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FGeneralUpdated 2 Nov 2026

Financial leverage

Use of borrowed money to increase potential returns on investment.

Definition

Financial leverage is the use of borrowed money to increase potential returns on investment. Founders reach for it when a vague conversation needs a shared, specific meaning. Name it clearly, then let the next decision — a hire, a price, a test, or a pass — follow from that meaning.

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In the room

How the word shows up in a real conversation.

Two cofounders disagree until they define Financial leverage. Once they agree it means “Use of borrowed money to increase potential returns on investment”, the argument becomes a decision.

Common mistake

Using Financial leverage as a label instead of a fact. If you cannot point to the evidence — a number, a customer, or a written assumption — you are using the word as jargon.

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