How much runway should a new startup have?

It is generally recommended to have at least 6 to 12 months of runway (cash reserves) before launch to account for slow early revenue growth.

What is included in monthly burn rate?

Monthly burn rate includes all recurring costs such as rent, salaries, software subscriptions, insurance, and marketing overhead.

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Launch Engine

Startup Cost Architect

Map out your path to sustainability. Estimate one-time launch capital, monthly operational burn, and your total runway requirements instantly.

Add Expenses

Expense Name

Amount ($)

Type

Expense List

Equipment & Hardware

One-Time

$2000.00

Estimated Capital Needed

$2000.00

Includes 100% of one-time costs + 6 months of operating runway.

One-Time Costs

$2000.00

Monthly Burn

$0.00

Tip: Most startups underestimate their costs by 30%. Consider adding a "Contingency Fund" item.

Burn Rate Logic

Every venture starts with a deficit. The goal of startup financial planning is to minimize the "Valley of Death"—the period between initial investment and positive cash flow. Precision in estimating your burn ensures you don't run out of oxygen before reaching Orbit.

One-Time Capex

Upfront capital expenditures: equipment, legal fees, branding, and security deposits. These are the fixed costs to "turn on the lights."

Monthly Opex

Recurring operating expenses: rent, payroll, and SaaS. Determining your monthly burn is the primary survival metric for any founder.

The Runway Protocol

Capital Logic

Cash ÷ Monthly Burn

Survival Index

Total Runway

Most startups fail because they run out of runway before reaching "default alive" status. Aim for at least 18 months of projected runway if you are in the pre-revenue growth phase.