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A2 noun 12 min read

startup

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips startup in 30 Seconds

Explanation startup in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'startup' is a word used for a new company, especially in technology. You should remember that it is a feminine word, so you say 'uma startup'. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Eu trabalho em uma startup' (I work in a startup) or 'Minha startup é pequena' (My startup is small). At this stage, don't worry about the complex business definitions. Just think of it as a modern type of 'empresa' (company). You will hear this word often in big cities in Brazil and Portugal, and it sounds very similar to English, which makes it easier to remember. Just be careful with the pronunciation: in Brazil, people often add a little 'i' sound at the beginning and end, like 'is-tár-tã-pi'. Practice saying 'A startup' every day to get used to the feminine gender, which is the most important rule for A1 learners.

At the A2 level, you should be able to describe what a startup does using simple adjectives. You can say 'A startup é inovadora' (The startup is innovative) or 'A startup cria aplicativos' (The startup creates apps). You should also start to recognize the word in the context of jobs and the economy. For example, 'Existem muitas vagas em startups' (There are many jobs in startups). You should understand that a startup is different from a 'loja' (store) or a 'restaurante' (restaurant) because it usually involves the internet or new ideas. At this level, you can also use basic verbs like 'abrir' (to open) or 'trabalhar' (to work). Example: 'Meu irmão quer abrir uma startup' (My brother wants to open a startup). You are becoming more aware of the professional world in Portuguese, and 'startup' is a key word for that.

At the B1 level, you can begin to discuss the culture and challenges of startups. You should be able to explain why someone would want to work in one: 'Trabalhar em uma startup é dinâmico, mas tem riscos' (Working in a startup is dynamic, but has risks). You will start to see the word in news articles and should understand terms like 'investimento' (investment) and 'fundador' (founder). You can use the word to talk about your career goals or the economy of your country. You should also be comfortable using the plural 'startups' and matching it with plural adjectives: 'As startups brasileiras estão crescendo' (Brazilian startups are growing). At this stage, you are expected to know that a startup aims for 'escala' (scale) and 'inovação' (innovation), and you can use these words in a conversation about business.

At the B2 level, you can participate in detailed discussions about the startup ecosystem. You should understand and use jargon like 'rodada de investimento' (funding round), 'aceleradora' (accelerator), and 'modelo de negócio' (business model). You can compare startups to traditional companies: 'Diferente de uma empresa tradicional, a startup foca na escalabilidade rápida' (Unlike a traditional company, a startup focuses on rapid scalability). You can follow business news in Portuguese and understand the nuances of 'pivotar' (pivoting) or 'queimar caixa' (burning cash). Your pronunciation should be natural, and you should use the word 'startup' fluently within complex sentence structures. You might also discuss the 'Marco Legal das Startups' or other regulatory topics, showing a deeper understanding of the word's place in society.

At the C1 level, you use 'startup' with the precision of a native professional. You can analyze the impact of startups on the national GDP or discuss the ethical implications of 'disrupção' (disruption). You are comfortable with the nuances between a 'startup', a 'scale-up', and a 'unicórnio'. You can write professional reports or give 'pitches' in Portuguese using the word and its associated vocabulary perfectly. You understand the cultural differences between the startup scenes in São Paulo versus Lisbon. You can use the word in idiomatic ways and understand when it's being used metaphorically to describe a fast-paced or innovative environment. Your use of articles, adjectives, and prepositions with 'startup' is flawless, and you can switch between 'startup' and 'empresa de base tecnológica' depending on the audience's formality.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the term 'startup' and its socio-economic context. You can critique the 'startupholder' culture or discuss the long-term sustainability of the 'venture capital' model in Portuguese-speaking markets. You understand the history of the word's adoption into Portuguese and how it has displaced older terms. You can engage in high-level debates about innovation policy, intellectual property in startups, and the future of work. You might even use the word in creative writing or complex metaphors. Your understanding is indistinguishable from a native speaker who is an expert in the field. You can navigate any professional or academic setting where 'startups' are the topic, providing deep insights and using the language with absolute sophistication and cultural awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

startup in 30 Seconds

A startup is a high-growth, tech-focused new business.
In Portuguese, it is a feminine noun: 'a startup'.
It differs from a traditional business due to its scalability.
Commonly used in Brazil and Portugal's tech and financial hubs.

The word startup in Portuguese is a direct loanword from English, but its integration into the Lusophone business world has given it specific nuances and a distinct grammatical life. In the Brazilian and Portuguese contexts, a startup is not just any new business; it specifically refers to a young company that is designed to grow fast by creating or using new technology. While a traditional bakery opening on the corner is a 'nova empresa' (new company), a tech-driven platform for bread delivery that aims to scale nationwide is a startup. The term is ubiquitous in major tech hubs like São Paulo's 'San Pedro Valley' or Lisbon's 'Hub Criativo do Beato'.

Gênero Gramatical (Gender): Feminine. In Portuguese, we say 'a startup'. This is because the underlying Portuguese word for company, empresa, is feminine. Using 'o startup' is a common mistake for beginners.

A startup brasileira Nubank revolucionou o sistema bancário tradicional com seu modelo digital.

People use this word in professional networking, financial news, and academic discussions about innovation. It carries a connotation of agility, risk-taking, and modern work culture. When a Portuguese speaker mentions they work at a startup, they are often implying a less hierarchical environment, flexible hours, and a focus on 'disruption' (disrupção). It is also frequently used in the context of 'ecossistema de startups' (startup ecosystem), referring to the network of investors, incubators, and entrepreneurs that support these ventures.

Escalabilidade (Scalability): This is the core characteristic. A startup must be able to increase its revenue significantly without a proportional increase in costs. This is why software companies are the classic examples of startups in Brazil.

Muitos jovens empreendedores sonham em criar uma startup unicórnio antes dos trinta anos.

Beyond the business definition, 'startup' has entered the slang of the corporate world. You might hear someone say 'isso tem uma pegada de startup' (this has a startup vibe), meaning something is innovative, fast-paced, or perhaps slightly unorganized but creative. In Portugal, the word is equally common, though the accent might lean slightly more towards the European Portuguese phonetics, often stressing the 'p' at the end less than in Brazil.

O governo de Portugal lançou o programa Startup Visa para atrair talentos estrangeiros.

Contexto de Investimento: In the financial world, 'startup' is associated with 'capital de risco' (venture capital). Phrases like 'rodada de investimento' (funding round) are almost always paired with the word startup.

Historically, before the late 2000s, the term was rarely used in Portuguese-speaking countries. Companies were simply 'empresas de tecnologia'. The explosion of the internet economy and the rise of Brazilian 'unicórnios' (startups valued over $1 billion) like iFood, 99, and QuintoAndar cemented the word in the daily vocabulary of the middle class and the business elite. Today, you cannot open a business newspaper like 'Valor Econômico' or 'Exame' without seeing the word dozens of times.

Trabalhar em uma startup exige muita resiliência e capacidade de adaptação constante.

In summary, 'startup' in Portuguese is a bridge between the local economy and the global tech stage. It represents a specific type of ambition and business model that transcends the traditional Portuguese word 'empresa'. Whether you are in a coworking space in Florianópolis or a tech conference in Porto, this word will be your primary tool for discussing the future of the economy.

Using startup correctly in a Portuguese sentence requires understanding its role as a feminine noun and its typical collocations. Because it is an imported term, it follows the rules of Portuguese syntax while retaining its English spelling. The most important rule to remember is gender agreement. You must use feminine adjectives and articles. For example, you would say 'uma startup inovadora' (an innovative startup) rather than 'um startup inovador'.

Aquela startup de educação recebeu um aporte financeiro significativo ontem.

Common Verbs: Verbs often paired with startup include: fundar (to found), escalar (to scale), investir (to invest), and pivotar (to pivot). Example: 'Eles decidiram pivotar a startup para focar no mercado B2B'.

When describing the stage of the company, Portuguese speakers use specific modifiers. A 'startup em estágio inicial' is an early-stage startup. A 'startup consolidada' is one that has already found its market fit. If you want to talk about the act of creating one, you use the verb 'lançar' or 'abrir'. 'Eu quero lançar minha própria startup no ano que vem' (I want to launch my own startup next year).

Nossa startup foca em soluções de inteligência artificial para o agronegócio.

Prepositional Usage: Use 'em' (in) or 'de' (of/from). 'Eu trabalho em uma startup' or 'Ele é o CEO da startup' (da = de + a).

In more formal or academic writing, you might see the phrase 'empresa de base tecnológica' or 'empresa nascente' used to avoid the anglicism, but in 95% of real-world conversations, 'startup' is the preferred term. If you are talking about the physical location, you might say 'estamos incubados em uma aceleradora de startups'.

As startups de mobilidade urbana estão mudando o jeito que as pessoas se deslocam nas grandes cidades.

Adjective Agreement: Always match the adjective to the feminine gender: 'startup pequena', 'startup promissora', 'startup estrangeira'.

Finally, consider the emotional weight of the word. In a sentence like 'Ele largou o emprego estável para montar uma startup', the word 'startup' emphasizes the risk and the entrepreneurial spirit. It contrasts sharply with 'empresa', which might sound more boring or established. Using 'startup' signals that the speaker is part of the modern, digital economy.

Você já ouviu falar daquela startup que entrega comida por drones?

To master this word, practice combining it with different sectors: 'startup de fintech', 'startup de healthtech', 'startup de edtech'. This 'sector + tech' suffix is very common in Portuguese conversations about the startup world. By the time you reach B1 or B2 level, you should be able to discuss 'valuation', 'burn rate', and 'equity'—all terms that are frequently used alongside 'startup' in Portuguese business contexts.

The word startup is no longer confined to Silicon Valley clones; it is a staple of the daily Portuguese lexicon. You will hear it most frequently in urban centers like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and Lisbon. If you visit a 'coworking', you will hear it every five minutes. It is the language of the 'Faria Limers' (the business professionals working on Faria Lima Avenue in São Paulo).

No evento Web Summit em Lisboa, milhares de startups buscam investidores globais.

Media and News: Watch 'Pequenas Empresas & Grandes Negócios' (PEGN) on Globo TV. They have dedicated segments for startups. You'll also see it in the 'Economia' section of newspapers like 'Público' or 'Folha de S.Paulo'.

In social settings, particularly among young professionals, 'startup' is often used to describe one's workplace. 'Eu trabalho numa startup de logística' is a common introduction. It’s also heard in universities, where 'incubadoras de startups' are becoming central to the academic experience, encouraging students to turn their research into scalable businesses.

O podcast 'Do Zero ao Topo' conta histórias de fundadores de startups de sucesso no Brasil.

Podcasts and YouTube: Channels like 'Startups.com.br' or 'Brazil Journal' are excellent places to hear the word used in professional, high-speed Portuguese conversations.

You will also encounter the word in government communications. Both the Brazilian and Portuguese governments have created specific laws (like the 'Marco Legal das Startups' in Brazil) to regulate and encourage these businesses. Hearing a politician use the word 'startup' is common when they want to sound modern or tech-friendly.

O novo Marco Legal das Startups visa facilitar a contratação de inovação pelo setor público.

Job Boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Gupy, or trampos.co are filled with job postings for 'Vagas em Startups'. These listings often use English-heavy jargon like 'Product Owner', 'Scrum Master', and 'Growth Hacking'.

Even in casual pop culture, the concept appears. Reality shows like 'Shark Tank Brasil' have made the startup pitch a familiar concept to the general public. You might hear people joke about 'querer montar uma startup' whenever they have a slightly clever idea for an app. This widespread usage shows how the word has moved from a niche technical term to a general cultural concept synonymous with 'modern business'.

Na televisão, os jurados avaliam se a startup tem potencial de escala antes de investir.

Finally, if you are in Portugal, 'Startup Portugal' is a national strategy that you will see mentioned in the news frequently. It’s part of the country's brand as a tech hub in Europe. In Brazil, the word is often associated with the 'vibe' of innovation districts like Porto Digital in Recife or the various tech parks in the South.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using startup in Portuguese is getting the gender wrong. Since 'startup' is an English word, it doesn't have an inherent gender, but Portuguese speakers assign it the feminine gender by default. Why? Because the translation for company is empresa, which is feminine. Therefore, saying 'o startup' sounds very 'gringo' and incorrect. Always use a startup or uma startup.

Errado: O startup é novo.
Correto: A startup é nova.

Pluralization Confusion: While some people try to 'Portuguesify' the plural as 'startups' (pronounced 'is-tár-tã-pis'), others are unsure if they should use an 's'. In written Portuguese, 'startups' (with the 's') is the standard. Avoid using 'start-ups' with a hyphen, as the un-hyphenated version is much more common in Brazil and Portugal.

Another common mistake is calling any new business a startup. If your friend opens a traditional consulting firm or a physical clothing store, calling it a 'startup' might be seen as pretentious or technically incorrect. A startup implies scalability and usually a tech element. If it’s a traditional small business, use 'pequena empresa' or 'microempresa'.

Não chame uma padaria comum de startup, a menos que ela use uma tecnologia inovadora de produção.

Misusing 'Founder' vs 'Fundador': While 'founder' is sometimes used, 'fundador' (or 'fundadora') is much more natural. Don't over-rely on English terms when a perfectly good Portuguese equivalent exists.

Confusion with 'Empresa Júnior': In Brazilian universities, there is a strong culture of 'Empresas Juniores' (Junior Enterprises). These are run by students but are not necessarily startups. Confusing the two can lead to misunderstandings about the business model (non-profit vs. high-growth venture).

Muitos confundem uma empresa júnior acadêmica com uma startup comercial.

Adjective Agreement: Avoid 'startup novo'. Since startup is feminine, the adjective must be 'nova'. This is a persistent error for English speakers who are used to 'startup' being neutral.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'negócio'. While you can say 'meu negócio é uma startup', don't say 'o startup'. The word startup itself remains feminine regardless of the surrounding words. Mastering these small gender and context rules will make your Portuguese sound much more professional and native-like.

While startup is the most common term, there are several Portuguese alternatives and related words that can enrich your vocabulary. Depending on the formality and the specific type of company, you might choose a different word. The most direct formal alternative is empresa nascente (emerging/nascent company), often used in governmental or legal documents.

Empresa de Base Tecnológica (EBT): This is a more academic and technical term. It refers specifically to companies whose competitive advantage is based on scientific or technological research. All EBTs are startups, but not all startups (like a simple service-based app) are EBTs.

A universidade apoia a criação de empresas de base tecnológica através de sua incubadora.

Another alternative is empreendimento (venture/enterprise). This is a broader term that can apply to any business project. If you want to sound more traditional, you might say 'meu novo projeto' or 'meu novo negócio'. However, these lack the specific 'high-growth' connotation of 'startup'.

Comparisons

Startup vs. PME: A PME (Pequena e Média Empresa) is focused on steady revenue and local markets. A startup is focused on rapid scale and often global markets.
Startup vs. Unicórnio: A unicorn is a specific sub-type of startup that has reached a 1 billion dollar valuation.
Startup vs. Spin-off: A spin-off is a startup that was created from within a larger company or university research group.

In Portugal, you might also hear the term empresa jovem, though it is less common than 'startup'. If the company is in its very first days, you can call it an empresa em fase de ideação (company in ideation phase). If it's just a small project, you might call it a iniciativa.

Essa iniciativa tecnológica começou como um projeto de garagem.

Finally, consider the word fintech, edtech, or agtech. These are often used as synonyms for 'startup' when the industry is known. Instead of saying 'eu tenho uma startup de finanças', many people simply say 'eu tenho uma fintech'. This sounds more specialized and 'in the know'.

As fintechs estão desafiando o domínio dos grandes bancos no Brasil.

In conclusion, while 'startup' is the king of the vocabulary in this sector, knowing when to use 'empresa de base tecnológica' or 'fintech' will significantly elevate your Portuguese. It shows you understand not just the word, but the entire business landscape.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In Brazil, the word became so popular that it spawned the slang 'startupeiro', which describes someone who adopts the specific lifestyle and fashion (vests, coffee, laptops) associated with these companies.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈstɑːt.ʌp/

US /ˈstɑːrt̬.ʌp/

The stress is on the first syllable 'star'.

Rhymes With

No direct rhymes in Portuguese as it is a loanword ending in a consonant. Often sounds similar to 'stop' (in Brazilian accent). Cup (English rhyme often used by learners). Up (English rhyme). Backup (another common loanword). Check-up. Setup. Pickup.

Common Errors

Using a masculine article (o startup).
In Brazil, pronouncing it with a hard 'S' instead of 'is' (is-tár-tup).
In Portugal, sometimes pronouncing the 'u' more like a closed 'oo'.
Forgetting the 'p' sound entirely.
Stress on the second syllable (star-TUP).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize because it's an English word.

Writing 2/5

Need to remember the feminine gender.

Speaking 3/5

Brazilian pronunciation (is-tár-tã-pi) can be tricky to mimic naturally.

Listening 2/5

Easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

empresa negócio trabalho novo tecnologia

Learn Next

investimento fundador escalabilidade lucro mercado

Advanced

valuation equity pivotar disrupção aporte

Grammar to Know

Gender of Loanwords

Foreign words often take the gender of their closest Portuguese translation (Startup = Empresa = Feminine).

Plural of Foreign Words

Usually, an 's' is added (startups), though some purists might disagree.

Preposition 'em' with Workplaces

Eu trabalho 'em uma' startup (I work at/in a startup).

Adjective Agreement

A startup 'inovadora' (The innovative startup) - adjective must end in 'a'.

Contractions with 'de'

O dono 'da' startup (The owner of the startup) - de + a = da.

Examples by Level

Eu trabalho em uma startup.

I work in a startup.

Uses 'em uma' (in a) because startup is feminine.

A startup é nova.

The startup is new.

Adjective 'nova' matches the feminine noun.

Ela tem uma startup.

She has a startup.

Direct object with indefinite article 'uma'.

Onde fica a startup?

Where is the startup located?

Interrogative sentence with definite article 'a'.

A startup é pequena.

The startup is small.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Eu gosto da startup.

I like the startup.

Contraction 'da' (de + a) used with the verb gostar.

Minha startup é no Brasil.

My startup is in Brazil.

Possessive 'minha' matches the feminine noun.

É uma startup de tecnologia.

It is a technology startup.

Use of 'de' to indicate the sector.

A startup criou um aplicativo muito bom.

The startup created a very good app.

Past tense 'criou' with a direct object.

Nós precisamos de investimento para a startup.

We need investment for the startup.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose.

Existem muitas startups em Lisboa.

There are many startups in Lisbon.

Plural 'startups' with the quantifier 'muitas'.

A startup vende produtos online.

The startup sells products online.

Present tense verb 'vende' describing an activity.

Ele é o fundador da startup.

He is the founder of the startup.

Noun 'fundador' linked via 'da'.

A startup cresce rápido todos os meses.

The startup grows fast every month.

Adverbial phrase 'todos os meses' for frequency.

Quero trabalhar em uma startup inovadora.

I want to work in an innovative startup.

Infinitive 'trabalhar' following 'quero'.

A startup ganhou um prêmio importante.

The startup won an important award.

Past tense 'ganhou' with adjective 'importante'.

Muitas startups falham no primeiro ano de operação.

Many startups fail in their first year of operation.

Verb 'falhar' in the present tense plural.

O ecossistema de startups no Brasil é muito vibrante.

The startup ecosystem in Brazil is very vibrant.

Noun 'ecossistema' modified by 'de startups'.

A startup decidiu pivotar seu modelo de negócio.

The startup decided to pivot its business model.

Infinitive 'pivotar' as a direct object of 'decidiu'.

Receber um aporte de um investidor-anjo mudou a startup.

Receiving a contribution from an angel investor changed the startup.

Gerund-like infinitive 'receber' as the subject.

A cultura da startup permite horários flexíveis.

The startup's culture allows for flexible hours.

Possessive 'da startup' modifying 'cultura'.

Eles estão procurando talentos para a startup deles.

They are looking for talent for their startup.

Possessive 'deles' (of them/their) following the noun.

A startup foca em resolver problemas sociais.

The startup focuses on solving social problems.

Verb 'focar' followed by the preposition 'em'.

É difícil conseguir lucro em uma startup no início.

It is difficult to achieve profit in a startup at the beginning.

Impersonal 'É difícil' followed by an infinitive.

A startup atingiu o break-even antes do esperado.

The startup reached break-even sooner than expected.

Use of business term 'break-even' integrated into Portuguese.

O Marco Legal das Startups trouxe mais segurança jurídica.

The Legal Framework for Startups brought more legal certainty.

Proper noun phrase for a specific law.

A escalabilidade é o principal diferencial dessa startup.

Scalability is the main differentiator of this startup.

Abstract noun 'escalabilidade' as the subject.

Várias startups estão sediadas no Porto Digital do Recife.

Several startups are headquartered in Recife's Porto Digital.

Passive voice 'estão sediadas' matching feminine plural.

A startup participou de uma rodada de investimentos série A.

The startup participated in a Series A funding round.

Compound noun 'rodada de investimentos'.

O pitch da startup convenceu os jurados do programa.

The startup's pitch convinced the program's judges.

English loanword 'pitch' used as a masculine noun.

A startup busca um modelo de receita recorrente.

The startup is looking for a recurring revenue model.

Adjective 'recorrente' modifying 'receita'.

Muitas startups de biotecnologia surgiram na pandemia.

Many biotechnology startups emerged during the pandemic.

Prepositional phrase 'de biotecnologia' specifying the sector.

A startup consolidou sua posição de liderança no mercado de fintechs.

The startup consolidated its leading position in the fintech market.

Complex sentence with direct object and prepositional phrases.

A queima de caixa da startup preocupa os acionistas minoritários.

The startup's cash burn worries the minority shareholders.

Idiomatic business expression 'queima de caixa'.

A startup está avaliando uma possível fusão com sua maior concorrente.

The startup is evaluating a possible merger with its biggest competitor.

Present continuous 'está avaliando' with complex objects.

O valuation da startup disparou após o lançamento do novo produto.

The startup's valuation skyrocketed after the launch of the new product.

Loanword 'valuation' used frequently in high-level business.

A startup adotou uma estratégia de 'blitzscaling' para dominar o setor.

The startup adopted a 'blitzscaling' strategy to dominate the sector.

Quoted English term used within a Portuguese grammatical structure.

A governança corporativa é um desafio para startups em hipercrescimento.

Corporate governance is a challenge for startups in hypergrowth.

Abstract concept 'governança corporativa' as subject.

A startup foi adquirida por uma multinacional por um valor bilionário.

The startup was acquired by a multinational for a billion-dollar amount.

Passive voice 'foi adquirida' with agent of the passive.

A resiliência dos fundadores é testada diariamente na rotina da startup.

The founders' resilience is tested daily in the startup's routine.

Subject 'resiliência' followed by possessive phrases.

A onipresença das startups na economia digital reconfigurou as relações de trabalho contemporâneas.

The omnipresence of startups in the digital economy has reconfigured contemporary labor relations.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('onipresença', 'reconfigurou').

O fenômeno das startups unicórnio levanta questões sobre a sustentabilidade do capital de risco a longo prazo.

The phenomenon of unicorn startups raises questions about the long-term sustainability of venture capital.

Complex subject with a multi-layered predicate.

A startup opera em uma zona cinzenta da regulação, desafiando os paradigmas jurídicos vigentes.

The startup operates in a regulatory gray zone, challenging current legal paradigms.

Metaphorical use of 'zona cinzenta' and 'paradigmas'.

A agilidade intrínseca à startup permite uma resposta célere às flutuações voláteis do mercado.

The agility intrinsic to the startup allows for a swift response to volatile market fluctuations.

Use of high-level adjectives like 'intrínseca', 'célere', and 'voláteis'.

A narrativa de disrupção propagada pela startup muitas vezes mascara vulnerabilidades estruturais no modelo de negócio.

The narrative of disruption propagated by the startup often masks structural vulnerabilities in the business model.

Sophisticated use of 'propagada' and 'vulnerabilidades'.

A simbiose entre startups e grandes corporações através do 'open innovation' é uma tendência irreversível.

The symbiosis between startups and large corporations through 'open innovation' is an irreversible trend.

Scientific metaphor 'simbiose' applied to business.

A startup logrou êxito ao democratizar o acesso a serviços financeiros anteriormente restritos à elite.

The startup succeeded in democratizing access to financial services previously restricted to the elite.

Formal verb 'lograr êxito' and 'democratizar'.

A saturação do mercado de startups de entrega exige uma diferenciação baseada em inteligência de dados e logística avançada.

The saturation of the delivery startup market requires differentiation based on data intelligence and advanced logistics.

Gerund-like 'baseada em' and complex noun phrases.

Common Collocations

startup unicórnio

ecossistema de startups

rodada de investimento

aceleradora de startups

modelo de negócio

capital de risco

investidor-anjo

escalabilidade rápida

pivotar o negócio

validação de mercado

Common Phrases

Trabalhar em uma startup

— To work in a startup environment. Implies agility and risk.

Trabalhar em uma startup é emocionante.

Montar uma startup

— To set up or start a startup. Very common for entrepreneurs.

Ele quer montar uma startup de entregas.

Vender a startup

— To exit or sell the company to a larger corporation.

Eles venderam a startup para o Google.

Startup em estágio inicial

— An early-stage startup, usually pre-revenue.

Investimos apenas em startups em estágio inicial.

Queimar caixa

— To spend investor money quickly to gain market share.

A startup está queimando caixa para crescer.

Fazer um pitch

— To present a startup idea to potential investors.

Amanhã vou fazer um pitch da minha startup.

Startup de garagem

— A startup that started with very few resources, often literally in a garage.

Muitas gigantes hoje foram startups de garagem.

Ecossistema vibrante

— A community of startups that is very active and successful.

Lisboa tem um ecossistema vibrante de startups.

Aporte financeiro

— A financial injection or investment into the company.

A startup recebeu um aporte financeiro milionário.

Sair da startup

— To leave a job at a startup or to exit as a founder.

Ele decidiu sair da startup para descansar.

Often Confused With

startup vs Empresa Júnior

A student-run enterprise in universities, not necessarily a high-growth startup.

startup vs Pequena Empresa

A traditional small business like a shop or bakery.

startup vs Incubadora

The place or program that helps startups, not the company itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pôr a mão na massa"

— To get your hands dirty; to work hard on the practical aspects. Very common in startup culture.

Em uma startup, todo mundo tem que pôr a mão na massa.

Informal

"Pensar fora da caixa"

— To think outside the box; to be innovative.

Para criar uma startup, é preciso pensar fora da caixa.

Neutral

"Crescer como rabo de cavalo"

— To grow downwards (lose money/value). Used ironically for failing startups.

Aquela startup está crescendo como rabo de cavalo.

Informal/Humorous

"Dar um gás"

— To speed up or put more effort into something.

Precisamos dar um gás na startup para o lançamento.

Informal

"Fazer muito com pouco"

— To achieve a lot with very few resources (bootstrapping).

O segredo da nossa startup é fazer muito com pouco.

Neutral

"Estar no radar"

— To be noticed or being watched by investors.

Nossa startup já está no radar dos grandes fundos.

Business

"Vestir a camisa"

— To be fully committed to the company's cause.

Os funcionários da startup vestem a camisa de verdade.

Neutral

"Bater a meta"

— To reach the goal/target.

A startup conseguiu bater a meta de usuários este mês.

Business

"Nadar contra a maré"

— To go against the market trend.

Essa startup está nadando contra a maré do setor.

Neutral

"Chutar o balde"

— To give up or act impulsively. Sometimes used when a founder quits.

O CEO chutou o balde e abandonou a startup.

Informal

Easily Confused

startup vs Empresa

Both mean company.

Empresa is generic; Startup is specific to high-growth and innovation.

Toda startup é uma empresa, mas nem toda empresa é uma startup.

startup vs Negócio

Both refer to a business.

Negócio is more about the deal or the commercial activity.

Meu negócio é vender software para startups.

startup vs Empreendimento

Both refer to a venture.

Empreendimento can also refer to a real estate project.

Este empreendimento imobiliário não tem nada a ver com uma startup.

startup vs Companhia

Synonym for company.

Companhia sounds more corporate and established.

A companhia aérea comprou uma startup de logística.

startup vs Firma

Old-fashioned word for company.

Firma sounds like a law firm or a traditional small office.

O meu avô chamava a empresa dele de firma, não de startup.

Sentence Patterns

Eu trabalho em uma [startup].

Eu trabalho em uma startup.

A [startup] é muito [adjetivo].

A startup é muito inovadora.

Eles estão buscando [investimento] para a [startup].

Eles estão buscando investimento para a startup.

O [modelo de negócio] da [startup] é [escalável].

O modelo de negócio da startup é escalável.

A [startup] recebeu um [aporte] de [valor].

A startup recebeu um aporte de dez milhões.

A [disrupção] causada pela [startup] alterou o [setor].

A disrupção causada pela startup alterou o setor bancário.

Você conhece a [startup] [Nome]?

Você conhece a startup iFood?

A [startup] foca em [tecnologia].

A startup foca em inteligência artificial.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in business, tech, and urban contexts.

Common Mistakes

O startup é inovador. → A startup é inovadora.
Startup is feminine in Portuguese because 'empresa' is feminine.
Eu trabalho em um startup. → Eu trabalho em uma startup.
Incorrect use of the masculine indefinite article.
Minha startup é um padaria. → Minha empresa é uma padaria.
A traditional bakery is usually not called a startup unless it has a tech/scalable model.
As startupes brasileiras. → As startups brasileiras.
The plural of startup in Portuguese follows the English 's' rule.
Fazer o pitch do meu startup. → Fazer o pitch da minha startup.
Contraction 'do' (de + o) is masculine; should be 'da' (de + a).

Tips

Gender Consistency

Always pair 'startup' with feminine articles and adjectives. If you say 'Essa startup é fantástico', you are mixing genders. It should be 'Essa startup é fantástica'.

Sectors

Learn to combine 'startup' with sectors. 'Startup de saúde', 'startup de finanças', 'startup de educação'. This makes your speech more precise.

The Brazilian 'i'

In Brazil, words starting with 'S' followed by a consonant often get a leading 'i' sound. Start -> Istar. Startup -> Istartup. This will help you be understood more easily.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, the pronunciation is closer to the British 'startup', while in Brazil it's closer to the American version with the added vowels.

Startup Jargon

Don't be afraid to use English business terms like 'pitch', 'feedback', and 'deadline' when talking about startups in Portuguese; they are very common.

Pluralization

When writing, use 'startups'. Don't try to make it look Portuguese by writing 'startupes'—that doesn't exist.

If you are looking for a job, search for 'vagas em startups'. This is the standard term used on job boards.

Scalability

Remember the word 'escalabilidade'. It is the most important concept linked to startups in Portuguese business discussions.

Introductions

When introducing your business, say 'Eu sou fundador de uma startup chamada...' to sound professional.

Modernity

Use the word 'startup' when you want to emphasize that a company is modern, tech-savvy, and fast-growing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Star' going 'Up'. A startup is a company that wants to reach the stars by going up very fast.

Visual Association

Imagine a small rocket (the startup) in a pink dress (because it is feminine: 'a' startup) taking off from a computer.

Word Web

Escalabilidade Inovação Tecnologia Risco Investimento Agilidade Disrupção Fundador

Challenge

Try to name three Brazilian or Portuguese startups and use them in a sentence with the feminine article 'a'.

Word Origin

Borrowed from English 'startup' (start + up), which began to be used for businesses in the 1970s.

Original meaning: The act of setting something in motion.

Germanic (English loanword in Romance language).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'startup' for very small, non-tech businesses; it can sound like you are trying too hard to be modern.

English speakers will find it easy to use, but must resist the urge to use 'the' (o) as masculine.

Nubank (Brazil's most famous startup) Farfetch (Portugal's first unicorn) Shark Tank Brasil (TV show)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

Por que você quer trabalhar nesta startup?
Eu tenho experiência em startups.
Gosto do ambiente ágil da startup.
Como é a cultura da startup?

Business News

A startup recebeu investimento.
Nova startup unicórnio no Brasil.
O setor de startups está em alta.
A startup anunciou expansão.

Networking Event

Qual é a sua startup?
Estou procurando investidores para minha startup.
Você conhece alguma startup de saúde?
O ecossistema de startups aqui é ótimo.

University

A faculdade tem uma incubadora de startups.
Quero transformar meu TCC em uma startup.
Curso de empreendedorismo para startups.
Workshop sobre como montar uma startup.

Casual Conversation

Minha startup é bem legal.
Trabalhar em startup dá muito trabalho.
Você viu aquela startup nova?
Ele largou tudo pela startup.

Conversation Starters

"Você já pensou em montar sua própria startup algum dia?"

"Qual é a sua startup brasileira favorita e por quê?"

"Você acha que trabalhar em uma startup é melhor do que em uma empresa grande?"

"Como você descreveria o ecossistema de startups na sua cidade?"

"Qual tecnologia você usaria para criar uma startup inovadora hoje?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma ideia de startup que poderia resolver um problema no seu bairro.

Descreva as vantagens e desvantagens de trabalhar em uma startup em vez de uma corporação.

Se você recebesse um milhão de reais para investir em uma startup, qual setor você escolheria?

Como você imagina que será o futuro das startups de inteligência artificial no Brasil?

Relate uma história fictícia sobre o primeiro dia de um funcionário em uma startup caótica.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

O correto é 'a startup'. Como a palavra equivalente em português é 'empresa' (feminino), o gênero atribuído ao estrangeirismo é feminino. Exemplo: 'A startup brasileira cresceu muito'.

O plural mais comum e aceito é 'startups', seguindo a regra da língua inglesa original. Exemplo: 'Existem várias startups no ecossistema'.

Não. Uma startup precisa ter um modelo de negócio escalável e, geralmente, um forte componente tecnológico ou inovador. Uma padaria nova é uma 'nova empresa', mas não uma startup.

A pronúncia mais comum é 'is-tár-tã-pi', com um som de 'i' no início e no fim, típico do sotaque brasileiro para palavras terminadas em consoantes mudas.

É uma startup que atingiu uma avaliação de mercado de pelo menos 1 bilhão de dólares antes de abrir capital na bolsa de valores.

Sim, pode-se usar 'empresa nascente' ou 'empresa iniciante', mas 'startup' é muito mais comum no dia a dia empresarial.

Significa mudar significativamente a estratégia ou o modelo de negócio da empresa quando o plano original não está funcionando.

É uma organização que oferece mentoria, espaço e, às vezes, capital para ajudar startups a crescerem mais rápido em um curto período.

Sim, pois muitas startups falham nos primeiros anos, mas também oferece oportunidades de aprendizado rápido e crescimento acelerado.

É uma lei brasileira criada para facilitar a criação e o investimento em startups, reduzindo a burocracia e dando mais segurança jurídica.