noun

bootstrapping

/ˈbuːtstræpɪŋ/ · say it: BOOT·strap·ing

building a company using only its own revenue, no outside funding

In more detail

1. (noun) the process of starting or developing something from scratch with minimal resources or help from others

2. (noun) in computing, the process of loading an operating system or program into a computer's memory when the computer is turned on

Examples

1. The startup succeeded through bootstrapping by reinvesting profits rather than seeking venture capital.
2. The computer's bootstrapping process takes several seconds before you can use it.

How to use bootstrapping

Bootstrapping describes beginning an endeavor with limited external resources or support, emphasizing self-reliance and resourcefulness. In business contexts, it often refers to founding and growing a company without significant external funding. In computing, it refers to the automated process of initializing a system. The business usage is metaphorical (derived from the impossible notion of lifting oneself by one's bootstraps), while the computing usage is technical and literal.

Common phrases

bootstrapping a startup
bootstrapping a business
bootstrapping an economy
bootstrapping a system
bootstrapping process
successful bootstrapping

Synonyms

starting from scratch · self-starting · self-made · pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps · initialization

Opposites

outsourcing · relying on external help

Word family

bootstrap (noun, verb) · bootstrapped (adjective) · bootstrapper (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse bootstrapping with outsourcing or delegation, forgetting that bootstrapping emphasizes doing things yourself with limited resources rather than paying others to help.

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