Ascent CFO Solutions is excited to share a highlight video + full recording of our 2023 Denver Startup Week Session - Ask a Fractional CFO: Ascend to Your Next Stage of Growth!
In this session, experienced Fractional CFOs discuss how their role helps entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that are ready for their next stage of growth. These seasoned financial professionals have been in the trenches with founders and all types of startup companies through key stages of transformation, including those that are pre-revenue, bootstrapped, private-equity and venture capital-backed.
One such entrepreneur is Caroline Creidenberg, founder of Wedfuly. She shares her insightful experiences of pivoting her business model, leading her team through rapid growth, pitching on Shark Tank, ultimately selling her company, and what knowledge was required along the way.
Founders leave the session with a deeper understanding of how both a Fractional CFO and a firm understanding of their financials can help them reach their growth goals.
Highlight Video
Enjoy this 6-minute highlight reel of some “best moments” from the one-hour session.
Full Session Recording + Outline
Reference the outline below to navigate to the parts that interest you most!
0:00 - Introductions
5:00 - Caroline Creidenberg & Wedfuly’s story, including Caroline’s experience pitching on Shark Tank, pivoting during the pandemic, and managing rapid growth.
16:00 - Background on Ascent CFO Solutions & how we help entrepreneurs grow businesses.
20:00 - Maris Licis and Jodi Mercer share the unique joys and challenges of being a Fractional CFO and why they love what they do.
26:00 - What it’s like for entrepreneurs to work with a Fractional CFO.
— Q&A —
31:00 - How is it helpful to bring in a Fractional CFO when you’re actively raising or looking to raise capital?
32:30 - How do Fractional CFOs work with companies through the different stages of growth?
37:00 - How Fractional CFOs help bootstrapped and early-stage companies bulletproof their pitch decks.
39:00 - How do you integrate fully with the client’s team?
42:15 - What trigger do you look for that tells you it’s time to move from cash to accrual-based accounting?
43:45 - Do you match a Fractional CFO to a company’s industry?
48:30 - Do you work with nonprofits in the grant writing phase?
49:00 - When does it make sense to have a full-time CFO?
51:30 - When is the right time for an early-stage company to bring in a Fractional CFO?
53:30 - What growth-stage businesses might look for when considering buy-side M&A opportunities.
55:45 - How do you work with banks, either for debt or equity?
58:30 - The benefits of problem-solving with your Fractional CFO.
What other questions do you have about working with a Fractional CFO?
Ascent CFO Solutions is a Fractional CFO firm offering outsourced Fractional CFO and Interim CFO services, financial modeling, M&A, fundraising support, and robust data visualization solutions to high-growth start-up and scale-up companies. We welcome a no-obligation conversation to discuss your business needs.