Why “Runway” is NEVER the Ask
Founders often include a slide titled: 💸 "$5M for 18 months of runway". Then, they proceed to outline solution goals, traction goals, and financial milestones they’ll achieve with that capital.
The goals are strong. The title? Not so much.
“Runway” is a survival metric. It tells investors how long you’ll last—not what you’ll accomplish. It centers the conversation on burn rate, not business momentum. And while it’s important to show fiscal responsibility, leading with “runway” frames your pitch around duration instead of direction.
What Investors Actually Want
When investors review a deck, they’re not just scanning for how long you’ll stay alive. They’re looking for what you’ll prove, what traction you’ll generate, and what milestones you’ll hit that de-risk the next round.
“Runway” doesn’t answer those questions. It’s a placeholder for time, not a promise of progress.
Investors fund outcomes. They want to know what their capital unlocks—not how long it keeps the lights on. If your slide doesn’t anchor their attention on value creation, you’re missing the mark.
Reframing the Ask
Instead of “Runway,” consider titles that focus on what the capital does. These alternatives shift the frame from burn to build:
What $5M Unlocks
Milestones We’ll Hit with $5M
Execution Plan: $5M → Series A
From Seed to Scale: Our 18-Month Roadmap
Value Creation Over the Next 18 Months
$5M to Prove, Grow, and Raise
Each of these reframes the ask as a strategic investment—not a countdown clock. They signal clarity, ambition, and accountability. They show investors you’re not just managing burn—you’re managing momentum.
A Simple Metaphor: Gas Tank vs. Road Trip
Think of it this way: “Runway” shows the gas tank. “Milestones” show the road trip. Investors want to know where you’re going, what you’ll see along the way, and how far their capital will take you. Don’t just show them fuel—show them the journey. This metaphor isn’t just cute—it’s sticky. It helps founders reframe their pitch from “how much we need” to “what we’ll deliver.” And it helps investors visualize the return on their belief.
Why This Matters
Slide titles aren’t just labels. They’re signals. They shape how investors interpret your strategy, your confidence, and your clarity. A weak title can dilute a strong plan. A strong title can elevate it. When you lead with “Runway,” you’re asking for time. When you lead with “Milestones,” you’re asking for trust in your execution. And trust is what gets funded.
Bonus: What Makes a Great Slide Title?
Here’s a quick checklist founders can use when crafting slide titles:
Outcome-oriented: Does it focus on what you’ll achieve?
Investor-aligned: Does it speak to traction, validation, or momentum?
Clear and specific: Can someone understand the slide’s purpose at a glance?
Strategic, not tactical: Does it elevate the conversation beyond operations?
If your title passes all four, you’re not just presenting—you’re persuading.
Pitch decks are more than slides—they’re strategic narratives. Every title, every framing choice, tells investors how you think. So don’t just ask for time. Ask for belief in what you’ll build.
Because in the end, investors don’t fund survival. They fund conviction.