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Dictionary by pitch.dog
Startup stages & company states · Working

Zombie startup

Also called: zombie company

ELI5

A startup still operating but unlikely to grow or exit meaningfully.

Used in conversation

“The fund is deciding whether to keep supporting the zombie startup.”

Definition

Informal term for a company that survives but lacks meaningful growth, exit prospects or a clear route to investor returns.

Here “Zombie startup” means: Informal term for a company that survives but lacks meaningful growth, exit prospects or a clear route to investor returns.

Pitch context

You will see “Zombie startup” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches startup stages & company states.

Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret startup stages & company states without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.

When the words have to travel

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Sources & evidence · 5

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.