The Survival Sprint
Five-step protocol for companies failing early growth checkpoints.
Five-step protocol for companies failing early growth checkpoints. Takes 14 weeks with clear decision points. Like organisms in survival mode, this sprint focuses all energy on staying alive.
When to Use The Survival Sprint
Use when your startup is dying - like an organism entering survival mode, this 14-week sprint forces honest triage and focuses all resources on the single most critical survival priority.
How to Apply
Admit It (Week 1)
Stop pretending metrics are better than they are. Write honest assessment. Share with team. Denial uses precious time.
Triage (Week 1-2)
Cut everything that doesn't directly impact survival. Pick ONE survival priority: PMF, fundraising, revenue, or team retention.
Allocate 80% to Survival Priority (Week 2-8)
If PMF: 80% customer conversations. If fundraising: 80% pitch/investors. If revenue: 80% sales/pricing. If team: 80% retention/culture.
Accept 12-Week Horizon (Week 2-14)
You have 3 months to show progress - not 'fixed', just progress. Measurable improvement required.
Reassess (Week 14)
Did you move the survival needle? Yes = continue 8 more weeks. No = pivot or shut down. Don't drift. Decide.