"Tech Finance" with Sasha Orloff: B2B Fintech | AI | Finance Tech

Todd McElhatton, CFO of Zuora, shares his vast experience from Oracle and VMware, focusing on the evolving role of finance leaders. He discusses the critical challenges posed by outdated systems and the importance of embracing AI in accounting. Insights from the 'Modern Finance Leader' report highlight how technology can streamline operations. McElhatton emphasizes the transformative potential of modern tools for improving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens, positioning CFOs as strategic decision-makers in the face of rapid technological change.

In this engaging discussion, John Glasgow, CEO and CFO of Campfire, shares his journey of building an AI-native ERP system designed for finance teams. Fresh off a $35 million funding round, he dives into the challenges of modernizing legacy systems and the critical role of automation in finance workflows. Glasgow also emphasizes the urgent need for innovation in accounting tech, highlighting real-world impacts and success stories that showcase the shift toward strategic finance in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Nicolas Kopp, CEO & Founder of Rillet, is on a mission to reshape accounting with AI. They chat about Rillet's impressive $25 million funding from Sequoia and how their innovative software is revolutionizing financial management for mid-market companies. He discusses the necessity of clean data and the role of AI in streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting lean finance teams. Real-world success stories illustrate how Rillet empowers businesses to make faster, more accurate financial decisions.

Cindy Turner, Chief Product Officer of Worldpay and former payments expert at PayPal and Visa, dives into the evolving payments landscape. She discusses the impact of stablecoins and agentic technology on global transactions. Cindy highlights how user experience affects digital payment adoption in the U.S. and examines trends like buy now, pay later. She also explores cross-border payment behaviors and the unique surcharging practices in Australia, shedding light on the importance of adapting to regional differences in the digital economy.

Jean-Denis Greze, Co-founder and CEO of Town and former CTO of Plaid, dives into the challenges of tax preparation for small businesses. He discusses the innovative use of AI to automate processes while still emphasizing the role of human expertise. The conversation explores the startup's origin, unique opportunities in the small business sector, and the evolving landscape of tax technology. Jean-Denis also shares insights on market dynamics and the transformative potential of AI, revealing why he believes tax is the ultimate AI challenge.

Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, the Founder and CEO of Artisan, discusses the revolutionary role of AI, particularly their creation Ava, in automating sales and workflows. He shares insights on how AI can enhance decision-making and streamline operations across various sectors. The conversation highlights the balance between automation and human intuition, as well as the challenges of creating human-like interactions. Jaspar also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of adaptability, and the innovative potential of AI in transforming modern business.

Alan Imberman, CFO of Wealthfront, shares insights from his journey growing the company from $2 billion to $80 billion in assets. He emphasizes a client-first philosophy that enhances trust and long-term relationships. The discussion covers innovative financial products like S&P 500 direct indexing that simplify investing and tax-loss harvesting strategies. Imberman also highlights how Wealthfront leverages machine learning to provide lower fees and better rates, empowering millennials to build sustainable wealth.

Wouter Born, a finance and AI influencer and General Partner at Born Capital, shares insights on how AI is transforming the role of CFOs. He draws parallels between Netflix and Blockbuster, urging finance leaders to adapt to survive. Wouter discusses practical steps for AI integration, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration. He delves into the critical role of financial storytelling and how AI can enhance this narrative. The conversation highlights the evolving tech stack for CFOs and the importance of balancing innovation with data privacy.

Megh Gautam, Chief Product Officer at Crunchbase, shares insights on transforming the company into an AI-driven platform. They discuss the impressive 95% accuracy in predicting unicorn startups and how AI enhances user experience. Megh reflects on their journey from a math major to a tech leader, emphasizing the importance of data trust and user engagement. The conversation also addresses innovative pricing strategies and the future of data integration in accounting, showcasing how machine learning informs decision-making for founders and investors.

In this discussion, Ben Cohen, Head of Data at Deel, shares his expertise on global hiring trends and the impact of Generation Z on the workforce. He reveals surprising insights from Deel's 2025 Global Hiring Report, including the rising demand for finance roles and the shift towards domestic hiring. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing a distributed workforce and the innovative tools that enhance collaboration and productivity, emphasizing the importance of trust in asynchronous decision-making.