Startup Funding Needs Calculator
Determine how much capital you need to reach your next milestone
Note: This calculator provides estimates. Actual funding needs may vary based on market conditions and execution.
Monthly Operating Expenses ($)
Growth Plans
Revenue
Extra cushion for unexpected expenses
Funding Requirements
Monthly Burn Rate:
Growth Expenses:
Customer Acquisition:
Projected Revenue:
Total Funding Needed:
Recommended Raise:
Fundraising Recommendation:
How to Determine Your Startup's Funding Needs
Calculating your funding requirements involves understanding your burn rate, growth plans, and how long you need until your next milestone. This calculator helps you:
- Estimate your monthly operating costs
- Plan for hiring and customer acquisition
- Account for revenue growth
- Add an appropriate safety buffer
- Determine how much to raise for your target runway
Startup Funding FAQs
How much runway should a startup have?
Most investors recommend 12-24 months of runway. Early-stage startups typically aim for 18 months to allow time to hit meaningful milestones before the next raise.
What percentage should I add as a safety buffer?
A 15-25% buffer is typical to account for unexpected expenses, slower growth, or market changes. Early-stage startups often use higher buffers due to greater uncertainty.
How should I account for revenue in funding needs?
Include conservative revenue projections. Most investors want to see your funding needs based on costs, with revenue as a bonus rather than a requirement.
What costs are often underestimated?
Common underestimated costs include employer taxes/benefits (add 20-30% to salaries), legal/accounting fees, cloud infrastructure scaling, and customer support costs.
How does funding need change by stage?
Pre-seed focuses on product development, seed on initial growth, and Series A on scaling. Costs typically increase 3-5x between each stage.