Financial Modeling for Startups
Written by Harry Prabandham
Curated by Rubric Financial
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Model Architecture & Best Practices
- Structure your model with separate tabs: Assumptions, Revenue, COGS, OpEx, Headcount, Cash Flow, and Summary Dashboard
- Use a driver-based approach: link all outputs to a small set of clearly labeled input assumptions that can be easily toggled
- Color-code cells consistently: blue for inputs/assumptions, black for formulas, green for links to other tabs
- Build monthly granularity for the first 18-24 months, then quarterly or annual for years 3-5
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About the author
Harry PrabandhamFounder & CEO
Founder and CEO of StartupCFO. MBA from Wharton, MS in Computer Science, and decades of experience building and advising venture-backed startups.
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