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💡 How Startups Really Should Spend Their Money: YC Partners Spill the Secrets !! 🚨 Running out of money is the #1 startup killer : Every decision you make about spending can either extend your runway or bring you closer to the end. Treat every dollar as an investment in your company’s future-not just an expense. 👥 Hire only when it hurts : The temptation to build a big team is real, but premature hiring drains resources fast. Focus on assembling a lean crew of must-have talent who directly contribute to your core mission. If you’re not feeling the pain of being understaffed, you probably don’t need to hire yet. 📈 Test before you invest in marketing : Splashy campaigns look good, but they can quickly become a money pit. Start with small, measurable experiments to find what actually works. Double down only on channels that deliver real results, and never assume more spending equals more growth. ⚡ Balance speed with sustainability : Moving fast is important, but burning cash for the sake of speed can backfire. Prioritize actions that get you closer to product-market fit, and don’t be afraid to slow down if it means making smarter financial decisions. ❌ Avoid common spending traps : Office upgrades, fancy software, and unnecessary perks feel rewarding in the moment but rarely move the needle. Ask yourself: Does this expense directly help us build, sell, or improve our product? If not, skip it. 💡 Don’t be afraid to spend when it counts : Sometimes, holding back is the real risk. If an investment can unlock growth, bring in critical expertise, or save significant time, it’s worth considering-even if it feels scary. ⏳ Know your runway-and protect it fiercely : Always be clear on how many months of cash you have left. Make decisions that extend your runway, giving yourself the time you need to iterate and succeed.