The article discusses the impact of the current investor winter on both industry giants and early-stage startups, affecting every sector from tech to consulting. While some companies adopt a "freeze" strategy, others take proactive measures to navigate the bear market. Those employing proactive strategies are poised to emerge stronger, benefiting from investors' "dry powder" reserved for successful ventures. The focus for all these companies is on maximizing cash efficiency. The article aims to explore various strategies for both early- and late-stage startups to not only survive but thrive in this challenging climate, beginning with an overview of the current VC environment.