Startup Finance Tech Stack by Stage
Written by Harry Prabandham
Curated by Rubric Financial
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Pre-Seed: The Essentials
- Accounting software: QuickBooks Online or Xero. Pick one, set it up on accrual basis, and connect bank feeds from day one.
- Business banking: Mercury, Brex, or SVB (now part of First Citizens). Choose a bank with startup-friendly features like fee-free accounts, API access, and easy integration with accounting software.
- Payroll: Gusto or Rippling for W-2 employees, which handles tax withholding, filings, and benefits administration automatically.
- At pre-seed, resist the urge to add complexity: these three tools plus a spreadsheet for your budget cover 95% of your financial needs.
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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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