I know this sounds like one of those useless philosophical questions - bear with me.
I returned yesterday from a job interview. My wife, who is naturally skeptical, asked how it went. "Well, they're a Series A startup. Maybe 50 people. The problem they're solving is really interesting..."
She immediately gave me the stinkeye upon the mention of the funding, then said "OK, fine. Whatever. So when does a startup quit being a startup? Is it when they get (insert eyeroll here) Series Z funding? What's the definition?"
I'm not really expecting an answer. I'm more interested in the points at which HN readers realized that their shiny new company was no longer shiny.
Honest question. Thanks for your thoughts.
What is the product/service that will generate revenue? - The "start up" is bringing that to the market - So they're developing, or working to get that product or product pipeline to the market - That can come in various stages, the company survives this developing stage through various funding (like that series A $) - I'd consider, are they generating revenue? margins are looking like? P&L / forecasting future sales revenue measuring with margins and profitability - Size really depends on what is going on, 50 people can mean several things...
So really, I'd consider it out of start up mode once there is a viable product that can be taken/sold in the market and bring in revenue.
I think once it's out there, once $ starts coming in, the company may still grow and hire more or expand and all that, but that's generally a good sign
My answer seems more vague now that I've read it, but its all about the $$$, healthy P&L, and forecasted revenue!