"Tech Finance" with Sasha Orloff: B2B Fintech | AI | Finance Tech
Puzzle, Turpentine
On Tech Finance, host Sasha Orloff brings you inside the office of the CFO - covering major tech finance news including funding announcements, deals, product launches, and emerging players shaping B2B fintech. We break down the week's biggest developments in finance tech and accounting, and explore how finance leaders are putting AI to work.Tech Finance is brought to you by Puzzle, the modern accounting platform with an AI-first ledger, built for speed, automation, and real time decision making. Learn more: puzzle.ioTech Finance is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: turpentine.co
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 14, 2024 • 48min
E31: When 3.6 Million Users Need a New Home with Copilot Money's Andrés Ugarte
Andrés Ugarte, founder of Copilot Money and former tech executive at Groupon and Google, discusses the upheaval in personal finance following the shutdown of Mint. He shares his journey from frustrated user to entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of trust and user experience in a crowded market. The conversation delves into strategies for managing user transitions and expectations amidst significant service changes, as well as the challenges of scaling operations and maintaining customer support during rapid growth.
Oct 31, 2024 • 47min
E30: Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) on What CEOs Want from FP&A
In this discussion, Paul Barnhurst, a dedicated FP&A educator and founder of several podcasts, sheds light on the role of Financial Planning and Analysis in modern business. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and strategic budgeting techniques, especially with the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT. Paul also discusses the shift in FP&A education and the importance of storytelling for clarity in data visualization. He highlights the evolving partnership between CEOs and FP&A professionals in navigating challenges and enhancing financial outcomes.
Oct 24, 2024 • 53min
E29: Bootstrapped to $640M: Brad Wiskirchen on M&A, Board Management, and Decision-Making
In this insightful discussion, Brad Wiskirchen, the mastermind behind Kount, shares his remarkable journey in bootstrapping the AI-driven fraud prevention firm that sold to Equifax for a staggering $640 million. He delves into the complexities of navigating business growth, stressing the importance of selecting the right funding partners and transparent communication. Brad also explores the intricate dynamics of mergers and acquisitions, revealing key strategies for successful negotiation, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oct 17, 2024 • 46min
E28: Airbase CFO Aneal Vallurupalli on Acquisitions, the Chief “Friction” Officer, and Spend Management
Aneal Vallurupalli, the CFO of Airbase and a former M&A expert, shares his insights on modern spend management. He discusses the transformative role of Airbase in consolidating expenses and the critical balance between flexibility and control in financial operations. Aneal also elaborates on the importance of change management and onboarding for successful software implementation. Additionally, he offers a deep dive into acquisition strategies, highlighting the complexities of integration and the rewarding nature of executing successful acquisitions.
Oct 10, 2024 • 49min
E27: Architecting a Global Marketplace for M&A with Flippa CEO Blake Hutchison
Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa, shares his diverse journey through leadership roles at Xero, Lonely Planet, and Good44. He discusses Flippa's unique position as an 'investment bank for the 99%', facilitating online business transactions. The conversation reveals the significance of financial literacy for small businesses and offers insights on buyer motivations. They explore emerging market trends, including hot investment sectors and the rise of digital asset sales, emphasizing the future potential for online business flipping.
Oct 3, 2024 • 43min
E26: Why Finance Software is About to Change, with Sapphire Ventures' Jane Lee and Aditya Reddy
Jane Lee from Sapphire Ventures is known for her focus on finance role transformations, while Aditya Reddy is an expert at the intersection of finance and data science. They discuss a significant shift in finance roles towards strategic insights and data-driven decision-making. The integration of AI and automation in finance software is transforming workflows, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. They highlight the importance of innovative solutions amid evolving regulatory challenges, emphasizing investment opportunities in financial technology.
Sep 26, 2024 • 50min
E25: What Separates Good From Great Treasury, with Eugene Spevakov
Eugene Spevakov, a treasury expert and veteran CFO, shares his insights on effective treasury operations. He discusses how treasury functions vary across industries, highlighting the importance of cash management and risk assessment. Eugene explains when startups should hire treasury personnel and what differentiates great treasurers from the rest. He emphasizes continuous learning and adapting to global financial challenges while leveraging treasury to drive growth and strategic allocation of risk in uncertain times.
19 snips
Sep 19, 2024 • 48min
E24: The ROI of Storytelling: Camille Ricketts (ex-Notion, FRR, Tesla)on Content as a Business Driver
In this conversation with Camille Ricketts, a former Co-Head of Marketing at Notion and comms manager at Tesla, the power of storytelling in business is explored. Camille outlines how content marketing fuels growth and customer loyalty. She emphasizes the importance of qualitative feedback and effective narratives, sharing insights on successful content strategies in tech. From tackling AI's impact on creativity to nurturing authentic customer relationships, her insights are invaluable for founders and finance leaders aiming to leverage storytelling for success.
16 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 55min
E23: “Founder Mode"? Setting the Record Straight with Jim Cook
In this engaging discussion, legendary Silicon Valley CFO Jim Cook, known for his roles at Netflix and Intuit, takes center stage. He debunks the myth of 'founder supremacy' popularized by Paul Graham's viral essay, proposing a fresh Leadership Mode for startup success. Insights from Airbnb's Brian Chesky and endorsements from titans like Elon Musk and Patrick Collison add depth. Topics range from the balance of leadership styles to the importance of teamwork, challenging the glorification of solo founders and advocating for a collaborative culture.
Sep 5, 2024 • 53min
E22: Evolution of the CFO Role, Compensation, and Interview Success with Chris Sands of the F Suite
Chris Sands, the Head of Jobs at The F Suite, dives into the evolving landscape of finance leadership. He discusses the shifting role of CFOs, highlighting the necessity for adaptability and strong networking skills. Sands also covers effective interview strategies for aspiring CFOs and the importance of cultural fit. He sheds light on the booming CFO compensation market, providing negotiation tips for securing better packages. Plus, he emphasizes storytelling and soft skills as key differentiators for exceptional finance leaders.
