Kruze Consulting

Kruze Consulting

Accounting

San Francisco, California 3,754 followers

Kruze Consulting: the CPA for VC-backed startups; our clients have raised over $15B in funding.

About us

Kruze Consulting is a leading provider of accounting, finance, HR and tax consulting to seed and venture capital funded startups. Kruze’s clients have collectively raised over $15 billion in VC financing, and one to three of Kruze’s clients are acquired by larger companies every month. Kruze Consulting’s tax advisory work is reducing our clients' burn by over $10 million this year, and Kruze’s team recommends best in class financial and HR systems that help make data-driven startup founders more productive. What do Kruze Consult’s clients have to say? “We're huge fans of Vanessa and the folks at Kruze Consulting. They set up our books, finances, and other operations, and are constantly organized and on top of things. As a startup, you have to focus on your product and customers, and Kruze takes care of everything else (which is a massive sigh of relief). I highly highly highly recommend working with Vanessa and her team.” Vivek Sodera Co-Founder @ Superhuman "I literally love the Kruze team. Every part of it. Everyone on the Kruze team cared deeply about our success. Kruze helped us all the way through our journey - from our seed round to our A to our eventual acquisition by a public company. Real professional tax and due diligence advisory made all the difference. I highly recommend startups choose Kruze for the consulting you’ll need as you raise venture capital, grow and get ready for a big exit." Omar Tawakol Founder & CEO at Voicea, acquired by Cisco What makes Kruze Consulting different? • 100% focused on startups • Trusted by top VCs to manage their portfolio companies’ finances • Low-cost, high quality leader • Books, taxes, CFO and controller services, HR consulting, systems set up and more • Inc 5000 fastest growing private company 2 years in a row Kruze knows how to de-risk your startup’s next venture capital round. Get in touch today to see if we can help you on your startup's journey!

Website
https://kruzeconsulting.com/
Industry
Accounting
Company size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
San Francisco, California
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2012
Specialties
Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Startups, Financial Modeling, Taxes, 409A Valuation, and Billpay

Locations

Employees at Kruze Consulting

Updates

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    3,754 followers

    🌟 Navigating Startup Valuations with Precision in 2024! 🌟 This year, we're observing a significant trend: despite a tough market, a notable number of our clients are successfully raising capital at solid valuations. This success is testament to the robust fundamentals and strategic positioning that we encourage at Kruze Consulting. Healy Jones' comprehensive analysis of the current valuation landscape offers essential insights into how varying market dynamics are shaping fundraising efforts across stages. Whether you're in a hot sector like AI or facing challenges in more traditional areas, gaining clarity on these shifts is crucial. 🔗 Link to the full analysis in the first comment of the original post. #StartupValuation

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    Vice President Financial Strategy at Kruze Consulting - Helping Startups Fundraise

    🚀 Startups, Navigating the Waves of Valuation Trends! 🚀 Navigating startup valuations in 2024? It's a roller coaster out there, founders! 🎢 Understanding the currents of Series A, B, and Seed valuations can significantly influence your funding strategy. (As always, thanks to Peter Walker for sharing this data every quarter - you should follow him!) Clients that Kruze has worked with have raised over $1 billion in the past two months, so I’m seeing these trends play out in real time. Here's the snapshot: 🔸 Seed Stage: Holding strong with a median of $15M! 🌱 🔸 Series A: Climbed back to around $42M, showcasing resilience among standout startups. 💪 🔸 Series B: Witnessed a rebound to $117M, reflecting selective investor confidence in high-potential ventures. 📈 Why these fluctuations? A mix of investor selectivity, economic recovery signals, and an AI boom is setting the stage. 🌟 BUT, deal volume is way, way off. The market is tough, so actually getting a round done is really hard. Key Takeaways:  🔸 Investor Behavior: Intense competition for quality deals is pushing valuations up, even though total deal volume is low.  🔸 Economic Indicators: Improvements in the stock market and potential lower interest rates are warming investor appetites.  🔸 Sector Impact: AI startups are experiencing a surge, pulling up valuations in their wake.  🔸 Strategic Adaptations: Startups thriving on solid fundamentals and growth are navigating this landscape successfully. 🔗 For more in-depth insights and strategic advice tailored to navigate these trends, check out the link in the 1st comment:

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    3,754 followers

    🚀 How Do Venture Capital Firms Really Make Money? 💰 Understanding how venture capitalists make money is crucial for founders looking to raise funds and grow their startups. We've updated our comprehensive guide to give you deeper insights into the VC business model, including: - Management Fees and Carry - The Math for Founders - Impact on Startups and the Economy - Resources from the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can help you navigate the venture capital landscape more effectively. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just starting, this guide is packed with actionable information. Check out the link in the first comment! 👇 #VentureCapital #Startups #Fundraising #KruzeConsulting #VC #Entrepreneurship

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    🚨 California Startups, Take Notice! 🚨 Senate Bills 167 and 175 are here, bringing significant tax changes that will impact profitable startups in California. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know: 🔸 Suspension of NOL Deductions: Starting in 2024, businesses with over $1M in income cannot use Net Operating Loss deductions for three years, which can strain cash flow during growth phases. 🔸 Limitation on Tax Credits: R&D credits are now capped at $5M annually. This is a substantial hit for tech startups that rely on these credits to offset their tax bills. 🔸 Refundable Credit Option: You can opt for a 20% refundable credit during the limitation period, providing some relief. These changes, combined with federal R&D capitalization rules, mean that even some unprofitable startups will see increased tax burdens. Last year, 5% of Kruze’s unprofitable clients were impacted by the federal changes - this new California wrinkle will catch even more. Strategic tax planning is now more crucial than ever to manage your startup's finances effectively under these new rules! For an in-depth analysis and practical advice on how these tax changes will affect your startup, check the link to Vanessa’s original post in the comments. Let's navigate these changes together and minimize the impact on your business. 💡💰 🔗 Link to Vanessa Kruze, CPA's original post with detailed guide in the comments.

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    Founder and CEO

    🚨 California Startups, Brace Yourselves for Tax Changes! 🚨 Senate Bills 167 and 175 introduce new tax regulations that will significantly impact profitable startups in California. Here’s what you need to know about your CA tax return: 🔸 Suspension of NOL Deductions: Starting in 2024, businesses with over $1M in income cannot use Net Operating Loss deductions for three years. This can strain cash flow during growth phases. 🔸 Limitation on Tax Credits: R&D credits are now capped at $5M annually. This is a huge hit for tech startups that rely on these credits to offset their tax bills. 🔸 Refundable Credit Option: You can opt for a 20% refundable credit during the limitation period, but this only provides partial relief. These changes, combined with federal R&D capitalization rules, mean that even some unprofitable startups will see increased tax burdens. Last year 5% of Kruze’s unprofitable clients were impacted by the federal changes - this new California wrinkle will catch up even more. Strategic tax planning is now more crucial than ever to manage your startup's finances effectively under these new rules! If your startup is in California, it's vital to understand these changes and prepare accordingly. Let's navigate this together and minimize the impact on your business. 💡💰

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    3,754 followers

    🏦 The banking landscape for startups has dramatically shifted. Are you prepared? Sam Heshmati, Head of Emerging VC and Innovation Banking at Citizens Private Bank, shares a compelling insight on how he chose his new banking home after the upheaval in the startup banking world. His approach? Thinking like a startup founder or VC fund manager. In this short clip, Sam explores: - Why the "easy choice" isn't always the best for clients - How the bank evaluation process has fundamentally changed - What it means to take a truly client-centric approach in banking Startup founders and VCs: This is a must-watch to understand how to evaluate your banking options in today's climate. Like, comment, and share if you found this valuable - and listen to the full pod by clicking in one of the links in the first comment below!

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    When should your startup make its first operations hire? 🤔📈 Hiring an operations person around employee eight to 10 is crucial! 🚀✨ Founders often delay this hire, but an operations hire can help manage day-to-day tasks, allowing founders to focus on growth and strategy. Learn more about why this role is vital and what to look for in the perfect candidate. 👇 🛠️ Versatility is key 📋 Hands-on and adaptive 🚫 No huge egos allowed Don't wait until problems arise to make this essential hire. Your startup's success depends on it! Read the full article here for more insights on making your first operations hire: https://lnkd.in/geETiBuq #StartupSuccess

    When should your startup make its first operations hire?

    When should your startup make its first operations hire?

    kruzeconsulting.com

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    3,754 followers

    🏢 Understanding bank stability is crucial for startups. Our latest podcast excerpt dives into how commercial real estate impacts banks. With clients who've raised over $15 billion in VC funding, we know the importance of choosing the right financial partners. 💼 Watch this insightful clip from Sam Heshmati of Citizens Private Bank, and explore the full podcast for more startup finance wisdom. Link to the full podcast in Scott Orn, CFA's original post. #BankingInsights

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    Startup Accounting & Taxes at Kruze Consulting

    🏦💼 Commercial Real Estate's Impact on Banks: A Game-Changer? 🏢💰 Ever wonder how the current state of commercial real estate affects banks and your startup's financial future? 🤔 In this eye-opening video excerpt, Sam Heshmati of Citizens Private Bank unravels the complexities of commercial real estate exposure and its potential impact on banks. 🔑 Key insights: - Not all commercial real estate is created equal - The importance of a bank's historical stability - How Citizens' approach differs from other major players Watch now to explore why understanding a bank's real estate portfolio could be crucial for your startup's banking decisions. 👀 This is just a taste of our in-depth conversation. The full podcast is packed with even more valuable insights for founders and VCs. Don't miss out! 🎧 #StartupFinance #VentureCapital #BankingInsights #CommercialRealEstate

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    📢 Attention startup founders! 📢 Backdating payroll can lead to significant IRS compliance issues and penalties. Avoid this mistake by setting up a bonus agreement for when you raise capital. Let’s ensure your startup’s success with the right payroll practices. Link to the article in Vanessa Kruze, CPA’s original post. #StartupFinance

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    Founder and CEO

    🚀 Founders, Avoid This Costly Payroll Mistake! 🚀 Ever wondered if you can backdate payroll? The short answer is a resounding NO. 🙅♀️ Why? Because backdating payroll can lead to serious IRS compliance issues. Trust me, I’ve seen it too many times, and it’s not worth the headache. Here's what you need to know: 🔸 IRS Compliance: Backdating payroll sends conflicting information to the IRS, creating a mess with your payroll provider and potentially triggering audits and penalties. 🔸 Payroll Penalties: These penalties are no joke and can result in extensive paperwork and long hours on hold with the IRS. 🔸 Founders’ Salaries: Instead of backdating, set up a bonus agreement in your contract for when you raise capital. This keeps you compliant and avoids unnecessary IRS complications. Remember, keeping your payroll in check is crucial for your startup’s health. For more insights and to avoid common pitfalls, check out the link in the first comment below. Let’s stay compliant and keep innovating! 💼🌟 #StartupFinance #PayrollCompliance #IRS #Founders #StartupTips

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    Navigating Major Investor Rights in VC-Backed Startups 🛡️💡 Understanding and managing major investor rights can make or break a startup's relationship with its investors. From information rights to board representation, these contractual privileges shape your startup's future. 📈✨ 📝 We've recently updated our popular guide on major investor rights! If you're a founder gearing up for a VC round, this is a must-read. Here's a sneak peek: "Major investor rights not only protect the investors' interests but also shape the relationship between startups and their financial backers. Navigating these rights with the help of experienced legal advisors is crucial." 👉 Check out the full article to dive deep into the key rights and actionable strategies for your startup: https://lnkd.in/eEdp2adV #Startups #VentureCapital

    Understanding Major Investor Rights: A Guide for VC-Backed Startups

    Understanding Major Investor Rights: A Guide for VC-Backed Startups

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    📑 Founders, take advantage of our free 83(b) election template! 📑 The 83(b) election allows you to lock in a low tax basis on your stock early, potentially saving you significant taxes in the future. It's a critical step for startup founders, and we've made it easier with a free downloadable template. Download the template now and ensure you're making the most of this important tax strategy. Watch the video for more details and find the link to the article in Vanessa Kruze, CPA's original post. #StartupFinance

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    Founder and CEO

    🚀 Founders, Beware of Missing Out on the 83(b) Election! 🚀 I've seen the pain and anguish founders face when they overlook the critical 83(b) election, only to be hit with hefty tax bills later. So, what is this 83(b) election, and why should you care? The 83(b) election is a formal letter you send to the IRS, allowing you to buy your stock immediately, even if it hasn’t all vested yet, locking in a low tax basis. This means any appreciation after filing is taxed at the capital gains rate, which is about 20%. If your startup IPOs, you only pay capital gains tax on the huge gain! 📝 Key Points to Remember: 🔸 The 83(b) election must be filed within 30 days of receiving your stock grant.  🔸 It allows you to recognize income at the time of grant, potentially saving you from higher taxes later.  🔸 Failing to file means you'll pay income tax on the stock's appreciation as it vests, which can be significantly higher. Filing isn't complicated, but it's time-sensitive and critical. Don’t risk paying more in taxes later—consult with your tax professional and get that election filed on time! Watch this video for more details 👇

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    3,754 followers

    🎯 Attention Startup Founders! 📈 Are you navigating the complex world of employee stock options? Our latest guide breaks down everything you need to know about setting the right strike price. 💡 Key Insights: • Avoid the pitfalls of underpricing stock options. • Learn how 409A valuations protect your startup. • Understand the difference between strike price and exercise price. Don't miss out on expert advice from Kruze Consulting. Elevate your startup’s financial strategy today! 👉 https://lnkd.in/dez6iPfk #Startup #StockOptions

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