10x

10x is a multiplier indicating a tenfold increase. In mathematics it denotes ten times the amount of a reference value, and in everyday language it describes something that is ten times larger, faster, or more effective than another thing.

In business and technology, 10x is used as a shorthand for outsized impact or performance. Common phrases include 10x growth, 10x teams, and 10x returns. The term is often aspirational or promotional, emphasizing leverage, scale, and disruptive approaches rather than a formal metric.

10x engineer is a commonly discussed concept describing a developer whose output, problem-solving ability, and influence are purportedly ten times that of an average engineer. The idea is debated, with critics noting that productivity is not strictly linear and that the label can be vague or misleading. In practice, higher 10x impact is often attributed to factors such as scalable architectures, effective tooling, streamlined processes, and strong collaboration rather than to a single individual working alone.

In investing and branding, a 10x return refers to an investment that has grown tenfold. The term is widespread in venture capital, startups, and fundraising as a benchmark or aspirational target. Some companies adopt 10x as part of their branding to signal rapid growth or transformative technology. An example in the biotechnology sector is 10x Genomics, a company known for its sequencing platforms and its association with the 10x branding.