Glossary · Fundraising rounds
Pre-seed
The earliest institutional-style checks before a classic seed: often angels, micro-funds, or small SAFEs to build the first product and team. Labels blur by city — focus on what milestone the money buys, not the name.
Related: Seed round · Inversor ángel · SAFE · Priced round
A bit more nuance▾
- Some markets skip “pre-seed” language and call everything seed.
- Pre-seed usually means less dilution discipline pressure than a priced seed — until SAFEs stack.
Go deeper▾
Discussion questions▾
- What proof would make you graduate from pre-seed to a larger seed?
- How many bridges away from a real seed are you comfortable taking?
Educational reference only — not legal, tax, or investment advice. Terms vary by country and deal; ask a qualified professional when it matters.