orig. U.S. A business or enterprise that is in the process of starting up, or that has just been established; a startup company, venture, etc.
They cite these early usages in print:
1975 Chicago Defender 20 Sept. 23/1 The many problems faced by any new start up, but most assuredly by a black financial institution.
1986 Your Business Mar. 11/3 There are the small businesses; the heroic little start-ups in their garages and garden sheds.
Start-up company in the modern sense was first used in 70's
orig. U.S. A business or enterprise that is in the process of starting up, or that has just been established; a startup company, venture, etc.
They cite these early usages in print:
1975 Chicago Defender 20 Sept. 23/1 The many problems faced by any new start up, but most assuredly by a black financial institution.
1986 Your Business Mar. 11/3 There are the small businesses; the heroic little start-ups in their garages and garden sheds.