💡Building a startup without revenue is one of the most challenging financial stages founders face. Cash constraints, uncertainty, and constant trade-offs can make it difficult to focus on building the business without burning out.
In this video, we break down how pre-revenue startup founders can manage finances more confidently by controlling burn rate, extending runway, and building a solid financial foundation before their first dollar comes in.
You’ll learn:
• How to manage cash flow and make smarter financial decisions as a pre-revenue startup
• How to calculate and control burn rate to avoid running out of cash too early
• How to understand and extend runway using milestone-based financial planning
• How to set clear boundaries around founder funding and personal capital contributions
• How Canadian startups can leverage non-dilutive funding (IRAP, CDAP, and SR&ED grants)
• Practical budgeting and expense management strategies to operate lean
• Which financial and operational tools support early-stage teams
• How to avoid founder burnout caused by financial pressure and uncertainty
• Why celebrating first sales milestones matters for founder momentum
• How EIM’s referral program supports startup founders building strong financial and operational foundations
📚 Part of EIM’s Financial Operations Series for Startup Founders
📺 Ready for more? Explore more resources in our Knowledge Centre to help you build scalable financial and operational systems from day one.