Reporting & Forecasting Tools for Startup Founders
From early-stage to Series A - without the guesswork
Once you’ve outgrown basic Xero reports, you’re faced with a decision: which forecasting and reporting platform actually fits where you are now? Syft for dashboards? Forecastr for fundraising? Modano for something more complex?
We’ve built financial models and reporting systems for hundreds of Australian startups, and we know which tools work at each stage. Whether you’re tracking your first year of revenue or preparing for Series A, we’ll help you choose the right platform – and support you in getting the most out of it.
Syft
Keep an eye on your business with visual dashboards and simple forecasts. Great when you’re just starting out.
Forecastr
Build investor-ready forecasts with detailed hiring plans and scenario analysis. Perfect for venture-backed startups heading into growth mode.
Modano
Create fully customised, auditable Excel-based models for complex revenue drivers and multi-entity forecasting. For Series A and beyond.
The Comparison
Compare the key features of each tool to find the right fit for your stage – or book a call to talk it through with us.
| Syft | Forecastr | Modano | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single entity, single currency | Multi-entity, single currency | Multi-entity, multi-currency |
| Xero connection | Live | Live | On demand via Excel |
| Primary audience | Founders tracking their business | Founders & investors with shared dashboards | Founders, investors & analysts with advanced reporting |
| Modelling style | Simple, template-based | Customisable with formula builders | Highly customisable, Excel-based |
| Ideal stage | Early stage, single market | Growth stage, preparing to raise | Series A+, complex operations |
| Software cost | $39/month | $125/month | $125/month |
Syft
Syft plugs straight into Xero to give you polished management reports, dashboards, and simple P&L-level forecasts. It’s increasingly embedded directly into Xero as “Analytics powered by Syft.”
When it makes sense
- You want visual dashboards without maintaining spreadsheets yourself
- You need multi-entity reporting across a couple of entities
- You're running quick budget scenarios based on your actuals
- You're an owner-operator who wants clean management packs
What you get
- Fast time to value - connect Xero, map accounts, start reporting
- Simple "+10% growth" style P&L projections
- Basic budget scenarios off your actuals
- Great for internal management reporting
You'll outgrow it when...
You need investor-grade forecasting beyond ledger-level granularity.
You'll outgrow it when...
When revenue drivers become complex, you need rigorous formula traceability, 3-way forecasting or multi-currency support.
Forecastr
Forecastr combines forecasting software with dedicated analyst support. You get dashboards, scenario planning, hiring plan tools, and formula builders – plus expert help keeping your models current and accurate.
When it makes sense
- You're venture-backed or actively fundraising
- You need investor-ready models and board reporting
- You want detailed hiring plans and runway visibility
- You need active scenario planning (pricing, CAC/LTV, funding)
- You want spreadsheet flexibility without building from scratch
What you get
- Formula builders for custom logic
- Dynamic dashboards that update automatically
- Integrated hiring plans with cost projections
- Scenario comparison tools
- Dedicated analyst support to build and maintain models
Modano
Modano is an Excel add-in that turns spreadsheets into professional-grade financial models. It gives you complete flexibility with best-practice templates, modular components, automation, versioning, and deep customisation.
When it makes sense
- You have complex modelling needs (3-way statements, project finance, SaaS cohorts)
- You need complete transparency - every formula visible and auditable
- Stakeholders demand Excel deliverables (investors, banks, due diligence)
- You're dealing with multi-entity or multi-currency operations
- You're Series A and beyond with sophisticated reporting requirements
What you get
- Complete customisation within Excel
- Modular, reusable components
- Built-in best practices to reduce error risk
- Full formula traceability
- Model files you own and control
You've graduated here when...
Your needs are too bespoke for SaaS platforms, you want total control, or your stakeholders need rigorous audit trails and Excel-native deliverables.
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.