Hockey stick effect: symbol of exponential growth

The hockey stick effect describes a growth curve in business, and particularly in start-ups, that shows a sudden and sharp increase after initially moderate growth, similar to the shape of a hockey stick. This curve symbolises the moment when a company experiences a significant increase in turnover, user numbers or other key metrics after overcoming initial challenges and successfully establishing itself on the market. The hockey stick effect is an aspirational goal for start-ups as it signals the achievement of a critical breakthrough and the beginning of a phase of rapid and sustainable growth.