A startup is a new business, often in technology, that is just beginning and aims to grow quickly, usually by offering something innovative. Startups often operate with limited money and high risk at first.
From “start” + “up,” originally used for the process of starting machinery or systems. In the late 20th century, it became a common term for newly founded companies, especially in the tech world.
A startup is less about size and more about stage: it’s a company in the ‘let’s see if this works’ phase. The word comes from the idea of starting systems up—so a startup is a human machine that’s just powering on.
While the word itself is neutral, startup culture has historically been male-dominated, especially in tech and venture capital contexts. Language around startups has sometimes reinforced stereotypes about ideal founders as young, male, and from specific regions or backgrounds.
Use ‘startup’ neutrally and avoid assuming founders or employees are of any particular gender. When giving examples, include women and nonbinary founders where relevant.
["new company","early-stage company","young business"]
Women and gender-diverse founders have built major startups across sectors (e.g., in fintech, health tech, and enterprise software) despite underrepresentation in funding and media coverage; naming them where relevant helps correct the record.
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