KBA Accounting

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Introduction

In the world of startups, founders are often laser-focused on product development, leaving crucial back-office tasks like accounting as an afterthought. Yet, ignoring this foundational piece of the puzzle can lead to disastrous consequences when it's time to scale or raise funding. Without proper systems in place, businesses risk losing investor trust, facing compliance issues, or simply running into operational chaos. But how can entrepreneurs find a balance between driving their product forward and keeping their financial house in order?

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Ethos, Jarie Bolander chats with the co-founders of KBA Partners—Kasia Rzepnikowska, Angel Zhao, and Barbara Legnitto Hansson—who turned their decades of experience in high-growth companies like New Relic into a boutique firm that helps startups navigate the complex world of finance and accounting. Drawing on their unique backgrounds in taking companies from fledgling startups to billion-dollar valuations, they offer actionable advice on building a financial infrastructure that’s not just about staying compliant but enabling growth.

This conversation dives deep into how early-stage companies can avoid the common pitfalls of financial mismanagement, why accounting should be seen as an asset rather than a burden, and how having the right systems in place early can provide the peace of mind needed to focus on what really matters—growing your business. From setting up basic bookkeeping to managing the complexities of scaling, these experts share practical, real-world insights that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

If you’re a founder who wants to sleep better at night knowing your financials are rock solid or an entrepreneur navigating the tricky waters of startup growth, you won’t want to miss this episode. Hit play and learn how to lay the groundwork for long-term success with guidance from industry veterans who’ve been there and done it. Tune in now and start securing your startup’s future!

Timestamps

00:00 | Introduction: The Importance of Accounting in Startups

01:00 | Meet the Guests: Kasia, Angel, and Barbara of KBA Partners

02:00 | Origins of KBA Partners: From New Relic to Founding a Startup

03:30 | Kasia’s Journey: From Deloitte to Silicon Valley

06:00 | Angel’s Story: Immigrant Experience and Finding a Path in Accounting

09:00 | Transition to Startups: Joining New Relic and Experiencing Hypergrowth

12:00 | Founding KBA Partners: The Decision to Leave Corporate and Help Startups

14:00 | The Value of Startups Focusing on Accounting Early

16:30 | Building a Strong Financial Foundation for Scale

18:30 | Lessons from New Relic’s IPO: Why Accounting Infrastructure Matters

21:00 | Navigating the Challenges of Sales in a New Firm

24:30 | Authentic Connections: Why People Buy from Founders

26:00 | Balancing Technical Expertise and Sales Skills

28:00 | Practical Advice for Startups: Get Accounting Right from Day One

32:00 | Leveraging Technology and Tools to Simplify Accounting

34:00 | The Role of Community: How Founders Can Learn from Each Other

36:00 | Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Accounting, Scaling, and Startup Success

Key Topics

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Ethos with guests Kasia Rzepnikowska, Angel Zhao, and Barbara Legnitto Hansson of KBA Partners, the following topics were covered:

The Importance of Accounting in Startups  

- Why startups often overlook accounting and the risks involved  

- The consequences of poor financial management on scaling and investment  

From New Relic to KBA Partners: Founders’ Journey  

- Kasia, Angel, and Barbara’s experiences at New Relic  

- The motivation behind founding KBA Partners to help early-stage companies  

Building a Strong Financial Foundation  

- How startups can create a solid accounting infrastructure from day one  

- The importance of laying the groundwork for long-term scalability  

Lessons from the New Relic IPO  

- The value of having strong financial processes during hypergrowth  

- Insights into what it takes to go public successfully  

Sales as a Skill for Technical Founders  

- The challenges technical founders face in mastering sales  

- Tips for connecting with clients and building trust  

Leveraging Technology for Accounting and Business Operations  

- How technology can simplify bookkeeping and financial reporting  

- Tools and systems that help startups stay organized and compliant  

Avoiding Common Accounting Mistakes  

- Key advice for startups to prevent financial chaos  

- The importance of addressing accounting needs early in the business lifecycle  

The Role of Community in Startup Success  

- How founders can learn from peers and leverage shared experiences  

- Building a supportive network to navigate business challenges  

Conclusion: Why Financial Planning is Key to Startup Success  

- Final thoughts on why startups must prioritize financial health  

- The peace of mind that comes with having strong accounting processes

Barbara Legnitto Hansson LinkedIn

Angel Zhao LinkedIn

Kasia Rzepnikowska on LinkedIn

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