Avoiding financial pitfalls: insights startups need to grow

Throughout my career, from leading a SaaS company to a successful exit to scaling a financial services firm, I've learned one universal truth: every business has a story and the numbers we use to tell the story are critical. At Graphite, I act as a matchmaker, connecting companies grappling with financial challenges to solutions that not only alleviate pain but set the stage for sustainable growth. I believe in making complex financial concepts accessible and actionable. I’ve led high-growth startups through critical transitions and fundraising rounds, developed financial models that investors trust, and built finance operations that scale effortlessly. My work involves not just leadership in finance but in fostering teams that push the boundaries of what financial management can achieve in the startup ecosystem.

Asher has led finance, capital markets, and operations at a number of companies, including Earnin and CommonBond. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School and a BA from Colgate University.

Kelsey is the Senior Director of Operations at Vital Software, an AI-powered platform designed to simplify a patient’s journey through their hospital visit. With a background in healthcare consulting, she leverages her experience to guide strategic initiatives aimed at optimizing organizational efficiency and positioning Vital for growth. In her role, she oversees company performance management and financial planning to inform strategic decision-making and drive long-term organizational success.

Benjamin has over 20 years of business operations and finance experience with fast-growing companies, including five successful M&As in the last decade. His book, Scale: Reach Your Peak, is a 500-page modular handbook for founders to grow their company holistically. He has recently moderated several events navigating the changing landscape, including “Automation and AI in the Finance Stack” and “Humanity, AI, and the New Role of Startups.”