Questions About Your Startup Journey?
We understand that choosing the right financial guidance for your startup can feel overwhelming. Here are the answers to questions we hear most often from entrepreneurs like you.
Expert-Led Guidance
Our approach centers on connecting you with seasoned professionals who've actually built successful companies in Australia's startup ecosystem. These aren't theoretical instructors – they're entrepreneurs who understand the real challenges you'll face.
Each mentor brings hands-on experience from different stages of business growth, from seed funding through IPO. They share practical insights about cash flow management, investor relations, and the regulatory landscape specific to Australian startups.
What makes our mentorship different is the focus on your specific situation rather than generic advice. We match you with advisors whose experience aligns with your industry and growth stage, creating more relevant guidance for your journey.
Callum Westbrook
Growth Finance Specialist
Former CFO at three Australian fintech startups. Specializes in Series A through C funding strategies and international expansion planning.
Henrik Lindqvist
Early-Stage Advisor
Founded and sold two SaaS companies. Now helps pre-revenue startups build financial foundations and prepare for their first funding rounds.
Questions by Journey Stage
Different phases of building a startup bring unique financial challenges. We've organized common questions based on where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.
Pre-Launch Phase
- How much personal savings should I commit to my startup?
- What's the best business structure for tax efficiency in Australia?
- When should I start thinking about external funding?
- How do I create realistic financial projections?
- What are the essential financial tools for early-stage companies?
Growth Stage
- How do I manage cash flow during rapid scaling?
- What metrics do VCs actually care about in Australia?
- When is the right time to hire a full-time CFO?
- How do I price my product for sustainable growth?
- What are common financial mistakes that kill startups?
Scaling Phase
- How do I prepare for due diligence processes?
- What's involved in expanding to international markets?
- How do I structure employee equity programs?
- When should I consider debt financing vs. equity?
- How do I maintain financial control while growing fast?
Detailed Answers & Resources
We believe in providing thorough explanations that help you make informed decisions. Each answer includes links to additional resources and deeper exploration of the topics that matter most to your success.
Financial Planning & Strategy
How much runway should I plan for before seeking investment?
Most successful startups maintain 12-18 months of runway before actively fundraising. This gives you leverage in negotiations and time to hit meaningful milestones.
Explore our cash flow planning modulesWhat financial documents do I need for investor meetings?
Essential documents include: financial model with 3-year projections, monthly cash flow statements, cap table, and unit economics breakdown. Quality matters more than quantity.
Learn about investor-ready financialsHow do I handle financial reporting as I scale?
Start with monthly board reports focusing on key metrics: cash position, burn rate, customer acquisition cost, and lifetime value. Automate where possible but ensure accuracy.
See our reporting frameworksFunding & Investment
What's the current fundraising environment like in Australia?
As of early 2025, we're seeing more selective investors with increased focus on revenue growth and path to profitability. Pre-revenue raises are tougher but still possible with strong teams and large markets.
Discuss current market conditionsShould I consider government grants and R&D tax incentives?
Absolutely. Australia offers generous R&D tax incentives and various grant programs. These non-dilutive funding sources can significantly extend your runway while you build traction.
Grant application strategies
Petra Kowalski
Lead Financial Strategist
With over a decade advising Australian startups, Petra has helped more than 200 companies navigate funding rounds totaling over 0M. She previously led venture investments at a tier-one Sydney VC firm.
Petra specializes in helping technical founders understand the financial side of building companies, translating complex concepts into actionable strategies that drive sustainable growth.
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