According to a Polytechnic State nerd on Quora, “a start-up is a noun and correct as hyphenated. Startup is not a word but often used in the vernacular.” For some context, you can use the term non-profit or nonprofit, and either form is considered fine.

Is there a hyphen in startups?

Start-up is the name of a certain type of business. This means that it's a noun, and that means that the correct way to spell it is with a hyphen. ... On the other hand the word startup could also be described as jargon or slang. This means that it's an informal word and can be spelt anyway you choose.

Is it start up or startup or start up?

Startup is the industry norm for those working with new and small businesses, as well as being more popular in general (which is why we opted for it). However, as long as you choose a variant and use it consistently, both are acceptable.