Lukas Hochmeister
Fractional CFO, Entrepreneur, Consultant
As a passionate serial entrepreneur, I have been supporting Tech start-ups and scale-ups for over 15 years in a variety of roles. I specialise in the following areas:
Fractional CFO
All operational and strategic tasks of a CFO / Head of Finance
Business planning
Preparation of financial and business plans for internal and external recipients
Advanced Analytics
Implementation of advanced analytics methods for tech companies
My life in short
After a happy childhood in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria, I went on to study business administration at the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), which I completed with excellent results after an exchange semester in Hong Kong. An internship application at Contrast / EY in Vienna ultimately led to almost four years in strategy consulting – a very solid foundation for my further professional career, from which I continue to benefit greatly today. In 2015, I completed my MBA at IMD Lausanne (ranked in the top 10 worldwide), which I also completed with honours.
After completing my MBA, I jumped straight into self-employment. In addition to founding my own company, I worked as an independent consultant for leading companies in the finance and insurance sector in Germany until 2020. My own start-up – an online marketplace for outdoor activities – was acquired by the now European market leader through a partial acqui-hire.
In 2020, I joined a German insurtech scale-up, where I was responsible for the design and market launch of digital finance and insurance products. After many years in Germany, the birth of my daughter brought me back to Vienna, where I joined the software start-up of two former co-founders. There, as CFO/COO, I have efficiently set up all financial and administrative processes over the past few years and also provide support as Head of Customer Success.
Since 2024, I have been living between Vienna and Cape Town, enjoying the best of both worlds.
In addition to my passion for start-ups, I am an avid mountaineer and runner.
Fractional CFO
In my role as Fractional CFO/Head of Finance, I provide the following services
Business Planning
After a detailed analysis of the key KPIs and financial figures, I will create a customized, value-driven business plan for you that reflects the essential business logic (in particular, the interconnection between revenue and costs in sales and marketing).
As output, you will receive an integrated, multi-year financial plan, a planned income statement and balance sheet, and a scenario analysis.
M&A, Fundraising & investors
Monthly KPI reporting for investors, support in designing pitch decks, conducting/preparing of M&A activities, due diligence, creating short and long lists of investors, etc.
Advanced Analytics
I support tech companies in high growth phases with the implementation of advanced analytics methods (e.g. customer cube, cohorts, ARR/revenue bridges, etc.)
Cashflow / Liquidity Management
Liquidity planning is arguably the most fundamental function in a start-up. I will create an accurate forecast for you and help you identify and avert bottlenecks at an early stage.
Operational Excellence & cost discipline
Cost transparency and discipline are essential for survival, especially for early-stage startups. I can assist you in implementing processes and tools to ensure this.
Thanks to my many years of practical experience in various start-ups, I can support you with maximum efficiency in the operational design and implementation of all financial processes.
Furthermore, I can help you set up the processes in the “supplying” systems/tools, especially CRM and billing, to ensure ideal interlocking and seamless integration.
Usually my work replaces several employees and/or external service providers.
Accounting, HR & Payroll
I support you in setting up and implementing monthly accounting and payroll accounting, as well as in introducing best practice tools.
Billing & Payment Processes
Selection and implementation of payment systems and invoicing tools, including integration with accounting and cash flow management in compliance with tax regulations.
What sets me apart
Many years of start-up experience
I have experienced firsthand in various roles how perseverance and hard work drive the success of a start-up. My previous roles include Founder, CEO, COO, CFO, project manager, business development, head of customer success, and online marketing manager.
References in a wide range of industries and verticals
Every industry has its own specific characteristics. While I enthusiastically dive into every new topic, I bring specific experience to the following verticals: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), AI, online marketplaces, insurance, and fintech.
Hands-on mentality combined with high empathy
In my daily work, I try to drive things forward consistently with a lot of energy, professional expertise, and high emotional intelligence. I am not above doing any task.
Trained at top companies and universities
Many years of consulting experience at a Big 4 company; MBA and bachelor's degree from top universities with excellent results.
Other services
In addition to my role as Fractional CFO, I also provide traditional consulting services.
Project Management Office (PMO)
Many years of consulting experience as a project/program manager at several DAX companies, particularly in transformations, large-scale IT projects, market launches, and much more.
Strategy Consulting
20+ projects in various industries, with a particular focus on retail and consumer goods, insurance, and industrial companies.
© 2024 Lukas Hochmeister. All rights reserved.