In an era of rapid scientific and technological advancement, the importance of solid financial management cannot be overstated. This is where niche experts like Hoffmann & Partner come into play, offering specialized CFO services.
Hoffmann & Partner’s CFO Services are tailored specifically for life sciences startups, where financial management often falls outside the company’s core competencies. Hoffmann & Partner bridges this gap by providing a comprehensive range of services. H&Ps model is to send a part-time CFO to its client, who organises and manages all financial and administration tasks successfully as required. This may include bookkeeping, payroll, tax advisory, controlling, budgeting, managing employee incentivation schemes and providing valuations of shares, insurance related questions or even the preparation of an IPO etc. Many of these services, H&P provides via an inhouse team of experts.
A standout feature is H&Ps flexible, modular approach: much like online shopping, H&P offers via the CFOs service packages and the clients can choose the level and type of financial support they need, tailored to their individual requirements. This model also fits and is advantageous for startups that already have certain financial processes (or personnel) in place but require specialized support in specific areas.
Although H&P does not provide direct financing, their service packages are designed to support startups from early stages through to maturity and potential exit events. The financial structures, reporting and valuations are designed to fit the specific needs of the startup investors, be it for local business angels or later for international venture capital companies or even for pharma partners.
All services are meticulously aligned with Swiss legal requirements, addressing the critical financial compliance needs of startups—such as maintaining proper accounting records, preparing annual financial statements, and filing tax returns. However, H&P is also experienced in setting up structures and reporting which allow to be converted in an efficient manner into Internation Financial & Reporting Standards, e.g. once a company decides to move towards an IPO in Europe or the USA.
As startups grow, their financial needs become increasingly complex, also due to the significant cash burn without immediate revenue. That is why advanced financial planning becomes crucial and this is where Hoffmann & Partner plays another central role.Their expertise lies in translating the complexities of a startup’s development program into a clear financial framework. This includes creating detailed forecasts and budgets that provide a transparent view of the financial future. H&Ps approach allows startups to compare actual results with forecasts, identify deviations, and understand the underlying causes.
As the company matures, Hoffmann & Partner remains an essential advisor during the exit process, whether exploring a dual-track approach for selling the company or pursuing an IPO. Their expertise in creating International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) financial statements and drafting prospectuses is invaluable during these critical phases.
And last not least, H&P is specialised in the valuations and therefore a competent partner to its clients for all value related questions, be it the complex valuation of different share classes or of specific IP or financial instruments like employee share options plans.
As shown, in the field of start up financing many complexities exist. H&P has built up the right experienced and solutions to successfully support its clients with all these challenges.