Who This Helps
You're a Product Manager who asks "Should we build this?" and gets shrugs. You need numbers that turn product questions into measurable decisions. The Founder Finance Basics Mission Pack gives you the tools to stop debating and start doing.
Mini Case
Meet Ben. Revenue is up 12% this quarter, but cash is flat. His team wants to hire two more engineers. Ben pulls a Unit Economics Snapshot from the mission pack. He sees CAC payback is 14 months—too long. He decides: no new hires until payback drops to 9 months. One card, one decision, no drama.
Do This Now (5 Steps)
- Grab your unit economics snapshot. List your average revenue per user and cost to acquire them. If you don't have this, start with the first mission.
- Check your CAC payback. Divide customer acquisition cost by monthly gross profit per customer. If it's over 12 months, you have a problem.
- Run a pricing scenario. Pick one product tier. Model a 10% price increase and see how it affects unit economics. Use the Pricing Scenario Guardrails mission.
- Forecast your runway. Add your current cash, subtract monthly burn, and see how many months you have. The Runway Forecast mission makes this a 5-minute task.
- Write a one-page decision memo. Use the Fundraising Readiness Memo template. State the problem, the numbers, and your recommended action.
Avoid These Traps
- Don't confuse revenue growth with cash health. Revenue up doesn't mean you're safe.
- Don't make pricing decisions based on feelings. Use the scenario model and stop rules.
- Don't hire until you know your CAC payback. Growth spend might be unsafe.
- Don't present a runway number you can't explain. Practice saying it in one sentence.
- Don't skip the unit economics snapshot. It's your truth serum.
Your Win by Friday
By Friday, you'll have a one-page unit economics truth card. You'll know your CAC payback, runway, and one pricing scenario. You'll present a decision to your team with confidence. And you'll sleep better knowing you're not guessing.