Cash Flow for Startups (Survive the Valley Between Rounds)

Minimum viable finance stack

• One source of truth for bank balances and payables—spreadsheet is fine early if updated weekly.
• Twelve-week rolling cash forecast with conservative receipts.
• Clear owner for billing, collections follow-ups, and BIR rhythm.

Levers founders forget until it hurts

• Invoice timing and deposit structures for project work.
• Inventory and COGS discipline if you touch physical goods.
• Hiring lag—salaries are recurring; revenue might not be.

Scenario planning without paralysis

Model base, downside (slow collections), and upside (grant tranche arrives). Decide now what you cut in downside—marketing spend, contractors, or founder draw—not in panic.

Pair cash discipline with fundraising narrative

Investors trust founders who know monthly burn and runway to milestones. If grants are part of the plan, show matching timelines and reporting capacity honestly.