Fractional CFO Entrepreneur-in-Residence in Michigan, North Dakota at Red Cedar Ventures

Michigan State University Research Foundation (MSU Research Foundation) is part of the Global Epicenter of Mobility’s (GEM) Mobility Funder’s Network and is seeking to engage a Fractional CFO Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) to support the Mobility Funders Network, focusing on mobility-related initiatives.

Core Responsibilities

• Build Financial Foundations: Establish accounting systems, bookkeeping workflows, chart of accounts, and monthly reporting packages that provide financial visibility and support startup growth.
• Strategic CFO Partnership: Deliver hands-on support in financial modeling, cap table management, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and scenario planning.
• Fundraising Preparation: Create compelling financial narratives, projections, and investor data rooms; coach founders on valuation, term sheets, and investor relations.

• Experience: 7+ years in finance leadership (CFO, VP Finance, Controller, senior FP&A) with proven track record scaling venture-backed startups through multiple funding rounds (Pre-Seed to Exit).
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of automotive/mobility business models, unit economics, and value chains; experience with hardware, deep tech, or capital-intensive models preferred.
• Venture Expertise: Deep fluency in cap tables, equity compensation, dilution modeling, SAFE notes, convertible notes, and term sheet provisions.
• Skills: Exceptional financial modeling, ability to manage multiple companies simultaneously, strong communication skills to translate complex finance concepts for technical founders.

Commitment

• ~10 hours/week, hybrid (East Lansing and/or Detroit offices)