I know this sounds like one of those useless philosophical questions - bear with me.<p>I returned yesterday from a job interview. My wife, who is naturally skeptical, asked how it went. "Well, they're a Series A startup. Maybe 50 people. The problem they're solving is really interesting..."<p>She immediately gave me the stinkeye upon the mention of the funding, then said "OK, fine. Whatever. So when does a startup quit being a startup? Is it when they get (insert eyeroll here) Series Z funding? What's the definition?"<p>I'm not really expecting an answer. I'm more interested in the points at which HN readers realized that their shiny new company was no longer shiny.<p>Honest question. Thanks for your thoughts.
I'd consider a few things:<p>What is the product/service that will generate revenue?
- The "start up" is bringing that to the market
- So they're developing, or working to get that product or product pipeline to the market
- That can come in various stages, the company survives this developing stage through various funding (like that series A $)
- I'd consider, are they generating revenue? margins are looking like? P&L / forecasting future sales revenue measuring with margins and profitability
- Size really depends on what is going on, 50 people can mean several things...<p>So really, I'd consider it out of start up mode once there is a viable product that can be taken/sold in the market and bring in revenue.<p>I think once it's out there, once $ starts coming in, the company may still grow and hire more or expand and all that, but that's generally a good sign<p>My answer seems more vague now that I've read it, but its all about the $$$, healthy P&L, and forecasted revenue!