Launch Finance

Launch Finance emerged in 2019 from the vision of three seasoned financial executives: Deborah Kranz, Shauna Barker, and Laina Payne. Recognizing a critical need in the burgeoning startup ecosystem, particularly within Silicon Valley, they set out to provide specialized, cost-effective financial and accounting solutions tailored for venture-backed startups and venture capital firms. Deborah Kranz, with a formidable 35-year track record in strategic executive roles across startups, venture capital, Fortune 100 companies, and as a Big 4 CPA, had previously built and successfully sold Kranz & Associates, a highly regarded interim CFO consulting firm. This experience provided deep insights into the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by fast-growing companies. Shauna Barker brought over 25 years of strategic financial leadership in both public and private companies, including expertise in IPOs, M&As, debt deals, and venture capital funding, complemented by her background as a Big 4 CPA and a Wharton MBA. Laina Payne contributed 25 years of financial executive experience, including leading a successful M&A carve-out of a public company and managing operations, strategy, and marketing teams, also with a Big 4 CPA background and startup expertise.

The trio united their complementary skills and extensive experience to establish Launch Finance, a women-owned firm designed to offer a comprehensive suite of financial services. Their mission was clear: to empower startups and venture capital firms with the robust financial support necessary for success, from inception through to exit. They understood that early-stage companies often require fractional finance teams capable of delivering turnkey finance and HR solutions without the overhead of full-time senior financial staff. Launch Finance was built to fill this gap, offering services such as establishing best accounting practices, developing fundraising strategies, leveraging less dilutive debt structures, and formulating successful exit strategies. The firm prides itself on a practical, proven approach, ensuring clients have access not only to financial expertise but also to valuable industry data and networks. By offering a one-of-a-kind combination of skills at a fraction of the in-house cost, Launch Finance quickly positioned itself as a vital partner for navigating the complex financial landscape of the startup world.