Although conventional wisdom will tell you that it is best practice to bootstrap a startup for as long as possible, the current global scenario may contradict that wisdom. The deal making environment is currently white hot, with deal activity for 2021 shattering all records with $621 Billion in deal activity. Valuations are high as VCs out bid each other by raising valuations and with a high probability for recession looming ahead, building a runway of 24-36 months would add a great deal of survivability for startups which are still enroute to establishing stability. Despite the deal making frenzy of 2021, we are already starting to see the start of a pullback from investors – with LPs grumbling about valuations being too high and the typical aversion to risk which comes with unstable economic conditions. Making the best use of the pro startup zeitgeist of 2021 can be done through strong market knowledge of the interests and requirements of relevant investors and knowing how best to pitch your startup to maximize the probability of success. The difference between a good pitch and a great pitch is the understanding of who you are pitching to.