Finance Brian copy v2021
What's inside:
Done Icon

Overview

Choosing a corporate structure

Setting up finances

Creating accounting systems

Finding a location

Managing expenses and documents

Understanding KPIs and burn rates

Takeaways & next steps

9 MIN

The Finance and Ops Stack for Early-Stage Startups

Choices that you make early in your startup’s journey will determine how easily you can scale. Even choices that seem simple now, like QuickBooks versus FreshBooks, can either facilitate a smooth transition from 10 to 100 employees—or create hurdles you’ll have to jump over as you grow.

Small companies need to perform all the same financial functions as a large company: pay vendors, manage payroll, invoice customers, produce financial reports, and so on. When you’re setting up your company’s operating systems and processes, you need to:

Look professional

Stay nimble and not overcomplicate things

Avoid getting locked into a system you’ll need to change later



As a small company with ambitions to grow, you need systems that are error-resistant and labor-light. We’ve implemented the systems outlined in this guide at several early-stage companies that have gone on to successfully scale. We believe that following this plan will set you up for future success.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the fundamentals of finance and operations for your early-stage startup:

1

Choosing a corporate structure

2

Setting up finances

3

Creating accounting systems

4

Finding a location

5

Managing expenses and documents

6

Understandng KPIs and burn rates

7

Resources we love

8

Takeaways & next steps



Consider this the ultimate finance and ops stack that can accelerate your growth in the early stage and beyond.

9 MIN

The Finance and Ops Stack for Early-Stage Startups

Finance Brian copy v2021
What's inside:
Done Icon

Overview

Choosing a corporate structure

Setting up finances

Creating accounting systems

Finding a location

Managing expenses and documents

Understanding KPIs and burn rates

Takeaways & next steps

Choices that you make early in your startup’s journey will determine how easily you can scale. Even choices that seem simple now, like QuickBooks versus FreshBooks, can either facilitate a smooth transition from 10 to 100 employees—or create hurdles you’ll have to jump over as you grow.

Small companies need to perform all the same financial functions as a large company: pay vendors, manage payroll, invoice customers, produce financial reports, and so on. When you’re setting up your company’s operating systems and processes, you need to:

Look professional

Stay nimble and not overcomplicate things

Avoid getting locked into a system you’ll need to change later



As a small company with ambitions to grow, you need systems that are error-resistant and labor-light. We’ve implemented the systems outlined in this guide at several early-stage companies that have gone on to successfully scale. We believe that following this plan will set you up for future success.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the fundamentals of finance and operations for your early-stage startup:

1

Choosing a corporate structure

2

Setting up finances

3

Creating accounting systems

4

Finding a location

5

Managing expenses and documents

6

Understandng KPIs and burn rates

7

Resources we love

8

Takeaways & next steps



Consider this the ultimate finance and ops stack that can accelerate your growth in the early stage and beyond.