Start-up CFO [Life Sciences]

F-INSTITUTE; Rotterdam; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working environment

Flexible hours

Remote work flexibility

Stock Appreciation Rights plan

Direct access to Europe’s top ventureE

Job summary

F.INSTITUTE is seeking a Fractional Chief Financial Officer to join a dynamic, ambitious team. You will act as an embedded financial strategist for VC-backed ventures, driving growth with a commercial focus and expanding F.INSTITUTE’s portfolio.

You will lead financial plans, models, and fundraising activities, while collaborating with entrepreneurs and executives to build scalable, data-driven strategies across life sciences clients.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a senior financial leadership role in VC-backed or high-growth settings.
• Experience with start-ups and scale-ups, ideally in Life Sciences.
• Strong background in fundraising, financial modeling and strategic finance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a fractional CFO for multiple VC-backed ventures, providing strategic financial leadership.
• Develop and implement financial strategies, systems, and processes to drive client growth and scalability.
• Collaborate with entrepreneurs to build financial plans, forecasts, and budgets.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including investor materials, financial models, and capital strategy.
• Provide Board-level input and support critical decision-making.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Financial modeling

Fundraising

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Finance

Life Sciences degree (if applicable)

Tools

FP&A platform

Job description

F.INSTITUTE is a financial boutique firm specializing in ventures and high-growth companies, with a strong focus on Technology and Life Sciences. We are a modern (and a tad rebellious) company; to enable you to perform to your best we allow flexibility in time (e.g. a 4-day workweek) and place to fulfill your responsibilities. You will be working with an ambitious and fun team of various financial professionals. As we are a growing company, we encourage you to develop your own ambitions as well so we can grow together!

Our mission is to empower companies to scale effectively and achieve success by implementing best-in-class structures, processes, and tools. From taking on fractional management roles to executing strategic finance transactions, we play an integral role in the success of our clients.

Our proprietary FP&A platform and multi-disciplined team of accountants, controllers, and CFOs provide robust support for ventures navigating complex financial landscapes. We’re proud to be the trusted partner of VC-backed companies driving cutting-edge innovation.

About the rol

We are seeking a Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for an experienced financial leader with a strong background in Life Sciences. You will work as an embedded financial strategist for our clients, supporting their growth and innovation. With a commercial focus, you’ll also contribute to expanding F.INSTITUTE’s portfolio and client base.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a fractional CFO for multiple VC-backed ventures, offering strategic financial leadership.
• Develop and implement financial strategies, systems, and processes to drive client growth and scalability.
• Collaborate with entrepreneurs and executives to build financial plans, forecasts, and budgets.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including preparation of investor materials, financial models, and capital strategy.
• Provide strategic input for Board meetings and critical decision-making processes.
• Utilize F.INSTITUTE ’s proprietary FP&A platform to deliver data-driven insights and optimize financial performance.
• Support M&A transactions, exit strategies, and non-dilutive financing instruments.
• Drive business development efforts to expand F.INSTITUTE's client portfolio, particularly in the life sciences sector

What you bring to the table

• Educational Background
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Alternatively, a degree in Life Sciences with strong financial acumen.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a senior role, ideally in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, or strategy consulting or a leadership role in a venture-backed company.
• Experience with start-ups or scale-ups—particularly in high-growth or VC-backed environments is highly desirable.
• Familiarity or direct exposure to Life Sciences businesses is a significant advantage

Skills

• Strong analytical, strategic, and financial modeling skills
• Proven ability to navigate complex transactions, including fundraising and M&A
• Commercial acumen and a track record of driving business growth.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect with entrepreneurs and investors
• Minds et: Entrepreneurial spirit, results-driven, adaptable, and collaborative, with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

At F.INSTITUTE, we value innovation, autonomy, and collaboration. Joining our team means you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the most transformative ventures in the life sciences sector. You’ll be part of a diverse, expert-driven team that supports personal growth and professional development

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive base salary, commensurate with experience
• Uncapped performance-based incentives tied to commercial success.
• Participation in our Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) plan.
• Hybrid working environment with flexible hours and potential for full remote work.
• Direct access to Europe’s top venture ecosystems and network.
• Opportunity to shape your own career trajectory, with support to grow into a prominent and autonomous financial leader.

F.INSTITUTE is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.