Startup Finance Operating Stack
Modern startup finance isn’t just about tools — it’s about consistent data, reliable forecasts, clean reporting, and repeatable processes that power transparent, predictable finance for early-stage AI companies.
This stack combines systems that enable
Trusted financial models and projections
Investor-grade reporting
Cash runway clarity
Scalable processes as you grow
The stack we use
QuickBooks Online (Accounting)
Category: Core accounting
Why this tool: Industry-standard accounting for US startups. Reliable, investor-understood, and integrates cleanly with banks, payroll, and reporting tools.
Used for: General ledger, Monthly close, Financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
Carta (Cap Table & Equity)
Category: Equity & ownership
Why this tool: Clean cap tables and equity visibility are critical for fundraising and diligence. Carta is the default language of US investors.
Used for: Cap table management, Option grants, Investor ownership tracking
Rippling (Payroll, HR, Compliance)
Category: Payroll & HR
Why this tool: Combines payroll, benefits, and device management — ideal for distributed and cross-border teams.
Used for: US payroll. Benefits administration, Headcount cost tracking
Mercury (Startup Banking)
Category: Banking & cash management
Why this tool: Modern banking built for startups, with clean UX and strong integrations into accounting and reporting systems.
Used for: Operating accounts, Treasury visibility, Cash flow tracking
Wise (International Banking & FX Gateway)
Why this tool: Wise provides fast, transparent international payments and FX conversion — critical for startups with non-US founders, teams, or vendors.
Used for: Paying international contractors and vendors, Moving funds between US and non-US accounts, Reducing FX fees and delays, Improving visibility on cross-border cash flows
Why I recommend it: It’s not a bank replacement — it’s the cleanest way to move money across borders without hidden FX spreads or operational friction.
Brex (Corporate Spend & Cards)
Category: Spend management
Why this tool: Enforces spending controls while giving founders and teams flexibility — essential as companies scale.
Used for: Corporate cards, Expense policies, Spend analytics
Mosaic (FP&A & Planning)
Category: FP&A / forecasting
Why this tool: Purpose-built FP&A tooling for startups that replaces spreadsheet sprawl and enables scenario planning.
Used for: Runway forecasting, Budget vs actuals, Scenario modeling
Notion (Finance Operating Hub)
Category: Internal documentation
Why use this tool: Centralizes finance documentation, assumptions, processes, and board materials in one place.
Used for: Finance playbooks, Board docs, Process documentation
Google Sheets (Modeling Layer) / Excel
Category: Financial modeling
Why this tool: Still the fastest and most flexible modeling environment — when used with discipline and structure.
Used for: Custom financial models, Investor decks, Ad-hoc analysis
Slack (Finance Execution Layer)
Category: Communication
Why use this tool: Finance execution happens in real time — Slack allows fast approvals, alerts, and collaboration.
Best for: Budget approvals, Spend alerts, Cross-functional communication
Stripe (Revenue & Payments)
Category: Revenue infrastructure
Why use this tool
Clean revenue data is foundational for forecasting and investor reporting. Stripe is the gold standard.
Used for: Payments, Revenue data, Subscription metrics
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