In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris delve into the concept of burn rate, a crucial term in the venture capital industry. They define burn rate as the total amount a company spends every month minus its income, emphasizing that it measures how much cash a company is burning every month.

The hosts discuss the importance of understanding the burn rate, highlighting its significance in determining a company’s runway, which is how long a company can sustain itself without raising additional capital. They explain that a company’s burn rate can fluctuate and that it is essential to consider this when forecasting and planning for the future.

The conversation also touches on the role of CEOs in managing burn rates, emphasizing the need for them to make difficult decisions to reduce expenses and increase revenue. Jon and Peter share their own experiences with companies that have successfully managed their burn rate, highlighting the importance of transparency and planning in maintaining a healthy cash flow.

Throughout the episode, the hosts provide valuable insights into the venture capital industry, discussing the challenges of managing burn rate and the importance of understanding it for founders and investors alike. They also share their advice for founders, emphasizing the need to plan for the future and to raise capital with a minimum of six months of runway.

Overall, this podcast episode offers a comprehensive explanation of burn rate, its significance in the venture capital industry, and its impact on the performance and reputation of venture capital firms.