Fractional CFO, Restructuring and Transaction Support
The Challenge
A venture-backed SaaS platform was navigating a period of financial stress that demanded more than routine financial management. The company needed a steady hand to assess the situation quickly, establish credible oversight, and guide the organization through a fundamental reset towards a stronger footing.
The Strategy
Helmsman was engaged at a moment when clarity and speed were equally important. The first order of business was a rapid assessment of existing systems, contracts, obligations, and cash position, building a complete and accurate picture of where the business stood.
With that foundation in place, the focus shifted to cash. A disciplined cash management framework was implemented, giving the leadership team real visibility into near-term liquidity and creating the basis for credible conversations with lenders. Relationships with the existing lending group were stabilized through transparent reporting and consistent engagement, replacing uncertainty with a structured dialogue the lenders could rely on.
The business itself required difficult decisions. Helmsman supported leadership through an operational restructuring that brought the cost structure into alignment with a sustainable model, while managing the financing arrangements required to support the path forward. Negotiations with lenders were grounded in accurate financial reporting and a clear restructuring narrative.
Financial controls and operational discipline were maintained and strengthened throughout, ensuring that decisions were well-informed and communicated with confidence to lenders and stakeholders. That organizational rigor positioned the business for a transaction on the most favorable terms available
The Outcome
Helmsman guided the company from a period of financial stress to a controlled, credible platform that attracted a strategic acquirer. The restructured cost base, stabilized lender relationships, and organized financial reporting created the conditions for a successful sale to a Big Four consulting firm. Through a challenging period, confident and trusted guidance preserved the value of the underlying business and maximized outcomes for stakeholders.
