Startup Language Essentials: Understanding Investment & Financial Terms

Embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence! Financial conversations can be intimidating, especially when you're just starting out. This online workshop is designed to help new founders decode the essential terminology around startup investments and financials. We’ll break down the startup finance language that often feels overwhelming, including: Key investment terms like “pre-money vs. post-money valuation,” “SAFE,” and “dilution” Financial metrics such as “burn rate,” “runway,” “EBITDA,” and “gross margin” How to read and understand basic financial statements What investors mean when they talk about “cap tables,” “term sheets,” and “traction” This session will demystify the jargon and give you the confidence to engage in financial discussions with clarity and purpose. Join us for a practical, no-nonsense workshop that will empower you to speak the language of startup finance fluently. Presenter: Alla McCoy, Director of Venture Development, UM Ventures, University of Maryland