'start-up' originates from English, specifically the combination of 'start' and 'up', where 'start' meant 'to begin' and 'up' indicated 'movement or progress'.

'start-up' evolved from the phrase 'start up' used in the context of beginning a business or project, eventually becoming the modern noun 'start-up'.

Initially, it meant 'to begin a project or business', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a newly established business'.