Can you spot the 3 signs that your startup might need an interim CFO?

Running a startup often feels like building a plane while flying it. You wear multiple hats: product, sales, HR, and probably fundraising all at once. In the middle of that chaos, finance can quietly become a blind spot, until it turns into a real problem.

That is where an interim CFO comes in. You will not need a full-time hire just yet, but having the right financial firepower can make a huge difference. Here are the signs:

💰 1. You have no visibility over cash.

You have revenue coming in. You have bills going out. But ask yourself: do you really know your runway? What happens if that big deal does not materialise?

📜 2. Reporting is always last-minute and investors ask for more details.

As your company grows, so do expectations. Investors want monthly updates. Metrics start to matter. But if you're still putting the numbers together from a Google Sheet the night before a board meeting, you are will not be able to face the growing investor requests.

🔢 3. You are pitching for funding, but the numbers are fuzzy.

Your product looks great and investors are lining up. But when someone asks for a detailed business plan, magic number, CAC/LTV breakdown, you are in panic? Investors do not just bet on ideas, they bet on numbers that make sense. An interim CFO can build a model that tells your story with clarity and confidence. They know what investors look for and how to speak their language.

If you're reading this and nodding along, you are not alone. Many early-stage companies hit this reflection point. Recognizing it early and bringing in the right financial leadership can make the difference. An interim CFO does not just fix problems, they help you prevent them. And sometimes, that is exactly what your startup needs to go from surviving to scaling.