How-to guide

How to use the Runway War-Room

Runway isn't one number — it's a range that depends on what happens next. This war-games it. Here's how, with three examples.

A single runway number hides the risk. The War-Room stress-tests your cash across good and bad scenarios so you can decide whether to cut, raise, or both — before you're forced to.

What this tool does

You enter your cash position and model scenarios (base, downside, cost cuts); it shows how runway changes and flags when you'd hit a critical point.

Who it's for

Founders navigating uncertainty who need to plan cash under more than one assumption.

How to use it — step by step

  1. Set your base case. Cash, burn, and expected revenue.
  2. Add a downside. What if revenue slips or a deal falls through?
  3. Model a cut. See how much runway trimming burn buys you.
  4. Read the verdict. Whether you're safe, should raise, or must act now.

How to read your result

If the downside case hits a critical point inside your fundraising window, treat that as the real deadline — plan to the downside, not the base case.

Worked examples

The same tool behaves differently depending on what you put in. Here are 3 situations.

Base vs downside

Inputs: Revenue on plan vs 30% short.

What the tool shows: Shows two very different runways from the same starting cash.

What to do: Plan to the downside; raise before it bites.

Cutting burn

Inputs: Model a 20% cost cut.

What the tool shows: Shows how many extra months the cut buys.

What to do: Decide if the cut is worth the growth trade-off.

Critical read

Inputs: Downside crosses a red line soon.

What the tool shows: Flags a 'Critical' situation where a second opinion pays for itself.

What to do: Act now — this is where going-concern judgment matters.

Common questions

How is this different from the runway calculator? The calculator gives one number; the War-Room stress-tests several.

Which scenario should I plan to? The downside — hope for the base case, plan for the bad one.

When should I get help? The moment the downside crosses a critical line.

A helpful estimate, not a guarantee. This tool works only off the numbers and assumptions you enter — it can't see your whole picture. Use it to get oriented and pressure-test your thinking, then sanity-check the big calls with an advisor. It isn't financial, tax, or legal advice.