What is Burn Rate?

The Short Answer

The speed at which a company spends its cash reserves, especially before it generates positive cash flow.

Burn Rate explained simply

Burn rate is the speed at which a company spends its cash. It is usually measured monthly. It shows how much money a company loses each month. This is important for startups and businesses that are not yet profitable. It tells them how long they can operate before running out of cash. Knowing your burn rate helps you plan for future funding. It also helps you make smart spending decisions.

Real-World Example

The Tech Startup Scenario

A new tech startup has $500,000 in the bank. Their monthly expenses are $50,000. They are not making any sales yet. Their burn rate is $50,000 per month. This means they have enough cash to operate for 10 months ($500,000 / $50,000 = 10 months). The startup needs to either raise more money or start generating revenue before those 10 months are up.

Why this matters

Understanding your burn rate is key to managing your business finances. It helps you know how much cash you have left and how long it will last. This information is vital for planning. It helps you decide when to seek new funding or cut costs. Without knowing your burn rate, you risk running out of money unexpectedly.

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Luis MerchanBusiness

Keep a close eye on your burn rate. It tells you how much runway you have. If it's too high, you need to find ways to reduce spending or increase revenue quickly. Don't wait until you're almost out of cash to act.

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