Pivot
Noun · Verb · Startup & VC · Origin: 2009
Definitions
A structured course correction that tests a new fundamental hypothesis about the product, business model, or growth engine. Often euphemistically used to describe 'our original idea failed so we're trying something completely different.'
In plain English: When a startup realizes its original idea isn't working and changes direction — sometimes slightly, sometimes drastically. Instagram pivoted from a check-in app called Burbn.
Etymology
- 1840s
- From French 'pivoter' (to rotate on a point), entering English as a term for a fundamental change of direction
- 2009
- Eric Ries formalizes the startup pivot in Lean Startup methodology — a structured course correction based on validated learning
- 2010s
- Famous pivots become startup lore: Slack (from a game), YouTube (from a dating site), Instagram (from Burbn check-in app)