HomeFinance & EconomicsStartups & Venture CapitalWhat is NPS (Net Promoter Score)?
Finance & Economics·2 min·Updated Mar 11, 2026

What is NPS (Net Promoter Score)?

Net Promoter Score

Quick Answer

Net Promoter Score (NPS) is a metric used to gauge customer loyalty and satisfaction by asking how likely customers are to recommend a company's products or services. It helps businesses understand their customers' feelings and improve their offerings based on feedback.

Overview

Net Promoter Score is a simple yet powerful tool that measures customer loyalty. Companies ask customers one key question: "On a scale from 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our product or service to a friend or colleague?" Based on their responses, customers are categorized into three groups: promoters, passives, and detractors. Promoters are loyal customers who will spread positive word-of-mouth, while detractors may harm the brand's reputation. This scoring system provides businesses with a clear picture of their customer base's loyalty. To calculate the NPS, you subtract the percentage of detractors from the percentage of promoters. For example, if 60% of respondents are promoters and 20% are detractors, the NPS would be 40. This score helps companies identify areas for improvement and track their performance over time. In the context of startups and venture capital, a high NPS can attract investors, as it indicates a strong customer base and potential for growth. Understanding NPS is crucial for startups as it directly impacts their success. A startup with a high NPS is likely to see increased customer retention and referrals, which can lead to rapid growth. For instance, a tech startup that consistently receives high NPS scores may find it easier to secure funding from venture capitalists who are looking for promising companies with loyal customers.


Frequently Asked Questions

NPS is calculated by subtracting the percentage of detractors from the percentage of promoters. This gives a score that can range from -100 to +100, reflecting overall customer loyalty.
A good NPS score typically falls between 30 and 50, indicating a healthy level of customer loyalty. Scores above 50 are considered excellent, while scores below 0 suggest significant issues with customer satisfaction.
Companies should measure NPS regularly, ideally quarterly or biannually, to track changes in customer sentiment over time. Frequent measurement allows businesses to respond quickly to customer feedback and make necessary improvements.