Fractional CFO Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) at Red Cedar Ventures – East Lansing and/or Detroit offices, Michigan

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)