MZSoft Studio
Down Round Beginner's Guide: How the Meters Work and How to Reach the IPO
Swipe cards left or right, and every answer moves Cash, Morale, Hype and Product. All four end your run at zero and at maximum, so balance beats optimising. Pass each board review to advance through six rounds.
The loop
A card shows someone at your door: a co-founder, a CTO, a reporter, an investor. Swipe left or right. Each answer moves four meters.
The four meters
Cash, Morale, Hype, Product. All four kill you at both ends. Zero cash is payroll day. Maxed Hype is a bubble that bursts. Never spend a dollar and the board finds someone braver.
Advice that helps
- Don’t chase one meter. Pushing one to the top is as dangerous as letting it hit zero.
- Read who is asking. Cards come from the people around you, and they have their own motives.
- Board reviews have targets, and they get harder as the money gets bigger.
- Losing is part of it. Being replaced is an ending, and ten endings exist.
The six rounds
The Garage, the Angel Round, Series A, Series B, Series C and the IPO.
Mid-run saving
You can stop whenever and resume.
FAQ
How long is one run? 10 to 20 minutes.
Do I need internet? No. The whole game runs on your device.
Can I save mid-run? Yes. Close the app on day 43 and come back to day 43.