Seed capital (Seed money)

Financing of a project or a product at a very early stage (generally up to 18 months of existence), when the project is not fully operational yet.

Senior debt

Bank debt repayable over 5-7 years.

Shareholder's agreement

Agreement binding the various shareholders of a company. Includes clauses regarding the management of the company, financial control procedures, conditions of capital increases, exit mechanisms etc.

Sleeping partner

Passive partner not much involved in the monitoring of its investment.

Spin-off

Buyout of a subsidiary or an economic entity of a larger group

Start-up

Newly created innovative and high growth potential company.

Stock-options

“Calls” which allow managers to buy shares of a company under advantageous conditions.