Startup runway & founder finances
How much time does my cash really buy?
Runway is a description of a cash scenario. It changes when customers pay late, expenses arrive early, or the founder needs money from the business. A company bank balance and a household bank balance answer different questions.
Keep the two forecasts separate and connect them through an explicit founder payment. Use the calculator for a first estimate, then check actual cash timing in a forecast. These resources focus on the decisions a cash number should inform: what to test next, which commitments remain affordable, and when to reopen the plan.
Questions worth answering
- Which cash is available, and which is already committed?
- How does the forecast change if the next payment arrives late?
- What decision needs to happen before cash runs out?
Start here
How to calculate startup runway without hiding the assumptions
Calculate cash runway, distinguish gross from net burn, and stress-test customer payments and founder expenses.
Read the guide and use the worksheet →Use your own numbers
Startup Runway Calculator
Estimate cash runway from expenses, income, reserves and buffers. Compare scenarios using your own assumptions.
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Quit Calculator
Calculate your runway, risk level, and safe quit date based on your savings and revenue trajectory.
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Consulting Pricing Calculator
Explore project pricing from your revenue goal, client capacity and estimated client value. The suggested range uses illustrative multipliers.
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From the field
Personal accounts behind the questions. Each essay reflects when it was written.