Open to opportunities

Michael Ciesla

@michaelciesla

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I lead CFO strategy, capital raises, public reporting, and complex restructurings.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to provide strategic and hands-on CFO leadership for growth-stage, public, VC- or PE-backed companies needing capital formation, financial operations, SEC compliance, M&A support, or restructuring guidance.

I've guided Savara from an angel-backed biotech startup to a Nasdaq listing, raised approximately $625 million in follow-on offerings and ATM financing, and built SEC, SOX, FP&A, and reporting infrastructure. At Unchained Capital, I led preferred financings exceeding $100 million and helped grow enterprise value to approximately $300 million.

Through Pecan Street Partners, I've served as an operating and consulting CFO for life sciences, SaaS, fintech, technology, and public companies, leading capital formation, M&A, financial operations, and turnarounds. My work includes Chapter 11 reorganizations, Section 363 asset sales, board advisory, treasury, tax, internal controls, and cross-border financial reporting.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Chief Financial Officer

Unchained Capital, Inc.

Feb 2021 - Jan 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Provided strategic financial leadership, raised over $100 million in preferred stock financings, and increased enterprise value by over 600% to approximately $300 million. Managed budgeting, FP&A, internal controls, and compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and SOC 1/II.