Ltd. is a common abbreviation of the word “limited”, which refers to a specific kind of corporate structure. This type of corporate structure is available in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada, and is indicated in a company's name with a suffix of “Ltd.” or “limited”.

A limited company is a business structure that limits liability for corporate loss or debt to the company itself, rather than extending mention loss or debt out to individual owners or investors. Limited companies can also offer benefits such as tax advantages and the ability to raise capital. These benefits have made limited companies attractive to entrepreneurs who wish to start a business without risking their private assets.

In terms of differences in limited companies, the two main classes are those of public limited companies (PLCs) and private limited companies. Private limited companies are owned by an individual or small group of shareholders and are generally too small to be publicly traded on any stock exchange. Public limited companies, on the other hand, can be publicly traded and are usually owned by a larger group of investors.

Overall, when considering options for any startup, setting up as a limited company can be an attractive option due to the limited liability offered and the tax advantages available. Additionally, while private limited companies may be more accessible to new business owners, depending on the size and nature of the business, the guidance offered by a public limited company and access to the financial capital in the public markets may be of interest to business owners who are looking for a longer-term, ambitious business venture.