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Glossary

Default dead

Default dead means a startup will run out of cash before it reaches profitability if it keeps operating on its current trajectory and does not raise additional capital or make significant changes.

Accurate as of Aug 23, 2026

Startup CultureMetrics Kpis

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Related terms

All 185 terms
Default aliveDefault alive means a startup is on a trajectory to reach profitability before it runs out of cash, assuming its current expenses stay roughly constant and its recent revenue growth continues.Ramen profitableRamen profitable means a startup makes just enough money to cover the founders' basic living expenses, usually with an extremely lean cost structure.Zombie startupA zombie startup is a company that is still operating but no longer has a realistic path to the outcome it was built or funded to pursue.

Superscout maintains this definition in its canonical glossary record and shows uncertainty when meaning varies by context.

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Usage can vary across firms, programs, and jurisdictions; this definition describes the venture-scouting context.