In this insightful episode of The GrowCFO Show, host Kevin Appleby explores the critical topic of funding fast-growing B2B SaaS startups with Janelle Gorman, CFO at York IE. Securing appropriate funding remains one of the most significant challenges for SaaS founders, particularly in today’s fluctuating investment landscape. Understanding the criteria investors use and developing effective fundraising strategies can make the difference between startup success and failure.

Janelle Gorman brings her extensive experience as a CFO with high-growth subscription model companies and her current role at York IE, an early-stage investment firm that has deployed $60 million across approximately 60 companies. The conversation provides valuable insights into investment criteria, fundraising strategies, and the importance of product-market fit. Janelle also discusses York IE’s unique approach to supporting founders through both investment and services designed to help companies scale effectively.

• York IE’s dual business model as both an investment firm and service provider for early-stage companies
• Critical investment criteria including the importance of the founding team and demonstrating product-market fit
• Effective fundraising strategies and the challenges of raising capital in the current market
• The Tech Women Invest initiative aimed at increasing female participation in investing
• Pragmatic approaches to growth and resource management for SaaS startups

• Janelle Gorman on LinkedIn
• Kevin Appleby on LinkedIn
• GrowCFO Mentoring

• 0:04:24 Introduction to Janelle Gorman and her role as CFO at York IE
• 0:13:15 Explanation of York IE’s business model and investment approach
• 0:18:30 Discussion of investment criteria and the importance of the founding team
• 0:22:45 Insights on fundraising strategies and market conditions for 2025
• 0:27:38 The importance of speed in implementing solutions and demonstrating value
• 0:33:49 Future outlook for York IE and the investment landscape

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