Crowdfunding
A method of raising funds through smaller contributions on a larger scale. Contributions are typically made prospecting customers or...
Ship Shape was started with one goal in mind, to de-centralise access to funding
Ship Shape was started with one goal in mind, to de-centralise access to funding
Industry Jargon
Sometimes industry jargon is confusing for us too. We have pulled together a dictionary to help you navigate confusing terms and phrases.
Write-off
A write-off is used to revalue an asset. This is typically done to reduce the value of the said asset.
Warrant
A warrant is the right to purchase stock at a fixed price (also know as the 'strike price') at a later date. This is a similar concept to...
Warrant Coverage
Warrant coverage is an agreement between a start-up and one or more shareholders where the start-up issues a warrant (see warrant ) equal...
Vesting
Vesting is the process of scheduled issuing of shares or share options for employees for an agreed period of time. This is to ensure that...
PLG
Product-lead growth is a growth strategy whereby the product itself is the main influence in obtaining and retaining customers....
Start-up Advisor
Typically a group or an individual that provides advice when presented with challenges. A good trait to look for is a track-record of...
Convertible Note
A financial instrument that enables an individual or firm to loan money to a company, this can convert into equity at a later date...
Washout Round
A funding round where existing shareholders experience significant dilution. Often, the new investor(s) will gain a significant or even a...
MVP
An acronym that stands for Minimum Viable Product is typically the first release of a product or service that achieves the basic goals or...
NPV
An acronym for Net Present Value. The NPV represents the total value in a potential investment opportunity.
Limited Partner
Individuals who invest in a VC fund are known as Limited Partners
Lead Investor
“A lead investor is the investor that bring the most capital to the table and hence, sets the terms of your round, mainly its price, its...
Assets Under Management
A single market value of all the assets held by a client but is managed by mutual funds, venture capital firms, or brokers.
ESG Investing
Used to refer to investments that focus on environmental, social and good governance. This can include socially responsible investing,...
Decacorn
A new term that is given to relatively new firms that have a valuation of over $10 billion. See our video on Unicorn to see the difference!
White Label Solution
A product or service that can easily be re-branded, without changing the fundamental function performed.
Broker
An intermediary that is typically an individual or firm that aids with the exchange between investors and securities (e.g. start-up equity).
Due Diligence
A process whereby both parties verify the applicable information related to a deal between said parties.
Capitalisation Table
A capitalisation table is an overview of a company's share ownership by all share-holders.
Carry
The net return as a result of holding an asset. This could be negative or positive depending on the asset and the current market that the...
Options
Options are the right (not obligation) to purchase a number of shares at a pre-agreed price. Options are an increasingly popular part of...
Bridge Loan
A short term loan designed to be used by firms or an individual during the period prior to securing long term or sustainable payment.
Venture Capital
A form of funding from an individual or firm into a fast-growing emerging business with a goal of return on investment. These investments...
Syndicate
A group of individuals or organisations who collaborate together in order to achieve a shared goal. In an investment sense, this would be...
Incubator
A space where startups can operate during their initial conception and tend to focus on innovation with no set goal or direction....
Startup Accelerator
Programs and mentorships designed to provide resources, training, and networking to aid the fast-growth startups. Don’t forget, there is...
Unicorn
A company that achieves a valuation of $1 billion or more. Often confused with a Decacorn
Term Sheet
A document that is designed to highlight the main terms of an agreement and any conditions attached to it. Within the context of...
Article of Association
A legal document that details the responsibilities and actions planned to be undertaken by a firm.
Fintech
FinTech is a technology used for the delivery of financial products and services. Provided by: Sarah Williams-Gardener, Head of FinTech...
Angel Investor
An individual who is willing to offer financial backing or seed investment in return for a share in the company (Also known as an Angel...