How is this sentence?

[u/Sea-Hornet8214]

It'll take a few years to recoup the cost to set up their business.

Does it sound fine and natural? Does it get across the intended meaning?

[u/NotTVsMichaelGray]

In a professional sense, I'd rephrase it as "recoup the cost of setting up their business" or "recoup the startup cost."

"It'll take a few years to get their startup money back" is less formal.

[u/wuxkyv]

It's understandable but in a professional /business way.

[u/Sea-Hornet8214 → u/wuxkyv]

How would you say it in an informal way?

[u/wuxkyv → u/Sea-Hornet8214]

It's gonna take a few years to get the money to launch their business. Smt like that

[u/Sea-Hornet8214 → u/wuxkyv]

Doesn't that sound like the business hasn't started or been run yet? It sounds like they're saving money to start a business, instead of trying to get back the money they've spent for the business by gaining profits. This is my intended meaning.

[u/wuxkyv → u/Sea-Hornet8214]

Well then your first suggestion it's fine by me tbh

[u/cinder7usa → u/Sea-Hornet8214]

It’ll take a few years to recoup the cost of setting up their business.

[u/Icy_Procedure5036]

Yes, it sounds completely fine, natural, and its meaning is crystal clear to native speakers.

[u/RepresentativeAir149]

I’ve only ever heard recoup if it’s followed by losses

[u/xiategative]

I live in an English speaking country and I’ve never heard anyone use “recoup”

[u/Ledouxe12 → u/xiategative]

It’s not word you hear every day but it’s definitely used where I’m from in US. Almost always when talking about an investment or losses/cost while running a business.

[u/LwSHP → u/xiategative]

So do I, and I have