10 Top Tips for Entrepreneurs Running Out of Runway

If you’re in the middle of raising capital but facing immediate financial pressure, you need a contingency plan — one that keeps you afloat while you work with FilmDuo to perfect your investor pitch and secure funding. Here's how to extend your runway, stay in control, and keep your startup alive:

1. Ruthlessly Cut Non-Essential Costs
Cash is king. Review expenses and eliminate anything that doesn’t drive immediate revenue or investment traction. Pause non-critical software, subscriptions, and perks.

2. Negotiate Payment Terms
Suppliers, landlords, and contractors would rather get paid later than not at all. Negotiate extended terms to free up short-term cash flow.

3. Get Creative with Revenue
What can you sell today? Consider consulting, licensing, one-off services, or pre-selling a product to bring in short-term cash.

4. Focus on Existing Customers
It’s easier to upsell or expand an existing relationship than to chase new customers. Offer discounts for upfront payments, lock in long-term deals, and prioritise retention.

5. Explore Bridge Financing
A small convertible note, revenue-based financing, or short-term loan from friendly investors or customers could give you breathing room until your raise closes.

6. Leverage Strategic Partnerships
Partner with businesses that complement yours and trade services instead of spending cash. Strategic alliances can provide resources without increasing burn.

7. Sell the Future - Even in the Present
Investors take time, but momentum sells. Keep building a strong narrative, showing traction, and using storytelling to keep interest high while FilmDuo perfects your pitch.

8. Keep the Team Lean, But Motivated
If payroll is an issue, be transparent. Offer equity-based incentives or performance-based bonuses to keep key talent engaged through the crunch.

9. Take Meetings With The Right Investors — Not Just Any Investors
Time is your scarcest resource. Filter investors who are actually interested and aligned rather than wasting time with those who won’t commit.

10. Don’t Panic - Control the Frame
Founders who look desperate scare investors. Hold your ground, stay strategic, and control the narrative. You’re not running out of money - you’re buying time to secure the right funding.

FilmDuo is here to help you win the investment battle. A cinematic, high-impact pitch isn’t just a luxury - it’s what makes investors say yes faster.

Stay in the game.

To dare greatly, you need allies.