A to Z · 1055 Terms

Real estate & finance, demystified.

The jargon can be exhausting. Here’s a plain-English glossary covering real estate, lending, investment, and the business-finance ecosystem that surrounds them.

Download the full glossary

Business Finance

Runway

The number of months a business can operate at its current burn rate before running out of cash.

Business Finance

Working Capital

Current assets minus current liabilities — a measure of short-term liquidity.

Business Finance

Working Capital Loan

Short-term financing for everyday operating expenses.

Brokerage & Agency

Procuring Cause

The agent whose efforts directly led to a buyer’s purchase — entitled to commission.

Business Finance

Burn Rate

The rate at which a company spends cash, often used in startups.

Business Finance

Business Valuation

Determining a company’s fair market value using income, market, or asset approaches.

Business Finance

Cap Table Dilution

Reduction in existing owners’ percentage stake when new equity is issued.

Business Finance

Capital Lease

A lease treated as an asset purchase with associated debt on the balance sheet.

Business Finance

Cash Accounting

Recording revenue and expenses only when cash changes hands.

Business Finance

Cash Conversion Cycle

Days inventory + DSO – DPO; how long cash is tied up in operations.

Business Finance

Cash Flow Statement

A financial report showing cash inflows and outflows from operations, investing, and financing.

Business Finance

Convertible Debt

Loans that can convert into equity under specific conditions.