Preferred stock
Also called: preferred shares
ELI5
Investor shares with special economic or control rights.
Used in conversation
“The Series A preferred stock has a liquidation preference.”
Definition
An equity security with rights or preferences senior or different to common stock, often issued to venture investors.
Here “Preferred stock” means: An equity security with rights or preferences senior or different to common stock, often issued to venture investors.
Pitch context
You will see “Preferred stock” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches funding instruments & exemptions.
Why it matters: In funding instruments & exemptions, 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.
Connected terms
- Preferred sharesThe search label “Preferred shares” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16