If you’re an early-stage founder, there’s a good chance this question has crossed your mind.
Often, it shows up quietly:
- You’re not worried — but you’re not fully confident either
- You think you know your runway, but you’re not sure how defensible it is
- Finance work feels like an excessive burden, pulling time away from building your product or business
I have this conversation with founders all the time. This guide is meant to help you decide — clearly and practically — whether finance help makes sense for your business right now.
What Do We Mean by “Finance Help”?
Finance help isn’t one-size-fits-all. It exists on a spectrum:
Handling finance yourself
Cost: Your time, energy, and focus
Risk: High — especially as complexity increases
Consulting finance help
Cost: ~$1k–$50k depending on scope
Best for: One-time projects, investor materials, or targeted analysis
Fractional finance help
Cost: ~$15k–$150k annually
Best for: Ongoing forecasting, runway management, investor readiness, and strategic decision support
In-house finance leadership
Cost: ~$150k–$250k+
Best for: Larger, more complex organizations where fractional help would be more expensive than a full-time hire
Most early-stage startups sit squarely between “doing it themselves” and hiring a full-time CFO.
Three Questions That Clarify Everything
If you’re currently handling finance yourself, these are the three questions that matter most.
1. Do you have a clear understanding of your cash runway?
More importantly: does your board believe you do?
If the answer is no — or “I think so, but I get a bit in my stomach when you ask” — that’s usually the strongest signal that outside finance help is needed.
At a minimum, this means having:
- A reliable cash forecast
- Clear assumptions behind revenue and spending
- Regular updates as reality changes
2. How much time are you spending on budgeting, forecasting, and runway planning?
And what is the opportunity cost of that time?
If financial work is pulling you away from customers, product, or hiring, it may already be too expensive — regardless of whether you’re paying someone else yet.
Founders should understand the numbers, but they shouldn’t have to build and maintain the entire financial system alone.
3. Can you clearly explain your company’s economics to investors?
If the answer is no, you may not need ongoing finance support — but you probably need help articulating the story your numbers are telling.
This is often where:
- An experienced advisor
- A board member
- Or short-term consulting finance help
can make a meaningful difference.
Good financial storytelling isn’t about complexity — it’s about clarity.
The Bottom Line
Needing finance help isn’t a failure. It’s usually a sign that your business is maturing.
The right level of support should:
- Reduce uncertainty
- Improve decision-making
- Give both founders and investors confidence in the numbers
If you’re unsure where you fall on the spectrum, that’s often the best time to have a conversation.