Helped a Saas startup extend their runway by 12 months through strategic cash management
Helped a Saas startup extend their runway by 12 months through strategic cash management
Helped a Saas startup extend their runway by 12 months through strategic cash management
Helped a Saas startup extend their runway by 12 months through strategic cash management
Duration
Duration
Duration
Duration
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
Industry
Industry
Industry
Industry
Saas (Software as a Service)
Saas (Software as a Service)
Saas (Software as a Service)
Saas (Software as a Service)
Location
Location
Location
Location
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Toronto, ON
Challenges
Challenges
Challenges
While Kling AI was a fast growing Saas startup, they also suffered from serious cash flow constraints.
The founders were faced with a major obstacle - their cash reserves were only sufficient enough to support operations for another 6 months.
While Kling AI was a fast growing Saas startup, they also suffered from serious cash flow constraints.
The founders were faced with a major obstacle - their cash reserves were only sufficient enough to support operations for another 6 months.
While Kling AI was a fast growing Saas startup, they also suffered from serious cash flow constraints.
The founders were faced with a major obstacle - their cash reserves were only sufficient enough to support operations for another 6 months.
While Kling AI was a fast growing Saas startup, they also suffered from serious cash flow constraints.
The founders were faced with a major obstacle - their cash reserves were only sufficient enough to support operations for another 6 months.
The Step by Step Approach
The Step by Step Approach
The Step by Step Approach
The stakes were high and the assignment was clear.
We had 6 months to help Kling AI recover from their financial strain.
This was a huge challenge and a tall order.
However, we were confident in our ability to deliver.
There was no time to waste - every decision mattered.
This was a 12 month project that needed a miracle in the first 6.
With that being said, we rolled our sleeves and jumped straight to work.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we helped Kling AI overcome their challenges and achieve their financial goals.
The stakes were high and the assignment was clear.
We had 6 months to help Kling AI recover from their financial strain.
This was a huge challenge and a tall order.
However, we were confident in our ability to deliver.
There was no time to waste - every decision mattered.
This was a 12 month project that needed a miracle in the first 6.
With that being said, we rolled our sleeves and jumped straight to work.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we helped Kling AI overcome their challenges and achieve their financial goals.
The stakes were high and the assignment was clear.
We had 6 months to help Kling AI recover from their financial strain.
This was a huge challenge and a tall order.
However, we were confident in our ability to deliver.
There was no time to waste - every decision mattered.
This was a 12 month project that needed a miracle in the first 6.
With that being said, we rolled our sleeves and jumped straight to work.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we helped Kling AI overcome their challenges and achieve their financial goals.
The stakes were high and the assignment was clear.
We had 6 months to help Kling AI recover from their financial strain.
This was a huge challenge and a tall order.
However, we were confident in our ability to deliver.
There was no time to waste - every decision mattered.
This was a 12 month project that needed a miracle in the first 6.
With that being said, we rolled our sleeves and jumped straight to work.
Below we have listed the detailed step by step approach on how we helped Kling AI overcome their challenges and achieve their financial goals.
Deep Dive Financial Audit
Deep Dive Financial Audit
Deep Dive Financial Audit
Deep Dive Financial Audit
The first step was to conduct a comprehensive financial audit, so that we could gain full clarity of Kling AI's financial health and uncover their issues.
We conducted a detailed review of every expense category and discovered the following issues.
The first step was to conduct a comprehensive financial audit, so that we could gain full clarity of Kling AI's financial health and uncover their issues.
We conducted a detailed review of every expense category and discovered the following issues.
The first step was to conduct a comprehensive financial audit, so that we could gain full clarity of Kling AI's financial health and uncover their issues.
We conducted a detailed review of every expense category and discovered the following issues.
The first step was to conduct a comprehensive financial audit, so that we could gain full clarity of Kling AI's financial health and uncover their issues.
We conducted a detailed review of every expense category and discovered the following issues.
They were paying for over 20 business tools, with several overlapping in functionality
They were paying for over 20 business tools, with several overlapping in functionality
They were paying for over 20 business tools, with several overlapping in functionality
They were paying for over 20 business tools, with several overlapping in functionality
Certain office expenses and travel budgets were outpacing growth
Certain office expenses and travel budgets were outpacing growth
Certain office expenses and travel budgets were outpacing growth
Certain office expenses and travel budgets were outpacing growth
Marketing spend was mainly wasted on paid ads with a very low ROI
Marketing spend was mainly wasted on paid ads with a very low ROI
Marketing spend was mainly wasted on paid ads with a very low ROI
Marketing spend was mainly wasted on paid ads with a very low ROI
Several key vendors required payment within 15 days (a short vendor payment term), which created unnecessary strain on cash flow.
Several key vendors required payment within 15 days (a short vendor payment term), which created unnecessary strain on cash flow.
Several key vendors required payment within 15 days (a short vendor payment term), which created unnecessary strain on cash flow.
Several key vendors required payment within 15 days (a short vendor payment term), which created unnecessary strain on cash flow.
The team was aggressively hiring ahead of revenue in certain departments
The team was aggressively hiring ahead of revenue in certain departments
The team was aggressively hiring ahead of revenue in certain departments
The team was aggressively hiring ahead of revenue in certain departments
This audit clearly showed that Kling AI was overspending in areas that were not contributing to their growth or customer satisfaction.
This audit clearly showed that Kling AI was overspending in areas that were not contributing to their growth or customer satisfaction.
This audit clearly showed that Kling AI was overspending in areas that were not contributing to their growth or customer satisfaction.
This audit clearly showed that Kling AI was overspending in areas that were not contributing to their growth or customer satisfaction.
Expense Management
Expense Management
Expense Management
Expense Management
Once the financial audit was complete, we worked with the leadership team to realign their spending.
The goal was to ensure that every dollar spent moving forward would properly contribute to their growth.
Once the financial audit was complete, we worked with the leadership team to realign their spending.
The goal was to ensure that every dollar spent moving forward would properly contribute to their growth.
Once the financial audit was complete, we worked with the leadership team to realign their spending.
The goal was to ensure that every dollar spent moving forward would properly contribute to their growth.
Once the financial audit was complete, we worked with the leadership team to realign their spending.
The goal was to ensure that every dollar spent moving forward would properly contribute to their growth.
Here are the key actions that we took:
Here are the key actions that we took:
Here are the key actions that we took:
Here are the key actions that we took:
Tool Consolidation reduced software costs by over 30% without compromising on team productivity.
Tool Consolidation reduced software costs by over 30% without compromising on team productivity.
Tool Consolidation reduced software costs by over 30% without compromising on team productivity.
Tool Consolidation reduced software costs by over 30% without compromising on team productivity.
Travel & Office Budgets were set to a fair & realistic amount, ensuring that employees still had what they needed
Travel & Office Budgets were set to a fair & realistic amount, ensuring that employees still had what they needed
Travel & Office Budgets were set to a fair & realistic amount, ensuring that employees still had what they needed
Travel & Office Budgets were set to a fair & realistic amount, ensuring that employees still had what they needed
Marketing expenses were shifted away from underperforming paid ads and redirected into organic marketing, influencer marketing and affiliate programs with higher ROI.
Marketing expenses were shifted away from underperforming paid ads and redirected into organic marketing, influencer marketing and affiliate programs with higher ROI.
Marketing expenses were shifted away from underperforming paid ads and redirected into organic marketing, influencer marketing and affiliate programs with higher ROI.
Marketing expenses were shifted away from underperforming paid ads and redirected into organic marketing, influencer marketing and affiliate programs with higher ROI.
This restructuring alone created significant savings for the company, while still keeping their operations intact.
This restructuring alone created significant savings for the company, while still keeping their operations intact.
This restructuring alone created significant savings for the company, while still keeping their operations intact.
This restructuring alone created significant savings for the company, while still keeping their operations intact.
Vendor & Payment Term Negotiations
Vendor & Payment
Term Negotiations
Vendor & Payment
Term Negotiations
To relieve cash flow pressure, we had discussions with Kling AI's key vendors.
As a result of the discussions, we were able to negotiate for an extended window of 30-45 days, depending on the partner.
This extended window gave the leadership team much more breathing room.
Instead of cash leaving the bank almost immediately, now there was a buffer that allowed for revenue to come in first.
In some cases, annual commitments were renegotiated at a discount, reducing overall spend. The outcome was a more predictable and manageable cash cycle, easing the month to month pressure.
To relieve cash flow pressure, we had discussions with Kling AI's key vendors.
As a result of the discussions, we were able to negotiate for an extended window of 30-45 days, depending on the partner.
This extended window gave the leadership team much more breathing room.
Instead of cash leaving the bank almost immediately, now there was a buffer that allowed for revenue to come in first.
In some cases, annual commitments were renegotiated at a discount, reducing overall spend. The outcome was a more predictable and manageable cash cycle, easing the month to month pressure.
To relieve cash flow pressure, we had discussions with Kling AI's key vendors.
As a result of the discussions, we were able to negotiate for an extended window of 30-45 days, depending on the partner.
This extended window gave the leadership team much more breathing room.
Instead of cash leaving the bank almost immediately, now there was a buffer that allowed for revenue to come in first.
In some cases, annual commitments were renegotiated at a discount, reducing overall spend. The outcome was a more predictable and manageable cash cycle, easing the month to month pressure.
To relieve cash flow pressure, we had discussions with Kling AI's key vendors.
As a result of the discussions, we were able to negotiate for an extended window of 30-45 days, depending on the partner.
This extended window gave the leadership team much more breathing room.
Instead of cash leaving the bank almost immediately, now there was a buffer that allowed for revenue to come in first.
In some cases, annual commitments were renegotiated at a discount, reducing overall spend. The outcome was a more predictable and manageable cash cycle, easing the month to month pressure.
Financial Forecasting
Financial Forecasting
Financial Forecasting
Once expenses were under control, we focused on planning for the future.
Once expenses were under control, we focused on planning for the future.
Once expenses were under control, we focused on planning for the future.
Once expenses were under control, we focused on planning for the future.
To do this, we built detailed financial models that mapped out:
To do this, we built detailed financial models that mapped out:
To do this, we built detailed financial models that mapped out:
To do this, we built detailed financial models that mapped out:
Revenue projections tied to customer acquisition rates & retentions
Revenue projections tied to customer acquisition rates & retentions
Revenue projections tied to customer acquisition rates & retentions
Revenue projections tied to customer acquisition rates & retentions
Hiring plans that align with realistic revenue growth
Hiring plans that align with realistic revenue growth
Hiring plans that align with realistic revenue growth
Hiring plans that align with realistic revenue growth
Cash flow forecasting that tracked when money would actually enter and leave the business, giving the leadership team a clear picture of runway at any given moment.
Cash flow forecasting that tracked when money would actually enter and leave the business, giving the leadership team a clear picture of runway at any given moment.
Cash flow forecasting that tracked when money would actually enter and leave the business, giving the leadership team a clear picture of runway at any given moment.
Cash flow forecasting that tracked when money would actually enter and leave the business, giving the leadership team a clear picture of runway at any given moment.
This foolproof model eliminated any form of guesswork and allowed Kling AI to move forward with confidence.
This foolproof model eliminated any form of guesswork and allowed Kling AI to move forward with confidence.
This foolproof model eliminated any form of guesswork and allowed Kling AI to move forward with confidence.
This foolproof model eliminated any form of guesswork and allowed Kling AI to move forward with confidence.
Scenario Planning
Scenario Planning
Scenario Planning
Finally, we introduced scenario planning to help the leadership team prepare for different outcomes.
Instead of relying on a single forecast, we created 3 models for the team.
Finally, we introduced scenario planning to help the leadership team prepare for different outcomes.
Instead of relying on a single forecast, we created 3 models for the team.
Finally, we introduced scenario planning to help the leadership team prepare for different outcomes.
Instead of relying on a single forecast, we created 3 models for the team.
Finally, we introduced scenario planning to help the leadership team prepare for different outcomes.
Instead of relying on a single forecast, we created 3 models for the team.
Best Case: Faster than expected growth & strong retention
Best Case: Faster than expected growth & strong retention
Best Case: Faster than expected growth & strong retention
Best Case: Faster than expected growth & strong retention
Base Case: Realistic & Steady Growth, aligned with historical data
Base Case: Realistic & Steady Growth, aligned with historical data
Base Case: Realistic & Steady Growth, aligned with historical data
Base Case: Realistic & Steady Growth, aligned with historical data
Worst Case: Slower growth or unexpected churn
Worst Case: Slower growth or unexpected churn
Worst Case: Slower growth or unexpected churn
Worst Case: Slower growth or unexpected churn
By stress testing decisions against these models, the leadership team of Kling AI gained much more clarity on how much risk they could take and when to scale back if needed.
By stress testing decisions against these models, the leadership team of Kling AI gained much more clarity on how much risk they could take and when to scale back if needed.
By stress testing decisions against these models, the leadership team of Kling AI gained much more clarity on how much risk they could take and when to scale back if needed.
By stress testing decisions against these models, the leadership team of Kling AI gained much more clarity on how much risk they could take and when to scale back if needed.
Results & Growth
Results & Growth
Results & Growth
Within 12 months, Kling AI achieved the following results:
Within 12 months, Kling AI achieved the following results:
Within 12 months, Kling AI achieved the following results:
Within 12 months, Kling AI achieved the following results:
12 extra months of runway without needing immediate external funding
12 extra months of runway without needing immediate external funding
12 extra months of runway without needing immediate external funding
12 extra months of runway without needing immediate external funding
Improved cash flow visibility, making it easier for them to plan ahead.
Improved cash flow visibility, making it easier for them to plan ahead.
Improved cash flow visibility, making it easier for them to plan ahead.
Improved cash flow visibility, making it easier for them to plan ahead.
Higher operational efficiency, with reduced software, travel & marketing costs.
Higher operational efficiency, with reduced software, travel & marketing costs.
Higher operational efficiency, with reduced software, travel & marketing costs.
Higher operational efficiency, with reduced software, travel & marketing costs.
Smarter growth planning that aligns hiring expenses with actual revenue growth
Smarter growth planning that aligns hiring expenses with actual revenue growth
Smarter growth planning that aligns hiring expenses with actual revenue growth
Smarter growth planning that aligns hiring expenses with actual revenue growth
In conclusion, this was a very successful project.
While there was a lot at stake and a fair amount of uncertainty at the beginning,
we were confident that we had the experience to help Kling AI navigate through
their financial issues.
What made it a lot easier was how their leadership team was very cooperative with
us. At every stage of the process, they were calm and understood the logic behind
our decision making.
Kudos to them and we're excited about their bright future.
In conclusion, this was a very successful project.
While there was a lot at stake and a fair amount of uncertainty at the beginning, we were confident that we had the experience to help Kling AI navigate through their financial issues.
What made it a lot easier was how their leadership team was very cooperative with us.
At every stage of the process, they were calm and understood the logic behind our decision making.
Kudos to them and we're excited about their bright future.
In conclusion, this was a very successful project.
While there was a lot at stake and a fair amount of uncertainty at the beginning, we were confident that we had the experience to help Kling AI navigate through their financial issues.
What made it a lot easier was how their leadership team was very cooperative with us.
At every stage of the process, they were calm and understood the logic behind our decision making.
Kudos to them and we're excited about their bright future.
In conclusion, this was a very successful project.
While there was a lot at stake and a fair amount of uncertainty at the beginning, we were confident that we had the experience to help Kling AI navigate through their financial issues.
What made it a lot easier was how their leadership team was very cooperative with us.
At every stage of the process, they were calm and understood the logic behind our decision making.
Kudos to them and we're excited about their bright future.
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
Ready to scale with clarity & control
We’re excited to help your growing SAAS or e-com business move forward financially
Book your free
consultation
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved
Terms & Conditions
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved
Terms & Conditions
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Terms & Conditions
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved
MAN IN FINANCE
Vancouver's leading CFO service specializing in helping SAAS & E-Commerce businesses thrive financially.
Terms & Conditions
Copyright
2025 Men in Finance. All rights reserved