Fractional CFO Services in Chicago

Chicago startups are challenged by more than just trying to launch a product or service and gain market share — they must do it with limited resources. Founders know how many “hats” they have to wear in the early days of the business, but a CFO usually isn’t something they want to take on themselves. That’s where working with a trusted partner like Graphite Financial can position you on the right path for growth. Graphite’s fractional CFO services are tailored for venture-backed startups and offer significant cost savings compared to bringing a full-time CFO in-house.

From fundraising to financial reporting to bookkeeping and tax compliance, Graphite’s fractional CFO services are flexible, scalable and the ideal solution for Chicago startups.

Why Choose Graphite Fractional CFO in Chicago?

When you work with Graphite’s outsourced CFO services, you’re working with more than just experienced, expert financial professionals, but professionals who know the Chicago business market and its unique challenges. We’re not just finance experts, but Chicago finance experts. We know Chicago tax filings and compliance requirements, and we have the proven expertise and experience to help you navigate Chicago’s diverse startup ecosystem.

Benefits of Our Fractional CFO Services

Some of the key business benefits of Graphite’s fractional CFO services include:

• Access to high-level financial expertise to improve your business’s financial health when you need it.
• Cost savings compared to hiring in-house. Our fractional CFO services start at $1,250 per month, a fraction of the cost of what you can expect to pay an in-house CFO.
• Scalable solutions tailored to serve your startup throughout its evolution.
• Graphite professionals only work with a few clients, so you can rest assured that the financial professional assigned to you will be able to deliver consistently and when you need it.

Beyond these benefits, our track record speaks for itself. To date, we’ve provided strategic financial guidance to hundreds of startups — many in the Chicago area — to help them grow and prosper.

Core Fractional CFO Services

Some of the key services we offer at Graphite include:

• Financial strategy and financial planning: We’ll do more than just help your Chicago startup navigate the early days of its operation, but set strategy and plan for the future. Our ability to provide strategic planning and comprehensive financial analysis can help support decision-making and mitigate financial risk for the future.
• Cash flow management: Healthy cash flow is the lifeblood of any startup. We’ll discuss techniques to help your startup optimize its cash flow and ensure stability by improving financial processes that promote long-term success.
• Fundraising support: When it’s time to raise funds and work with investors, we’ll help ensure you’re in a good position. Our services include preparing for and securing investments, creating pitch decks, building investor relations and helping manage the entire fundraising process.
• M&A support: Mergers and acquisitions are a big part of business today — and you can rest assured that we’ll have your startup’s best interests in mind if and when the time comes to ensure a smooth, successful transition.
• Budgeting and forecasting: We’ll help you guide your startup’s financial status and future growth by creating detailed budgets and accurate financial forecasts.
• Financial reporting and analysis: Our robust financial reporting and analysis capabilities help startups identify where you are strong and where you need to improve in overall business financial management.

Industries We Serve

At Graphite, we’re well-positioned to support Chicago startups in a range of different markets and industries. These include:

• Tech and SaaS
• eComm and Retail
• Healthcare and Biotech
• Startups and Small Businesses

Client Success Stories

Founded in 2011, Distil Networks was born from humble beginnings and has grown to become a global leader in bot detection and mitigation. Graphite helped Distil get its operations up and running, helped facilitate its growth and also assisted with various mergers and acquisitions, like when Distil was acquired by Imperva in 2019.

Notes Rami Essaid, the Founder of Distil Networks: Rami Essaid, Founder of Distil Networks, reflects on the experience by saying: “Graphite was quite literally the best value-added service I have received from an investor. I can’t recommend them enough.”

Get Started with Fractional CFO Services in Chicago

For more information on how Graphite can support your Chicago startup, contact us today. With a unique ability to tailor our financial services specifically to startups, we’re well-positioned to serve as your long-term financial partner. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fractional CFO, and how can they help my Chicago-based startup?

A fractional CFO is a part-time chief financial officer who helps the startup on a contract basis. Graphite’s fractional CFO services offer expert financial support and guidance at a fraction of the cost of what it would be to bring a CFO in full-time.

How does Graphite Financial tailor services for Chicago startups?

Graphite has a track record of supporting startups by tailoring its services to each of their unique needs. Graphite professionals know the Chicago business market and its unique challenges. We’re not just finance experts, but Chicago finance experts.

What industries in Chicago benefit most from Graphite’s services?

Any type of Chicago startup can benefit from Graphite’s services. From HeathTech and SaaS startups to eComm and biotech startups, we specialize in supporting startups in any industry and will assign a financial professional to your startup who has experience supporting that industry.

How can I get started with Graphite Financial’s fractional CFO services?

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our fractional CFO services.