Startup Street's definitions

BackassForward

The inevitable and utterly confusing motion of launching a startup. Similar to two steps forward, one step back. With added layers of chaos and insanity pulling in multiple directions at once.

How did it go this week?

Oh it was another backassforward week for sure! Got next to nothing accomplished!!!

by Startup Street September 22, 2022

Squirrel Syndrome

The inexplicable desire to constantly chase after every new idea or opportunity, no matter how detrimental to your company, your team or your own sanity.

Bob just launched another product before the last one was even finished. He's completely out of control, definitely suffering from squirrel syndrome.

by Startup Street September 15, 2022

Post-Meeting Collapse

The inevitable reduction of effort after a great meeting that ultimately ruins momentum and places the team further behind schedule.

We were making good progress, and that meeting went great. Unfortunately afterwards everyone suffered a bad case of post-meeting collapse, and nothing has been done since then.

by Startup Street May 24, 2023

Kavorkapreneur

Based on the word Kavorka - "the lure of the animal" - but for the entrepreneurial types who cannot help but get bored and shift strategies, launch new products without finishing the last ones, or start a new business every year.

A person that lunges from topic to topic without a care in the world, usually accompanied by ample frustration by themselves and all those around them.

Did you hear about the latest thing Ted is doing?

I didn't, but I'm not surprised. He's completely out of control, a total Kavorkapreneur.

by Startup Street September 27, 2023

Franken-Fuck

When a project keeps growing to the point it has six heads, too many moving parts and a never ending change order list. Things aren't working so piling on more should help.

'Here's comes a few more changes to the changes. Man this project is really turning into a franken-fuck."

by Startup Street August 11, 2023

Brand Purgatory

The inability to create any meaningful effort at creating a brand - despite brand creation being a company's only hope at success - leaving the brand floating in the ether. Not making progress, not making mistakes. Just existing in a space that humans cannot see.

Bob hasn't done a thing for that company, idk how he hopes to make it. He's just floating around in brand purgatory, hoping for a miracle.

by Startup Street May 18, 2025

Herding Cats Phase

The inevitable chaos that one experiences as a projects moves towards the end. The finish line is in sight, there's more loose ends than a 20 year old sweater, everyone is semi-confused and lunging from task to task, and it's an all out assault on the concept of patience.

We've definitely entered the herding cats phase of this project. No idea how we're going to get to completion, hopefully we receive a miracle before someone loses their shit.

by Startup Street May 8, 2023