Bootstrapped Startup Benchmarks 2026
Based on data from 94 startups in The Founders' Group network.
Key Metrics
Median MRR
$5K
Monthly recurring revenue
Median ARR
$4K
Annual recurring revenue
Median Burn Rate
N/A
Monthly cash burn
Median Runway
N/A
Months of runway remaining
Avg Team Size
2.0
Full-time team members
Median LTV:CAC
N/A
Lifetime value to acquisition cost
Avg Gross Margin
N/A
Revenue after COGS
% With Revenue
14.9%
Startups generating revenue
% Profitable
0.0%
Startups currently profitable
Avg YoY Growth
N/A
Year-over-year revenue growth
Grade Distribution
A
0 (0%)
B
9 (10%)
C
49 (52%)
D
22 (23%)
F
14 (15%)
Top Cities
SamsunDallasCollege StationLos AngelesBasalt
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bootstrapped startups are in the benchmark?
Our benchmarks are based on 94 Bootstrapped startups in The Founders' Group network. Data is refreshed regularly as new startups join.
What metrics matter most for Bootstrapped startups?
Key metrics include MRR growth rate, burn rate relative to runway, and unit economics (LTV:CAC ratio). The specific thresholds vary by funding stage — pre-seed founders should focus on product-market fit signals, while seed-stage startups need strong retention and growth rates.
How are grades calculated?
Grades are based on a composite score across 6 tiers: Survival & Truth (revenue, burn, runway), Engine Health (LTV, CAC, unit economics), Retention (churn, NRR), Growth Efficiency (MoM/YoY growth), Market & Narrative (TAM, competition), and Traction & Team. Each tier is weighted and the final score maps to a letter grade.
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