point of departure

(noun) a place from which an enterprise or expedition is launched. Synonyms: jumping-off place, point of departure. Examples: "One day when i was at a suitable jumping-off place i decided to see if i could find him." "My point of departure was san francisco."

(noun) a beginning from which an enterprise is launched. Synonyms: springboard, jumping-off point, point of departure. Examples: "He uses other people's ideas as a springboard for his own." "Reality provides the jumping-off point for his illusions." "The point of departure of international comparison cannot be an institution but must be the function it carries out."