Sorry, had to post off-topic comment, but "11-year-old start-up" just ... dunno, doesn't sound exactly right :-) I think we have banks in Finland that are younger than that and nobody calls them start-ups either :-)

dee,

Good point.

Why I labeled Futuremark a startup, after talking to Tero Sarkkinen, is because of their continuous efforts to sustain a startup culture in the firm for example through selective recruitment.

In general, the debate about the point at which a company ceases to be a a startup is an interesting one. I want to believe that regardless of the age of a company one can cherish a startup culture, risk taking and give people the needed freedom to break some rules if they see a lucrative opportunity for a new product that they strongly believe in.

Having said that, this may not mean that a company should be labeled a startup.

What do you consider a startup?

start-up or startup n.

1. The act or process of setting into operation or motion.
2. A business or an undertaking that has recently begun operation: grew from a tiny start-up to a multimillion-dollar corporation.

So basically I think if the company has proven itself already in the markets by operating several years, it is not anymore considered as a startup.

Thanks Pete. A valid description but is it the only one possible? Can a company be a startup only because it embodies a startup culture?

It all depends on one's perspective. I think in Finland Futuremark has already entered medium size company ranks according to some "old school" industry classifications. Yet I still consider Futuremark to be very start up minded and having a strong start up type of company culture.

Perhaps the most appropriate category would be that of a growth company. Anyways, I am always happy to contribute my learning and experience to folks at all companies who are serious about growing internationally be those companies just recently founded or a little bit longer in their development.

Cheers,

Tero