Term-sheet economics · Core
Seniority
Also called: ranking
ELI5
Who gets paid or acts first.
Used in conversation
“The new money is senior to the earlier preferred stock.”
Definition
The order in which securities or claims rank for payment or rights.
Here “Seniority” means: The order in which securities or claims rank for payment or rights.
Pitch context
You will see “Seniority” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches term-sheet economics.
Why it matters: In term-sheet economics, 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 · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Series A Term Sheet TemplateDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Small Business Capital Formation GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Exempt OfferingsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16