Startups
- Players
- 3-7
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 20 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.6 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Startups is a light, fast-paced investment card game where players try to become the biggest shareholder across six companies poised to change the world. Using hidden cards and careful reading of opponents' moves, you'll try to time your investments to cash out at the right moment before someone else beats you to it. With a playtime of just 20 minutes and support for 3-7 players, it's designed as an accessible, tense card game that rewards both luck and cunning. Everyone is watching everyone else's moves in this quick game of shifting fortunes.
Hobbli's Notes
Startups is a snappy little investment game that punches above its light rules with real bluffing tension: reading your opponents' hidden cards and timing your cash-outs makes for surprisingly sharp decisions in a short package. It's a great warm-up or closer for a game night, especially with a full table.
What we like
- Very quick playtime of about 20 minutes.
- Scales well to larger groups of up to 7 players.
- Simple rules paired with genuine bluffing tension.
- Easy to teach to new or casual players.
Keep in mind
- Light strategic depth compared to full investment or economic games.
- Success leans heavily on reading opponents and some luck.
- May feel too simple for dedicated hobbyist gamers.
Who it's for
Casual gamers and families; scales well from 3 up to 7 players for a quick, energetic filler.
