Bleeding Edge

Little did the emo band “Bleeding Edge” know how nerdy their name really was.

In finance, “bleeding edge” refers to a product or service that’s so new, it’s newer than new. It’s newer than “leading edge," and even “cutting edge” technology. Wowza.

Because it’s sooooo new, not that many people are using it. If bleeding edge tech fails to pass the testing to make it cutting edge, then the product will fail, and the consumers will have to find somewhere else to go.

Fun fact: the U.S. military often uses bleeding-edge tech that eventually becomes cutting edge, and makes its way into mainstream consumer goods.

Find other enlightening terms in Shmoop Finance Genius Bar(f)