Run the Numbers

Arvind Kadaba, CFO of Aidoc and former high-profile investor, shares his transformative journey from investing to operational leadership. He discusses the "grass is greener" mentality and offers insights into navigating the evolving landscape of healthcare technology and AI. Arvind tackles the complexities of balancing short-term and long-term investments while emphasizing the importance of tailored capital structures for diverse ventures. He also highlights the value of innovation and strategic partnerships, challenging the conventional tech-centric focus in the investment world.

Fintech is staging a major comeback, with Stripe's leap to an $85 billion valuation dominating discussions. The contrasting futures of Klarna and Chime are explored, debating who will emerge with the better IPO. Affirm's resurgence offers hope for the buy now, pay later model's longevity. Meanwhile, a significant trend of finance and HR integration is underway, highlighted by HiBob's acquisition of Mosaic. This convergence suggests a transformative shift in back-office software, creating a new unified source of truth.

Peter Oey, CFO of Grab and a key figure in Southeast Asia's super app landscape, shares insights on how Grab evolved from a ride-hailing service into a multi-functional powerhouse. He discusses the transformative impact of fintech solutions in user engagement and the unique challenges of operating in the diverse Southeast Asian market. Oey highlights Grab’s successful acquisition of Uber's operations, the flywheel effect of banking integration, and the importance of data in driving customer loyalty. He also offers advice for Western companies aiming to enter this dynamic market.

In this discussion, Kelly Mahncke, CFO of USA Hockey, shares her unique insights as the first nonprofit CFO on the show. She emphasizes the critical balance between generating revenue and maintaining a mission, coining the phrase 'no mission without margin.' Kelly dives into how grassroots initiatives and elite programs can coexist, the impact of the Winter Olympics on financial planning, and the importance of diversity in youth sports. Her experiences highlight the challenges of making hockey accessible and the innovative use of data and technology in nonprofit management.

Explore the dramatic shift in IPO revenue expectations over the last decade. Companies now need at least $500 million in revenue to even consider going public. Delve into the evolution of successful IPOs from the SaaS boom to high-profile deals like Coinbase and Airbnb. Discover the implications of the recent market freeze and look ahead to potential IPO candidates in 2025, including Stripe and Databricks. It's a new landscape, and the stakes have never been higher!

Michael Bayer, a seasoned CFO known for his expertise in hypergrowth companies, shares insights from his journey of transforming from a 'CF-No' to a 'CF-Go.' He discusses the vital role of strategic investment in scaling businesses, emphasizing cash flow management and hiring for future needs. Michael introduces his 'rock-turning' exercise for addressing company challenges and outlines his guiding principles: speed, best ideas winning, and the value of mistakes. He also shares the intriguing Van Halen 'brown M&M' story to highlight the importance of attention to detail.

Erica Gessert, CFO of Upwork and former SVP of Finance at PayPal, shares her expertise in marketplace dynamics and financial strategies. She reveals how adaptable forecasting models can drive success even in shifting economic landscapes. The discussion includes Upwork's impressive 20-point EBITDA growth and their innovative approach to customer acquisition and network effects. Erica also highlights the crucial balance between profitability and growth, the role of AI in business evolution, and the entrepreneurial spirit of freelancers thriving in the gig economy.

Get ready to dive into the latest buzz in tech finance! Profits at X, previously known as Twitter, are soaring, but revenue growth seems to be lagging. Discover how Deel is shaking up the global employment scene with unmatched growth metrics and market strategies. Plus, there’s a deep dive into the valuation ups and downs in the data service sector, with Clay raising eyebrows as it navigates the challenges of product integration and customer loyalty. Tune in for a ringside view of the private tech market!

Kapil Agrawal, CFO at Outschool and former finance leader at Poshmark and Uber, shares his expertise in pricing strategies and marketplace models. He discusses Uber's innovative pricing tactics and the impact of promotions on customer growth. Kapil also reveals how he successfully raised Poshmark's gross margins and the challenges of blending marketplace and subscription models. The importance of high-quality decision-making and hard work in leadership is highlighted, along with insights on user engagement and achieving profitability in competitive landscapes.

In this enlightening discussion, Nigel Glenday, CFO and COO of Masterworks, shares his expertise on securitizing high-value artworks for everyday investors. He unveils the complexities of art as an asset class, emphasizing the power of data in valuation. Glenday compares art investment to other unique assets like racehorses while exploring innovative strategies to navigate market dynamics. He also highlights the significant role of financial approaches in art auctions, illustrating how creativity meets investment in this evolving landscape.