Startup glossary

What is startup runway?

Startup runway is an estimate of how long available cash would last under stated cash-flow assumptions. A simple calculation divides available cash by average monthly net cash outflow when that outflow is positive.

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How to use this concept

The simple estimate assumes the monthly pattern continues. One-time costs, delayed receipts, taxes, debt payments, seasonality, and changes in hiring or spending can materially change the result. Use a dated cash-flow plan to understand those variations. If net cash outflow is zero or negative, the simple division does not produce a meaningful finite runway. This definition is educational, not financial advice.