In the context of entrepreneurship, capital is best defined as:

In the context of entrepreneurship, capital is fundamentally understood as the funds required for launching and sustaining a business. This definition encompasses all financial resources needed to cover initial costs, including expenses related to the setup, operation, and growth of the enterprise. Capital serves as a critical component in facilitating the transformation of business ideas into tangible ventures, enabling entrepreneurs to acquire assets, hire employees, and invest in marketing, among other important activities crucial for the success of their business.

While equipment and supplies are important for production, they fall under the category of physical capital rather than defining capital as a whole. The number of employees relates to human resources rather than capital, and market share pertains to the business’s competitive standing in the marketplace rather than its financial resources. Therefore, recognizing capital primarily as the funds required provides the most comprehensive and relevant understanding of its role within entrepreneurship.