FinKnight: the Finance Function for Startups and Scaleups in Southeast Asia
Kuala Lumpur, Aug 21, 2024 — FinKnight, formerly known as Beetle Knight Advisory, has secured a strategic investment led by First Move, along with a Gobi Partners affiliate (Gobi), to deliver comprehensive solutions tailored for the finance function of startups and growth-stage scaleups in Southeast Asia. This investment aims to bolster FinKnight’s mission to provide businesses with an integrated suite of accounting and professional services.
• Taking Care of Startups and Scaleups’ Finance Function: From growth strategies and fundraising to meticulous bookkeeping and data analytics, FinKnight offers end-to-end support.
• Founded by Experienced CFOs: Led by former CFOs of EasyParcel and Signature Market, FinKnight’s founders bring a wealth of experience from both MNCs and high-growth startups, offering unparalleled expertise in navigating complex financial landscapes.
Unlocking Value: Where Startup Financial Expertise Meets Cost Optimisation
In today’s fast-paced startup environment, traditional financial practices often fall short of meeting the unique needs of high-growth ventures. Moreover, startups and scaleups face increasing pressure to optimise costs while scaling operations, prompting many to relocate finance and back-office functions to more cost-effective locations. Headquartered in Malaysia, FinKnight addresses these challenges by offering a new approach to startup finance, combining deep financial expertise with a keen understanding of the startup ecosystem.
Founders with a Proven Track Record
FinKnight was founded by Chang Lih Yen and Chan Qi Yang, two former CFOs of prominent, fast-growing startups – EasyParcel and Signature Market – who met during their transformative finance journeys at a large conglomerate. Both founders spent decades in various roles spanning strategy, investment, turnaround, finance, and accounting. Their diverse backgrounds provide them with unique insights into the specific financial needs of startups and scaleups. They understand the importance of balancing strategic growth with cost optimisation, making them well-equipped to help other startups thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Proven Impact
In just one year, FinKnight has significantly impacted more than 15 startups and scaleups, helping them navigate complex financial landscapes, optimise their operations, and achieve sustainable growth. Their clientele ranges from pre-seed to growth-stage companies, spanning from pre-revenue to mid-eight-figures USD in revenue.
Investor Comments
Joel Neoh, Partner at First Move, commented, “When I first met the FinKnight team, I was immediately struck by their deep understanding of the unique challenges startups face. It’s not just about providing financial services—it’s about being a partner in their growth journey. We’re thrilled to join FinKnight in their mission to empower startups and scaleups across Southeast Asia with the tools they need to succeed.”
Thomas G. Tsao, Chair of Gobi Partners, added, “Through our affiliate, we are excited to support FinKnight’s mission to simplify financial management and drive innovation for businesses across the region.”
Founder Comments
Chang Lih Yen, co-founder of FinKnight, stated, “Joel, Tom, and we instantly connected when discussing how FinKnight could address the finance needs of startups at various stages. We share a vision of FinKnight taking a long-term partnership approach to support these businesses as they scale. We are grateful to have First Move and Gobi on board as our first investors.”
Chan Qi Yang, co-founder of FinKnight, added, “We are honoured to welcome First Move and Gobi as our investors. Their support validates our mission to challenge conventions and empower startups that we started a year ago. With their investment and advice, we are poised to accelerate our expansion, reach new markets, and deliver unparalleled value to our customers!”
About FinKnight
FinKnight is dedicated to empowering startups and scaleups in Southeast Asia as the finance hub that alleviates the financial management burden from founders and helps them achieve their growth ambitions. Our vision is to be the trusted partner for startups, accelerating their missions. We strive to offer startups the friendliest and most seamless financial management experience, optimising their data for enhanced value creation, ensuring compliance, and streamlining corporate affairs, all at the most competitive rates.
For more information, please visit FinKnight (https://www.finknight.com) or contact:
“>Chang Lih Yen
Co-Founder
+6016 934 1122
[email protected]
Chan Qi Yang
Co-Founder
+6016 652 3057
[email protected]
