Building Financial Foundations for Startups
Running a startup in Australia means juggling growth ambitions with tight budgets. We get it—you're not looking for theory. You need practical financial strategies that actually fit how early-stage businesses operate.
This program walks through real funding scenarios, cash flow decisions, and investor conversations. It's designed for founders who want to understand the money side without drowning in jargon.
What You'll Actually Work Through
We focus on situations founders encounter during months 3 through 18—when initial excitement meets financial reality.
- Revenue models that align with your product stage
- Runway calculations and when to start fundraising conversations
- Equity decisions and cap table basics
- Budget frameworks that grow with your team
- Metrics investors ask about (and why they matter)
Meet Your Program Facilitators
Both have worked directly with Australian startups at various funding stages. They've seen what works—and plenty of what doesn't.
Eamon Threlkeld
Financial Strategy Lead
Seed to Series A transitions
Eamon spent seven years advising early-stage tech companies in Sydney and Melbourne. Before that, he worked in venture capital—so he knows what due diligence actually looks like from both sides.
He breaks down financial models into components founders can build themselves. His sessions focus on decision-making frameworks rather than perfect spreadsheets.
Sven Kovarik
Operations Finance Mentor
Bootstrap to funding readiness
Sven works with founders who are still figuring out their business model. He's particularly good at helping teams understand when they're ready for external investment—and when they're not.
His background includes founding two companies himself (one successful exit, one learning experience). That perspective shows up in how he approaches cash flow planning and growth pacing.
How the Program Unfolds
We're launching the next cohort in September 2025. Sessions run for twelve weeks, with practical work between each meeting.
Financial Assessment Phase
We start by mapping your current situation—revenue sources, burn rate, existing commitments. This isn't about judgment; it's about establishing a realistic baseline. You'll leave this phase with a clear picture of your financial position and immediate priorities.
Strategic Planning Development
Next, we build financial projections tied to your product roadmap. You'll work through different growth scenarios and learn which levers actually move your business forward. This phase involves case studies from Australian startups in similar stages.
Funding Readiness Preparation
The final phase covers investor conversations—from pitch deck financials to term sheet basics. We run through Q&A sessions that mirror actual investor meetings. By the end, you'll understand what different funding sources expect and how to present your financial story clearly.