Run the Numbers

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.

Dive into the latest insights on private markets with a look at top tech valuations and hiring trends. Discover which companies are rapidly expanding, and who’s facing layoffs. Key players like Databricks, Anduril, and Canva are spotlighted for their transformative impacts. Learn about recent funding rounds and executive hires that could shape the future landscape, plus sector highlights in foundational models, fintech, and autonomous driving. Get the scoop on how private and public valuations are evolving!

Eliran Glazer, CFO of Monday.com and a key player in its upcoming IPO, shares his insights on the importance of storytelling in corporate finance. He discusses the unique culture of the Israeli tech scene and how military service shapes entrepreneurial skills. Eliran delves into the challenges and strategies involved in navigating IPO preparations, emphasizing authenticity and tailored messaging to attract investors. He also highlights lessons learned on resilience and adapting to high-pressure situations, making the case for robust storytelling in leadership.

Jesper Sorensen, CFO of Mambu and author of three analytical books, shares his journey from early jobs to fintech leadership. He introduces the Analytics Escalator, a framework for maximizing data value. The discussion highlights the importance of integrating analytics within financial operations and building strong BI tech stacks. Jesper emphasizes the collaborative relationship between finance and sales teams and the need for professionals skilled in both analytics and finance to drive impactful decision-making.

Jeff Cassidy, CFO of Prodigy Education, has a fascinating career spanning finance, biotech, and more. He shares unconventional advice on prioritizing personal fit over credentials in hiring. Jeff discusses building strong teams through ambition and skill, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic. He critiques the traditional college system, advocating for practical skills and diverse experiences. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of empathy in financial management, especially in supplier relations and team dynamics.

Michiel Boere, CFO of Remote, shares his expertise in building global companies and revolutionary approaches to budgeting. He discusses the benefits of remote work, enhancing equity in the job market and managing international finance complexities. Michiel critiques traditional budgeting, advocating for flexibility that better aligns with actual company needs. He also shares insights on risk management, unit economics, and the importance of fostering a positive workplace culture to retain talent.

Reid DeRamus, a media and tech executive with experience at Hulu and HBO Max, shares insider insights on B2C subscription strategies. He discusses navigating price increases and their impact on customer retention and acquisition. Reid highlights the importance of effective communication around pricing changes and pitfalls of discounting. He introduces the concept of 'elevating the cohort floor' for retention and examines the delicate balance between subscription and ad revenue. Unique monetization lessons from platforms like OnlyFans are also explored.

Ryan Roccon, CFO of Zapier, shares insights on the art of financial storytelling and how it connects complex data to company strategy. He emphasizes that most decisions are reversible, advocating for a culture of transparency in remote teams. Roccon discusses tailoring narratives for different audiences and simplifying metrics through analogies. He also addresses the unique challenges faced by a bootstrapped, remote-first company and the importance of collaboration and effective decision-making frameworks that foster organizational buy-in.

Matt Hudson, CFO of Coda and former product manager at Google and YouTube, dives into fascinating insights from his diverse career. He introduces the 'Vacation Rule' to tackle the build versus buy dilemma and discusses innovative frameworks like the Blue and Black Loop for product growth. Hudson also explores Coda's pricing evolution, emphasizing community-driven strategies and the balance between product-led and sales-led growth. He shares valuable lessons on collaborating with product managers and the impact of luck and failure on success.

Steve Isom, CFO of Bloomerang, dives into the evolving role of the strategic CFO. He emphasizes the vital connection between finance and people, reminding us that finance shouldn't just be a math problem. Discussing the importance of proactive leadership, he shares insights on effectively bridging gaps between metrics and human interaction. Steve also recounts his rapid transaction readiness during Flywheel's unexpected acquisition. Plus, he offers stellar advice on building a dynamic finance team and fostering collaboration across departments.