You see, I can get behind the usage of the word 'Disrupt' - to interrupt the normal course or unity of - Because that's often what happens when a startup enters a market to take market share from entrenched competitors who have been sailing along with a legacy for years.
But I can't get behind changing the meaning of the word 'startup' based on geographic location. The meaning is literally in the word. To start up a new venture. Nothing about 5% weekly growth. Nothing about seeking a business model - because when the word was coined nobody had to 'seek' a business model, people just paid money for goods and services. There's your business model. Of course that part has become a little lost in Silicon Valley recently.
I love the subtle patronization in your post. "You are building a small business." "You are among solid companions with your local plumbers, restaurants, and barbers."
My brother in-law has a bootstrapped SaaS company making six figures per month at a profit margin of almost 100%.
Is he building a small business? Is he among his local plumbers and barbers?
But I can't get behind changing the meaning of the word 'startup' based on geographic location. The meaning is literally in the word. To start up a new venture. Nothing about 5% weekly growth. Nothing about seeking a business model - because when the word was coined nobody had to 'seek' a business model, people just paid money for goods and services. There's your business model. Of course that part has become a little lost in Silicon Valley recently.