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
Links
Barbara Legnitto Hansson LinkedIn
Angel Zhao LinkedIn
Kasia Rzepnikowska on LinkedIn
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