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Smart Spend
Operational efficiency that extends runway
Every vendor and process is optimized so your startup runs leaner. We help you extend runway by 4+ months without sacrificing growth.
4+
Months Runway Extended
30%
Avg Cost Reduction
$2M+
Savings Delivered
100+
Vendor Relationships
Overview
Efficiency without sacrifice
Smart Spend isn't about cutting corners — it's about eliminating waste. We help you optimize every dollar spent so you can do more with less and extend your runway without slowing down.
Key Features
What's Included
Comprehensive support to accelerate your smart spend journey.
Spend Analysis
We audit your current spending to identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and opportunities for optimization.
Vendor Optimization
We leverage our network to negotiate better terms with existing vendors and identify alternatives where appropriate.
Process Automation
We identify manual processes that can be automated to save time and reduce errors.
Stack Rationalization
We help you consolidate tools and eliminate redundant software that's eating into your budget.
Hiring Strategy
We help you build the right team structure and identify where contractors or fractional roles make more sense.
Financial Planning
We help you build models and forecasts that give you clarity on runway and burn rate.
Specialized Tracks
Explore Smart Spend Tracks
Dive deeper into focused areas with specialized support.
Our Process
How it works
A proven methodology to drive results
01
Audit
We conduct a comprehensive review of your spending, vendors, and processes.
02
Analysis
We identify the highest-impact opportunities for optimization.
03
Planning
We develop a prioritized roadmap for implementing changes.
04
Execution
We help you negotiate with vendors and implement new processes.
05
Monitoring
We track results and identify new opportunities as you grow.
Perfect Fit
Ideal for startups that...
We work best with founders who match these criteria. If this sounds like you, let's talk.
Check Your Fit1
Want to extend runway without raising more capital
2
Feel like they're spending too much but don't know where
3
Need help negotiating with vendors
4
Want to build more efficient operations from the start
4 key criteria
Ready to optimize your operations?
Apply to Lume Network and see if Smart Spend is right for you.
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Comprehensive support across your entire growth journey.
Related Reading
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Latest articles and playbooks related to smart spend.
Smart Spend FAQ
Common questions about Smart Spend
Results vary by company, but our portfolio companies typically see 25-35% reduction in operational costs and 4+ months of extended runway. The exact savings depend on your current spending patterns and where inefficiencies exist.
No — that's the whole point of Smart Spend. We focus on eliminating waste, not cutting muscle. We help you spend more efficiently on the things that matter, not just spend less overall. Many companies actually grow faster after optimization because resources are better allocated.
We leverage our network's collective buying power and relationships with key vendors. When you're part of Lume, you benefit from terms we've negotiated across our entire portfolio — discounts, extended payment terms, and preferred pricing that individual startups typically can't access.
We have relationships across the major categories startups spend on: cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure), developer tools, sales and marketing software, HR and payroll, legal services, and more. We're constantly adding new partners based on portfolio needs.
The initial audit and analysis typically takes 2-3 weeks. Implementation timelines vary based on the complexity of changes, but most companies see meaningful savings within 60-90 days. We then provide ongoing monitoring and optimization.
Yes, financial clarity is a key part of Smart Spend. We help you build models that accurately project runway, understand your unit economics, and make data-driven decisions about where to invest. Good financial planning is the foundation of efficient operations.