Start-Up (confidential)

As interim CFO, Ruben Faust led finance at a VC-backed med-tech start-up in the Aachen region (pre-revenue, 15 employees) during an early, exit-oriented phase. The reporting line was to the CEO, CTO and board. The client remains confidential.

Situation

The pre-revenue start-up was heading towards an exit and needed a robust finance and valuation basis, a compelling business model and an investor-grade due diligence structure.

Challenge & Brief

The brief: lead the finance function at pre-revenue stage, develop the business model and company valuation, prepare the exit, and own M&A support including investor presentations and the data room.

Approach & Result

Ruben Faust led finance, developed business modelling and valuation, implemented an ERP (Oracle NetSuite) and managed due diligence and the data room – the basis for an exit valued at over €100m.

Achievements & Business-Partnering Results

• Finance, controlling, budgeting and reporting leadership (pre-revenue)
• Business modelling and valuation (exit above €100m)
• Exit preparation, M&A support and investor presentations
• Due diligence and data room management
• ERP selection and implementation, scaling of all finance processes
• Build-up of IT, legal, contract management, HR and admin functions

• FAQ: Can an interim CFO support a due diligence?
• FAQ: Does an interim CFO support M&A?
• FAQ: Can an interim CFO lead an ERP implementation?
• Guide: data room for the next round

»Ruben came to us at exactly the right time. Beyond his professional qualifications, we value his reliability, commitment and team spirit.«— CEO / CTO, Med-Tech start-up (confidential)