Started or developed with minimal outside help or resources, relying on one's own effort and whatever is available. A bootstrapped business uses its own profits rather than loans or investors.
From 'bootstrap' + the past participle '-ed' (Old English '-ed'). The adjective form emerged in modern business language in the late 20th century.
Some of the biggest tech companies started bootstrapped—Apple began in Steve Jobs' garage, and Instagram was built by just two people spending minimal money! This shows that amazing things can happen without needing a fancy office or tons of cash upfront.
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