Framework
Growth comes in steps (S-curves), not a straight line
Growth is a series of plateaus and step-ups (or S-curves) triggered by milestones; companies look exponential only when they start the next curve in time.
Growth is a series of plateaus and step-ups (or S-curves) triggered by milestones; companies look exponential only when they start the next curve in time.
Components
- Rapid growth
- Plateau
- Milestone or new S-curve
- Step up again
Who describes it
- Ryan Chen — Step-change growth: Ryan describes growth as neither linear nor a hockey stick but a series of step changes triggered by milestones, such as Shark Tank. (Ryan Chen · Ryan Chen (Feb 2025) ▶ 11:29)
- Guillaume Moubeche — Growth as S curves: Company growth is never truly exponential; it is a series of S curves with plateaus, and only companies that plan the next S curve look exponential. (Guillaume Moubeche · Guillaume Moubeche (Dec 2024) ▶ 15:16)