bootstrapper
Self-funded venture creator
A bootstrapper is someone who builds something—typically a business—through their own efforts and resources rather than outside funding.
The term evokes the impossible image of pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps, now meaning self-reliance and initiative: As a bootstrapper, she grew the company without venture capital.
In computing, a bootstrapper is a small program that initiates a larger system's startup sequence.
One who begins something
- self-starterOne with initiative
- hustlerAggressive, unscrupulous earner
- solopreneurSelf-employed business owner
- ownerHolder of title
proprietor · risk-taker · pioneer · visionary · innovator · businessperson · capitalist · merchant
Determination or abrasive particles
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
resilience · hustle · scrappiness · resourcefulness · drive · ambition · persistence · resolve
Lacking fat; incline
- frugalSparing with resources
- scrappyAggressively spirited despite odds
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
- ingenuityClever, original thinking
creativity · adaptability · problem-solving · efficiency · economizing · minimalism · pragmatism · versatility
Risky new undertaking
- incubatorControlled warming enclosure
- acceleratorSpeed control mechanism
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
- launchSet into motion
MVP · scalable · disruptive · equity · crowdfunding · pivot · runway · traction
founder
One who begins something
- self-starterOne with initiative
- hustlerAggressive, unscrupulous earner
- solopreneurSelf-employed business owner
owner · proprietor · risk-taker · pioneer · visionary · innovator · businessperson · capitalist · merchant · trader
grit
Determination or abrasive particles
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- self-relianceDepending on oneself alone
tenacity · resilience · hustle · scrappiness · resourcefulness · drive · ambition · persistence · resolve · dedication
lean
Lacking fat; incline
- frugalSparing with resources
- scrappyAggressively spirited despite odds
- improvisationSpontaneous, unplanned creation
ingenuity · creativity · adaptability · problem-solving · efficiency · economizing · minimalism · pragmatism · versatility · savvy
venture
Risky new undertaking
- incubatorControlled warming enclosure
- acceleratorSpeed control mechanism
- prototypeFirst functional specimen
launch · MVP · scalable · disruptive · equity · crowdfunding · pivot · runway · traction · iteration
- entrepreneursfounder, co-founder, startup founder, business owner, serial entrepreneur
- go-gettersgo-getter, striver, achiever, hustler, driven
- independencefreedom, liberty, Independence Day, autonomy, sovereignty
- disruptorsUber, disruptor, Airbnb, disruption, Netflix
- small frysmall fry, small-fry, pipsqueak, little guy, nobody
- dependency injectioninjector, provider, service provider, resolver, wiring
bootstrappertrust fund kid
Youth with inherited wealth
dependent · freeloader · moocher · free rider · leaner
bootstrappertrust fund baby
One living off family money
heir · heiress · silver spoon · old money · nepo baby