Startup operating partner · Pre-seed to Series A
Real experienceReal adviceReal numbers
I work with founders to create and protect value. This could be anything from developing the commercial strategy to board reports, but it really depends on what will drive the most value at any single point. I work flexibly as part of the team.
Services
From the story you tell to the numbers behind it
Senior, flexible, data-driven support for founders.
Storytelling that investors buy into
Shaping the narrative you tell investors, customers and your team — a clear vision and mission, and a story that holds up when it's questioned.
Shaping the business and its numbers
Getting the model, the drivers and the metrics right, so the plan behind the story is one you can actually defend and run against.
Growing and scaling without the chaos
Working hand in hand with you to break the vision into bite-size priorities, focus the team on what actually moves the dial, and scale efficiently towards revenue, breakeven or the next round.
Challenging and solving the hard problems
A sounding board who asks the awkward questions — spotting bottlenecks, pressure-testing decisions and getting stuck in to fix what's slowing the business down.
About
Why work with me.
I'm Rick Charnley, a Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) with 18+ years across venture-backed startups and scale-ups — most recently as Finance Director at Red Rover Interactive, which has raised $27m, and where I remain as Fractional FD.
Before that I spent nearly a decade as Investment Director at Northstar Ventures, leading investments across various sectors and stages. I understand what investors want but more importantly, what founders need. There is no point satisfying investors if you don't get value from it.
I partner with pre-seed and seed founders to shape the story, size the opportunity, build the data-driven plan behind it, and put in the reporting rigour that carries you through to Series A.
Contact
I'm always happy to chat to founders whatever stage of the journey; let's talk.
If you're at pre-seed and just starting out, office hours are the best place to begin.
Free 30-minute slots, every Thursday 9:00–12:00 (UK). No pitch needed — bring whatever you're stuck on.
Book office hoursGet in touch