Startup Growth & Scaling
Understand startup funding stages, metrics, KPIs, and strategies to scale your startup efficiently. Data-driven guides for growth-focused founders.
Growth Topics
Master the strategies and metrics that drive successful startup growth
Startup Funding Stages
From pre-seed to Series C and beyond, understand each funding stage and what investors expect
Startup Metrics
The key metrics every startup should track, from CAC to LTV to burn rate
Startup KPIs
How to set and track Key Performance Indicators at each stage of growth
Scaling a Startup
Strategies for scaling operations, team, and product without breaking
Ready to Scale Your Startup?
Get the templates and resources to put these growth strategies into action
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, start fundraising when you have traction and can demonstrate progress. For pre-seed, this might be a strong team and validated idea. For seed, you typically need an MVP and early users. Series A usually requires clear product-market fit and repeatable growth.
For venture-backed startups, growth rate is often more important early on. Investors want to see you can capture a large market quickly. However, sustainable unit economics matter too. The best startups have both strong growth AND a path to profitability.
Key signs include: organic growth and word-of-mouth referrals, high retention rates, users who would be very disappointed without your product, and demand that exceeds your ability to supply. Sean Ellis's survey (40%+ would be very disappointed) is a useful benchmark.
It varies by stage and business model. Generally: MRR/ARR growth rate, retention/churn, CAC/LTV ratio, gross margins, and burn rate. For marketplaces, GMV and take rate matter. For consumer apps, DAU/MAU and engagement metrics are key.
The typical target is 15-25% dilution per round. Seed rounds often take 15-20%, Series A 20-25%. But this varies based on valuation, amount raised, and negotiating position. Aim to own 10-15% of your company at exit as a founder.
