The Key Elements For Developing Strong Financial Models

If you have a vision for where you want your tech business to be in 10 years, you need to plan how much money is needed to get there. This requires strong financial models.

Flavilla is joined by the lovely Sara Green, CEO of Canaree, to discuss the key elements for developing strong financial models for your tech business.

Briefly, tell us how your journey took you to where you are right now.

I founded my first company at age 16 which opened my eyes to entrepreneurship. Working in several early stage companies across the UK and US furthered that innovative bug. 

What was your ‘aha’ moment which lead you to create Canaree?

In 2019 I met my now Co-founders. Coming out of the financial services industry they wanted to disrupt it, knowing first hand the issues entrepreneurs face. With my own experiences founding and being part of early stage companies I was excited to join the mission.

Why is Canaree relevant to the issues you have identified?

It’s easier than ever to start a business. But now, they also need more help than ever to get through unprecedented times. Canaree delivers the quickest, most accurate (no code) financial modelling and forecasting tool to assist founders, project managers and financial managers keep businesses on track.

What has been your biggest lesson learnt from growing Canaree?

Building resilience is the most important skill to learn as an entrepreneur. Every day can be a roller coaster ride. You’ll often have more to do than hours in the day. It’s important to be able to navigate those challenges and thrive in the chaos. 

Tell us about your customer acquisition systems.

We use a mix of acquisition strategies ranging from content and PR to search and social media. The most powerful is word of mouth and network referrals which we’re seeing increase every month.

What do you wish more people knew?

That starting a business isn’t rocket science. I hear too many people dreaming of starting something. But they never do it  because they’re afraid of the risk or that they don’t have the skills. In my opinion, we should do more of what scares us to really grow out of our comfort zone. 

Thinking about your legacy, how do you want be be remembered?

When I’m eighty looking back at my life I’d like to think I have made a difference and had some impact as CEO and entrepreneur. However, being a good friend, daughter, partner, mother and colleague is more important than anything else. I don’t want to think back of opportunities I didn’t pursue! 

About the speaker

Sara Green is a serial entrepreneur, having launched her first company when she was just 16. Since then she started a number of companies as well as community organisations focused on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Danish of origin, she earned her M.Sc. from IT University of Copenhagen and has since worked in both San Francisco and London firstly as a management consultant and later as an innovative entrepreneur.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, her latest venture is as CEO for Canaree, which aims to simplify the world of finance by creating financial models, forecasts and much more for pre CFO startups.

About Canaree

Canaree replaces complex spreadsheets with a smarter way to calculate and manage startup finance, so founders can focus on growing their business.

Founders from early-stage to pre-IPO rely on Canaree to help them build the companies of tomorrow. Canaree’s always free version allows pre-revenue startups to plan for growth.

With a premium subscription, founders can easily create, update, collaborate and share their financial plans, accessing automated and on-demand financial advice along the way. 

When companies grow, so does the complexities of finances, Canaree grows along with them.

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