Recently I came across a company which has been in business for last 3 years but calls itself a startup! So this got me thinking – what kind of company should call itself a startup? Here is how wiki defines startup –

'A startup company or start-up is a company with a limited operating history..'

So technically a company which does not have a ‘limited operating history’ should not call itself a startup, right. But I have come across an increasing number of companies which call themselves startup for variety of reasons. I think the following situations/facts triggers the brainwave in senior management to call themself a startup

1. Company does not have any revenue. Nothing. Zilch. Absolute Zero
2. Company burns more cash than what it makes.
3. Employees come shabbily dressed to office. (Senior Management Brainwave – It is easier to call myself a startup then to convice engineers to dress properly)
4. I don’t know what my business model is
5. There are no clear defined roles for employees. (Senior Management Brainwave – Hiring HR is too expensive, let me call ourself a startup)
6. I have been a geek all my life. How do I impress girls? Hmm.. let me start operating from a garage. Bingo ! I have a startup and it sounds cool too. Chicks here I come

I am waiting for the day when the companies which exist in ideas only can also be called startups. That day I will become owner of atleast five companies.