Investment Guides · 6 min read

How to budget your startup investment

Most first businesses run short of working capital, not setup money. Budget for both.

Key points

Separate one-time and monthly costsSetup costs are once; rent and salaries repeat.
Hold three months of working capitalRevenue usually takes longer than planned.
Get two quotes for big itemsEquipment and fit-outs vary widely.
Keep a bufferSet aside 10–15% for surprises.

Checklist

  • List all setup costs
  • Estimate monthly running costs
  • Add a buffer
  • Review before committing

Written by Priya Nair · 07 Sept 2026