Startup Partners

Startup Partners is a firm dedicated to providing fractional CFO leadership and strategic financial support to growing companies. They offer operator-level financial expertise on a part-time basis, catering to founder-led and venture-backed businesses that require senior financial judgment during periods of growth, fundraising, or transition, without the overhead of a full-time executive. Their services are designed to embed CFO-level decision-making into a business when needed, focusing on clarity, control, and decision quality rather than process for its own sake.

The firm's engagements are customized to the specific stage and complexity of each business, with scope and cadence adjusting over time. Key areas of support include capital planning, runway management, cash discipline, investor and board-level financial reporting, fundraising assistance from seed through growth stages, and executive decision support during scaling, stress, or transition. Startup Partners operates as an integral part of the leadership team, rather than as an external advisor.

Startup Partners is led by Managing Director Michael Barry, a seasoned startup advisor with extensive experience in the venture ecosystem. His background includes roles at prominent firms such as PwC, Grant Thornton, EisnerAmper, and Keating Consulting, with a focus on high-growth companies since 1999 and a relocation to Silicon Valley in 2015. The firm specializes in working with venture-backed and founder-led companies, particularly within the SaaS, AI, and life sciences sectors. Engagements typically span from post-seed to Series C funding rounds, assisting leadership teams as financial complexities escalate.

Beyond fractional CFO services, Startup Partners also offers comprehensive support in areas like accounting, advisory, HR, and technology, leveraging a trusted network of partner firms. This collaborative approach ensures that startups receive necessary expertise without the burden of in-house resources, allowing founders to concentrate on product development and business growth.