Insight

Venture debt gives start-ups and mid-sized companies an attractive source of funding without diluting equity. This article explains the basics, benefits, risks and providers of venture debt, along with tips on using it successfully.

Finding investors can be decisive for the growth and success of mid-sized companies and start-ups. This guide offers practical tips on raising capital, explains why a solid business plan matters and shows how to use online platforms and networks. From business angels to venture capital – learn how to attract the right investors.

Digitalisation plays a central role in keeping mid-sized companies future-proof and competitive. In this article we look at the key aspects of digital transformation and how companies can benefit from current trends and funding programmes.

This article looks at different types of financing for SMEs and start-ups, including equity financing, debt financing and alternative sources of funding. We offer practical insights and help you find the right financing solution to secure your company’s growth and financial stability.

This article is a clear guide to business valuation for managing directors and finance managers. It explains the key methods – capitalised earnings, DCF and multiples – as well as specialised approaches for start-ups such as the venture capital method and the Berkus method. With practical examples and useful tools, readers get hands-on insights and helpful tips for determining the value of a business accurately.

This post shows mid-sized companies and start-ups how to manage their liquidity effectively. We explain why liquidity planning matters, present practical tips and tools, and show how modern technology and specialised software can secure financial stability. Discover concrete strategies for successful liquidity management.

This article examines the key aspects of digital controlling and offers practical advice for managing directors and finance managers of mid-sized companies and start-ups. Find out why digital controlling matters, what benefits it brings and which challenges need to be overcome.

This article offers a wealth of practical strategies for reducing your interest costs over the long term. Find out how to use interest cost calculators effectively, benefit from working with your Sparkasse and make the most of subsidised loans. Take inspiration from concrete case studies and discover innovative approaches such as using derivatives and switching your form of financing to achieve significant savings.

Automated accounting systems are transforming how efficiently companies operate: they save time and resources, improve accuracy and create transparency. In e-commerce in particular, tools such as Amainvoice and Pathways can make a dramatic difference to the time spent on bookkeeping – in some cases by as much as 400%. In this article, we look at the key benefits, the challenges and the steps involved in implementing automated accounting, along with recommendations for suitable software. Find out how automation can strengthen your competitiveness and redefine the role of the accountant.

For start-ups and SMEs, smart software investments are critical to success. This article looks at the key aspects of software costs, cloud and open-source software, and strategies for optimising costs. Find out how targeted software decisions can increase efficiency and secure a competitive edge.

SMEs and start-ups should put efficient finance systems in place that cover core areas such as financial planning and compliance. We explain how working with specialist service providers such as CFO-as-a-Service improves efficiency and transparency, reduces costs and strengthens a company's ability to adapt to market changes.

Careful annual and budget planning is essential for a company's financial management and strategic direction. Putting it together, however, is often time-consuming, complicated and stressful. In this article, we explain the key principles and share a template for successful annual planning.

For start-ups and SMEs, the key step towards excellent financial management and corporate governance is appointing one central person with overall responsibility. We explain how an external finance team can take on this role.

Have you come across the term "fractional CFO" but are not quite sure what it means? Let us give you a clear understanding in five short points.

Efficient receivables management is crucial to a company's financial success. It ensures that invoices are paid on time, improves cash flow and minimises the risk of bad debts. In this article, we look at how digital solutions and automated systems can help you manage your outstanding claims efficiently while also increasing customer satisfaction.