[KarlFreeman]

These are great definitions of the stages of a "startup" but I'm missing the point here?

Also, at some point, does a startup not become a company?

[clay_to_n]

According to Steve Blank: "A startup is a temporary organization used to search for a repeatable and scalable business model."

This is the best answer I've seen. Most startups are companies, and most startups are businesses. Graduating from a startup to a business doesn't make that much sense. But when your identified customers, product, and business model are repeatable and financially stable for the company, you aren't really a startup anymore.

[flashm]

A startup is always a company, but not really a 'business' until it's making a profit.

[noarchy]

>A startup is always a company, but not really a 'business' until it's making a profit.

So is a newly-opened mom & pop grocery store, then, I guess. But that kind of business isn't likely to generate blog write-ups.

[kristianc]

PG describes a startup as a company 'designed to grow quickly.'