scale stage – n : the third stage of the Venture Value Chain. In the Scale stage, the company typically raises institutional financing (equity or debt) to enable rapid scaling of the enterprise. Key tasks of the Scale stage include: recruiting and orienting management and staff; building infrastructure (systems, processes and procedures) necessary to grow the business; developing and refining the product line; developing/strengthening the brand and building brand recognition; and expanding sales. The Scale stage is the make-or-break stage for many startup companies. It is during this stage that a company’s products or services must Cross the Chasm from selling to early adopter customers to selling to the far more numerous, but difficult-to-please, early majority customers.

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Adapted from "The CompanyCrafters Entrepreneur's Dictionary"
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