For founders, creating expense policies represents a critical inflection point that can determine your company's trajectory. Getting this right doesn't just solve an immediate problem—it creates compounding advantages across your business.
Balance optimism with prudent cash runway planning
Prioritize solving customer problems that they'll pay premium prices for
Develop clear metrics for when to invest in growth vs. when to optimize for efficiency
Revenue beats funding. Customer money comes with fewer strings attached than investor capital.
Measure return on capital. Every dollar invested should generate clear, measurable returns.
Timing dictates strategy. Adjust your cash management approach based on market conditions.
Calculate how much capital you need and what you'll use it for.
Research and target investors that align with your vision and stage.
Develop a compelling story about your company and opportunity.
Establish connections before you need to raise capital.
Run an efficient process to close your round with favorable terms.
"When tackling creating expense policies, the game-changer for us was setting clear priorities and being disciplined about saying no to everything else."
— CEO, Bootstrapped Company
Focus relentlessly on improving unit economics
Negotiate better terms with suppliers as you scale
Create a regular financial review process with your team
Take a step back and assess: Where are you in this journey right now? What's your biggest opportunity?
Block 90 minutes with your leadership team this week to map out your approach using the framework above. Focus on identifying quick wins that build momentum.
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