Investor-Ready Financial Modelling for Startups
Need a financial model that actually makes sense? We create investor-ready financial models tailored to your startup – from fundraising to forecasting and scaling.
Turn your vision into numbers investors can trust
Whether you’re preparing for a capital raise, building your hiring plan or trying to get control of your cashflow, a solid financial model is essential. It gives you a clear view of what’s possible, helps you make better decisions and shows investors you understand your numbers.
At Standard Ledger, we build financial models specifically for startups and scaleups. No templates. No over-engineered spreadsheets. Just practical, accurate forecasts based on your real drivers – revenue, team, costs and cashflow – backed by the right tools for your stage. We’ll guide you through the process, step by step, so you walk away with a model you understand, trust and can use to grow.
- Experienced startup advisers
- Investor-ready models
- Operational finances
- Drive business growth
- Gain insight and confidence
Build a financial model that actually works – in 4 practical steps
We’ll guide you through the process so you end up with a model you understand, trust and can use confidently – whether it’s built in Syft, Forecastr or Modano.
Understand your startup
We start by getting clear on how your business works – revenue, team plans, costs, growth goals and anything else that drives your numbers. This ensures the model reflects your real-world strategy, not generic assumptions.
Build in the right tool
Based on your stage and complexity, we’ll recommend the right platform – Syft, Forecastr or Modano – and build a structured model tailored to your needs. Clear assumptions, transparent logic and practical forecasting, without unnecessary complexity.
Test, refine and validate
We walk through the model together, pressure-test key assumptions and run scenarios. After 2–3 iterations, you get a model that feels intuitive, accurate and aligned with your decision-making.
Use it to grow
Once your model is live, we’ll help you apply it to hiring plans, cashflow management, investor conversations or strategic decisions. Your model becomes a tool you can actually use – not a spreadsheet that gathers dust.
Most accountants look backwards. We help you plan what's next.
At Standard Ledger, you don’t just get a model – you get experienced startup specialists who understand what founders need to grow, raise capital and make confident decisions. We work across Syft, Forecastr and Modano, choosing the right tool for your stage rather than pushing a single platform. Whether you’re preparing for a raise, mapping hiring or monitoring cash flow, we ensure your financial story is clear, credible and investor-ready.
Choose the financial modelling service that suits you.
Build
- ✓Investor-ready financial model – 3-way or forecasting only, depending on your needs
- ✓Revenue, staffing, opex and cashflow projections
- ✓Scenario planning and assumptions review
- ✓Delivered in Syft, Forecastr or Modano
- ✓2-3 iterations included
Maintain
- ✓End-of-month updates with actual figures
- ✓Insights and high-level commentary
- ✓Investor-ready reporting
- ✓Model integrity checks
CFO Advice
- ✓Your own startup-savvy CFO
- ✓Hands-on advice and decision support
- ✓Financial compliance and governance
- ✓Regular performance reviews & projections
- ✓Board packs and reporting
- ✓Works alongside Syft, Forecastr or Modano
* Fees range from $5,000-$10,000+ based on the required complexity.
Financial model builds with Modano include a $500 Modano registration fee. Ongoing active models incur an additional $125/mth Modano licence fee.
If we need to update your model structurally, we’ll need to charge you for that (but we’ll always discuss this with you first).
Startup founders ♥ Standard Ledger
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our clients have to say about working with us.
“Closing our £2.5m round with Octopus Ventures was a huge milestone for HealsGood AI. Standard Ledger were instrumental throughout the process – helping us stay investor-ready, manage due diligence and present a clear financial story. They brought real structure and focus, which made a complex raise feel controlled and achievable. Having that level of financial leadership on our side gave us the confidence to move fast and negotiate from a position of strength.”
Jack Henderson
“The grant application for the Australian Government’s Boosting Female Founders Initiative is an absolute beast of a process. I’ve really enjoyed working with John to secure it.”
Jeanette Cheah
“Standard Ledger’s fractional CFO services identified KPIs driving operational improvements, making us an attractive acquisition target. Strategic exit planning structured our finances to maximise returns, and negotiating the complexities of the sale process secured us a deal that recognised our full value.”
Peter Neal
“Standard Ledger saved us from trouble during our UK setup. They turned around crucial work in 48 hours, preventing fines. Having the support you can trust, who knows what they’re doing, means less stress and frees up a lot of mental space.”
Peter Cole
“Standard Ledger was incredibly helpful in reviewing and modelling our finances. Thanks to their support, we reshaped our strategy and identified areas for growth. We are now ready for expansion into new sports and markets.”
Iggy Jovanovic
“John and the team have really understood our R&D story from day one, and have always had a plan for it. We’re in the third year of working together now, and it’s been really great.”
Nadun Hennayaka
The tools we use: Syft, Forecastr & Modano
Every founder’s needs are different, which is why we don’t force you into a single platform. We work with three market-leading tools – Syft, Forecastr and Modano – and recommend the right one based on your stage, complexity and what you need the model to do.
Syft
Simple reporting and light forecasting
Syft is ideal when you want clean reporting and straightforward forecasting without building a full model from scratch. It connects directly to Xero to create visual dashboards, management reports and simple budgets.
Best for:
• Early-stage founders
• Clear reporting with minimal setup
• Light forecasting and quick insights
Forecastr
Structured forecasting, analyst support
Forecastr is where you move from reporting to proper forward planning. It combines forecasting software with hands-on analyst support, making it ideal for growing or venture-backed companies.
Best for:
• Startups preparing for investment
• Hiring plans, runway visibility and scenario analysis
• Keeping the model updated month-to-month
Modano
Advanced, investor-grade modelling
When your model needs complex logic, multi-entity forecasting or full transparency for due diligence, we use Modano. It’s Excel-based and built for detailed, bespoke financial models.
Best for:
• Series A+ or complex business models
• Detailed 3-way forecasting
• Investor, bank or analyst scrutiny
Want a deeper comparison?
If you’d like to see the full breakdown of features and when to use each tool, you can explore our detailed comparison.
Financial models built for due diligence
Due diligence can feel intense – lots of questions, lots of eyes on your numbers. But with the right financial model, you’re in control. Whether you’re raising capital or preparing for a potential acquisition, investors want clarity and confidence. We’ll help you deliver both.
At Standard Ledger, we specialise in financial models designed to hold up under scrutiny. From forecasts to revenue logic to cost breakdowns, we build models that make it easy for investors and acquirers to understand your business – and trust it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a financial model and why does it matter for startups?
A financial model is your startup’s financial game plan. It maps out your expected revenue, costs and cash flow – showing how your business could grow over time. For founders in Australia, it’s essential for raising capital, applying for grants and making confident decisions.
What's in a 3-way financial model?
A 3-way model pulls together your profit and loss (P&L), balance sheet and cash flow into one connected forecast. It shows how different parts of your business affect each other financially – from how much you’re spending, to how much you’re earning, to what’s in the bank.
How does a financial model support capital raising?
Whether you’re pitching to angels, VCs or applying for a government grant, a solid model shows you’ve done your homework. It helps investors quickly see your revenue potential, burn rate and key metrics like CAC, LTV and MRR.
How often should I update my financial model?
Ideally, monthly. Your startup’s numbers can shift fast – especially in the early stages – so keeping your model up to date means your decisions are based on real, current data. It’s also a must if you’re reporting to investors or tracking against forecasts.
Can you help me keep my model up to date?
Absolutely. We offer a monthly service where we update your model with your latest figures – things like revenue, costs and runway. We’ll also flag any gaps or trends by comparing your actuals to your forecasts, so you can stay in control and plan ahead confidently.
Let’s build a model that grows with you
Ready to get serious about growth? Our startup-friendly financial models are designed to support your next move – whether that’s raising capital or just getting a clearer view.