Keywords · Finance · Ops · Updated 2026-07-21

What is Runway?

Short answer: The number of months a company can continue operating at its current burn rate before running out of cash.

Definition

The number of months a company can continue operating at its current burn rate before running out of cash.

Why it matters for growth

Runway is the single most urgent number for an early-stage founder, since it defines the deadline for reaching profitability or a next fundraise.

Example

A company with $600,000 in the bank and a $100,000 monthly burn rate has six months of runway.

FAQ

What is Runway?
The number of months a company can continue operating at its current burn rate before running out of cash.
Why does Runway matter for growth?
Runway is the single most urgent number for an early-stage founder, since it defines the deadline for reaching profitability or a next fundraise.
What is an example of Runway?
A company with $600,000 in the bank and a $100,000 monthly burn rate has six months of runway.
What is Runway? Definition and growth use · Cofounderbase