Run the Numbers

Rob Paterson, CFO of Employment Hero and expert in smart growth, dives into the nuanced world of revenue on this show. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between good and bad revenue, and shares insights on financial metrics that matter. Rob discusses the challenges of accountability as a growth CFO and why a global expansion mindset is crucial for Australian startups. He even recounts a wild fraud story from his auditing days, adding a personal touch to his financial wisdom.

In this engaging discussion, Rick Smith, a seasoned CFO and founder of Bonfire Advisory, shares insights on the intricacies of CFO dynamics in venture-backed firms. He introduces the intriguing concept of the 'triangle of doom' between the CEO, CFO, and board. Rick emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and adaptability for CFOs while navigating financial strategies and common pitfalls in early-stage companies. With humor and experience, he explores the value of effective communication and the evolving expectations placed on CFOs as companies grow.

Dive into a compelling story of entrepreneurial failure and growth. Learn about the disastrous journey of a failed startup, with over $200K lost in the process. Discover ten critical lessons about execution risks and the importance of understanding data and sales. Hear how these missteps ultimately led to vital insights that shaped future ventures. This candid reflection reveals the ups and downs of navigating the complex world of business, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Brad Channer, CFO of UBIO and former actor, offers a unique perspective on the entwined worlds of finance and creativity. He candidly discusses how early failures in startups become invaluable lessons, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. Channer shares insights on neurodiversity, advocating for diverse leadership styles to enhance team dynamics. He also reflects on the cultural differences in the tech scene between the UK and the US, and amusingly recounts bizarre expense claims that highlight the lighter side of financial management.

Sanjay Datta, CFO of Upstart and former Google finance executive, shares insights from his experience in scaling Google's $80B ad business. He discusses the importance of centralized analytics and operational efficiency in decision-making. Sanjay reflects on his journey scaling Upstart from $10M to $500M, emphasizing agility during economic shifts. He also explores the challenges in the lending landscape, advocating for AI-driven models to enhance credit assessment, ultimately making lending fairer and more efficient.

Dive into the intriguing world of StubHub's upcoming IPO! Discover their unique business model and the key metrics that highlight their market potential. Explore 12 critical themes and uncover 3 potential red flags that investors should be aware of. The conversation also weighs the bull and bear cases for StubHub, providing a balanced view of its prospects in the competitive ticket resale market. It's an insightful analysis that sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for this marketplace giant.

John Connolly, Managing Director at Spectrum Equity, dives into the intricate world of consumer marketplaces. He discusses how investor sentiment has changed dramatically over the past 15 years and why traditional metrics may not apply in this realm. John shares valuable insights on evolving business models and the significance of customer experience in reducing churn. He also recounts the success story behind Teachers Pay Teachers and highlights the emotional connections fostered by platforms like Grubhub and Headspace, emphasizing their role in empowering communities.

Dive into the ups and downs of the private tech markets with insights on Google's acquisition of Wiz and the debate over its valuation. Stripe's valuation is climbing back to pre-COVID levels, while Plaid faces a drop in the secondary market. Learn about Figma's rising growth and the hilariously controversial situation involving Rippling and Deel. Explore hiring trends and the bustling world of AI startups, plus a comical tale of corporate espionage that adds a twist to the tech industry tales!

Dori Yona, co-founder and CEO of SimpleClosure, shares his expertise on navigating the challenges of shutting down a startup. He discusses the complex financial, legal, and emotional aspects involved in closure, including managing debts, hidden liabilities, and the differences between various business structures. Dori emphasizes the importance of transparency with investors and the delicate balance between perseverance and knowing when to pivot. His insights offer valuable guidance for entrepreneurs facing the daunting task of winding down their ventures.

Peter Benevides, CFO of Olo, dives into the world of vertical SaaS, detailing how Olo expanded strategically into payments. He explains the art of stacking S-curves to grow revenue while maintaining customer satisfaction without raising the take-rate. The discussion highlights the delicate balance of subscription and consumption-based pricing models tailored for restaurants. Peter also shares insights on the unique challenges of selling to franchise businesses and how innovative tech enhances guest engagement, all while navigating the realities of CFO life.