Valuation & conversion mechanics · Working
Step-up
Also called: valuation step-up
ELI5
The company is valued higher than in the last round.
Used in conversation
“The step-up must be supported by operating progress.”
Definition
An increase in valuation between financing rounds.
Here “Step-up” means: An increase in valuation between financing rounds.
Pitch context
You will see “Step-up” in fundraising decks, data rooms, term sheets and investor conversations when the discussion reaches valuation & conversion mechanics.
Why it matters: In valuation & conversion mechanics, 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.
- Y Combinator — Safe financing documentsDirect source · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- National Venture Capital Association — Model Legal DocumentsDirect source · institutional · 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 — Series A Term Sheet TemplateSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16