – Read more
Sub-sectors
Each industry has corresponding sub-sectors. E.g. sub-sectors of Energy include: Clean Energy, Oil & gas, Energy Efficiency, Energy Providers, Waste Solutions, Water, Energy Storage. – Read more
Technologies
Technologies applied by innovative companies across diverse industries, e.g. AI, blockchain, AR/VR, quantum technologies.
Deep tech
Novel scientific or engineering breakthroughs making their way into products and companies for the first time. – Read more
Impact
Companies focused on positive social or environmental outcomes alongside financial returns, aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. – Read more
Climate tech
Companies using technology to address climate change and environmental challenges. – Read more
Find more definitions in the Dealroom Knowledge Base, or get in touch to discuss definitions.