Capital Planning Mistakes Founders Make Early in the Year

The beginning of the year brings clarity — but also pressure. Here are five mistakes we see founders make in Q1:

1. Over-optimizing for the next raise
Capital decisions should support the business first, fundraising second.

2. Waiting too long to add debt
Venture debt works best when added from a position of strength, not urgency.

3. Misaligning capital with milestones
Every dollar should map directly to a measurable outcome.

4. Treating debt as a last resort
When used strategically, debt increases flexibility — not risk.

5. Choosing partners purely on price
Structure, alignment, and flexibility matter more than headline rates.

Thoughtful planning now creates leverage later.