A startup's growth is often marked by its progression through key funding stages, with each "series" of funding marking an update in the company's valuation and future potential. The pre-seed stage provides early capital resources to build prototypes or proof of concept, while seed funding helps launch products and penetrate markets. Series A and beyond provide more significant funding rounds, with Series C and later rounds focusing on key business goals and eventual "exit" strategies such as initial public offerings (IPO) or acquisitions. The journey to IPO is marked by a focus on building a complete team, emphasizing continued growth, and demonstrating stable financial performance. Ultimately, the decision to pursue IPO or acquisition depends on the company's ultimate goals, with no set timeline for progression through funding stages.