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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Private Equity expert Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the next episode of The Private Equity CFO.
Together, they break down the key considerations for businesses looking to secure Private Equity investment, the challenges of the process, and how CFOs can prepare to maximize returns.

Key topics covered include:

• Is Private Equity the right option for your business?
• What makes a business ‘mature’ enough for Private Equity?
• Red flags that Private Equity investors watch out for
• Finding the right private equity house and corporate finance advisor:
• The Private Equity investment process: What to expect
• The CFO’s role in Private Equity investment

Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro speaks with Stuart Mellis, CFO of Optalysis, about his journey to CFO, the challenges of scaling deep tech startups, and navigating fundraising, investor relations, and financial planning in an emerging market.

Key topics covered:

• Private equity vs venture capital – key differences in expectations and investment approaches
• Managing investor relationships – balancing trust, communication, and transparency
• Fundraising in deep tech – navigating challenges and pitching to the right investors
• Financial planning & budgeting – setting realistic growth targets in an emerging market
• Advice for new CFOs – the importance of coaching, board management, and asking the right questions

Links mentioned:

• Stuart's Linkedin
• Learn more about Optalysis

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this third instalment of the Mastering M&A series, Hannah Munro is joined by Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon and experienced CFO, to delve into the complexities of business disposals.

Key topics discussed:

• The difference between being sought out by a buyer vs proactively seeking a sale.
• Essential preparations for making your business attractive to potential acquirers
• The critical role of the CFO in managing the disposal process and overseeing data flow.
• The importance of establishing good buyer relationships
• Deal structures: earn-outs, share exchanges, and the implications for sellers.
• Warranties, indemnities, and legal considerations
• The cultural and operational implications of a sale for the management team and employees.

Links mentioned:

• Jeremy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro is joined by Alwyn Jones, Group CFO at Luno and returning guest on the podcast. Alwyn shares his journey of broadening his perspective by stepping into a Non-Executive Director (NED) role and reflects on how it has shaped his leadership approach. This engaging conversation covers a range of topics, including:

• The evolving responsibilities of CFOs
• Key insights into the dynamics of a Non-Exec role,
• The challenges and surprises of stepping into a Non-Exec role
• Advice for aspiring NEDs, including tips on networking.
• Reflections on how the NED role has enriched his perspective and improved his effectiveness as a CFO.

Links mentioned in this podcast:

• Connect with Alwyn Jones on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Luno

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro is joined by Richard Sanders, Founder and Managing Partner of Sullivan Street Partners, for the second instalment in our The Private Equity CFO series. Together, they delve into the complexities of private equity and its implications for CFOs.

Key topics covered include:

• Exploring the balance between capability and comfort zone, and what CFOs can do to prove their value.
• How private equity-backed businesses differ in their expectations for timely, actionable financial data.
• Insights into cash flow management, covenant models, and other critical reporting differences.
• From diagnosing the state of the business to building trust with private equity partners, strategies for success in the first 100 days.
• Building trust, communicating effectively, and staying aligned with the investment strategy.
• Tactics for transparency, preparedness, and maintaining credibility under pressure.

Links mentioned:

• Richard's Linkedin
• Learn more about Sullivan Street Partners

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, Hannah Munro sits down with Danyaal Shah, CFO of Nokkel, to explore his unique journey from investment banking to becoming a strategic financial leader. Danyaal shares valuable insights into the evolving role of CFOs, offering actionable advice for those aiming to excel in financial leadership.

Topics covered include:

• How his background in investment banking and M&A shaped his approach to the CFO role.
• Key steps to ensure your business is investor-ready
• How to balance growth and profitability while keeping CAC under control.
• Why realistic scenarios and investor-friendly cash flow forecasts are essential for success.
• Insights into managing debt and aligning financial strategy with cash flow stability.
• Practical tips for those transitioning into the CFO role from non-traditional backgrounds.

Links mentioned:

• Danyaal's Linkedin
• Learn more about Nokkel

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro welcomes back Jeremy Earnshaw, Founding Director of Clarendon, for the second instalment of the Mastering M&A series. Jeremy, a seasoned CFO coach and mentor, shares invaluable insights into structuring deals and preparing for a successful merger or acquisition.

Join us as we explore:

• The key steps in structuring a deal, including understanding objectives, optimal exit strategies, and assessing readiness.
• The critical role of the CFO in managing the M&A process, from internal due diligence to project management.
• How to evaluate business value and address tax implications for potential buyers.
• Strategies to navigate due diligence, protect sensitive information, and negotiate effectively.
• The importance of preparing the organisation, including staff retention, contract management, and intellectual property.
• Top tips for CFOs to assess their readiness to sell and ensure a smooth transaction process.

Links mentioned:

• Jeremy's Linkedin
• Learn more about Clarendon Executive Coaching and Mentoring

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!

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In this episode of CFO 4.0, host Hannah Munro speaks with Mark Blakemore, CFO at Compleat Software, about the unique challenges and opportunities of working in SaaS finance. Mark shares valuable insights from his 30+ year career in finance, offering a detailed look into the world of SaaS, including practical advice for CFOs and finance professionals aspiring to break into the sector.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Mark's journey to becoming a CFO and his transition from audit to SaaS finance.
• The evolution of SaaS models and the challenges of shifting from perpetual licences to recurring revenue.
• Key metrics for SaaS CFOs, including MQL-to-win ratios, CAC, and revenue growth levers.
• The importance of cross-functional collaboration with sales, marketing, and engineering teams.
• Lessons learned from managing cultural differences and communication challenges in international teams.

Links mentioned:

• Mark's Linkedin
• Learn more about Compleat Software

• Explore other CFO 4.0 Podcast episodes here.
• Subscribe to our Podcast!