Business Pitch Dictionary by pitch.dog
Funding rounds & stages · Core

Pre-seed round

Also called: preseed

ELI5

The first small startup round before substantial product proof.

Used in conversation

“The pre-seed round funds twelve months of discovery and prototype work.”

Definition

A very early financing used to test a problem, build an initial product or assemble a founding team.

Here “Pre-seed round” means: A very early financing used to test a problem, build an initial product or assemble a founding team.

Pitch context

You will see “Pre-seed round” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches funding rounds & stages.

Why it matters: In funding rounds & stages, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.

Caution

Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.

Sources & evidence · 8

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.