Financial Modeling 101

Want to unlock VC funding in 2024?

Want to run your business using MATH instead of YOLO?

You're going to need a Financial Model.

If you have questions like these:

  • Can I afford to hire someone?

  • Am I charging my customers enough?

  • How can I create a budget if I can’t predict my revenue?

  • How long will it take for this new business idea to break even?

  • What will happen to my company if sales takes a nosedive tomorrow?

Then, it’s probably time to build a financial model.

…But what needs to go into it?

…How do you build one?

…Where do you even start?

In this course, we'll review everything you need to know to build a model that's fund-raising ready.

Whether you already have a model and aren't sure if it's right, or if you've not even gotten started yet, this workshop will give you all the tools you need to build a model you can use to wow investors and run your business better.

This course is taught each semester at Top 10 MBA program, NYU Stern's Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship. Originally intended as a one-time workshop, it has become one of the most popular workshops in their startup cohort program, and now runs every semester.

You’ll learn:

  • What a model is and why they're actually awesome

  • How to build a model from 0 to 1 using first principles

  • What model requirements investors look for

  • How to create a model you actually understand and can run

You'll get:

  • 2.5 hours of instruction and hands-on exercises, led by NYU instructor and startup CFO, Lauren Pearl

  • A pre-workshop prep worksheet to clarify variables for your model

  • Post-workshop handout with resources including templates, tips, and cliff notes from the course.

  • A discount code for 1:1 model review sessions with Lauren

Here's what former students say about the course:

  • "Before working with Lauren, we were googling, youtubing, or trying to figure it out on our own. We created our projections to the best of our abilities but we always felt we were forgetting something or not taking something into account. Lauren's course opened our eyes. We learned the correct formula to build projections for our two sided marketplace. We also learned what start up projections should look like for an early stage startup. After the course we were able to start fresh, but this time with more pragmatic expectations. Before, we could only focus on one part of our business model because the research online only helped with the traditional "revenue - expenses = profit" formula. Lauren's formula helped us include our different revenue streams in one model."

    Christy Felix, Founder & CEO @UHustle

  • "Lauren presents complicated business concepts simply, without pretension or complicated business school jargon. I would recommend her course. I found it informative, enjoyable, and full of action items for us to leave with."

    Christopher James, CTO @GaleSun Technologies

  • "The financial modeling workshop led by Lauren was an absolute game-changer for entrepreneurs seeking to refine their business models. Through emphasizing iteration, growth, and constant evolution, the workshop provided essential tools for success. Lauren's expertise in modeling techniques mirrored by VCs was invaluable, and her ability to make financials engaging and enjoyable was truly remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend this workshop to anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their financial models and take their businesses to new heights."

    Caitlin West, Founder @4Alivio

  • "One of the most interesting workshops I have attended at NYU. Thanks Lauren Pearl for this amazing session!"

    Venture Associate @NYU Berkley Innovation Labs

How to get Financial Modeling 101

  • Purchase the Digital Course

    You'll get access to the recorded course, the pre-workshop survey, post-workshop notes, and a discount code for 1:1 model teardown sessions with the instructor.

    Who it's for: Founders and operators who want to learn more about Financial Modeling.

    Access the course

  • Course + Coaching Sessions

    Get the course and all the Financial Modeling 101 materials, PLUS 4 live 1:1 coaching sessions with the instructor, Lauren Pearl.

    Who it's for: Perfect for founders who need a model done in under a month or extra help.

    Get the course + coaching

Meet your Instructor:

Lauren Pearl

Lauren Pearl is a startup CFO expert who helps founders of startups and small businesses get unstuck and build powerful companies.

A sought-after speaker, advisor, and written contributor, Lauren has 14+ years working in startup leadership, is a 3X startup founder, an ex-Deloitte strategy consultant, and holds an MBA from NYU.

In her free time, she hosts a Startup Finance Helpdesk and workshops on Startup Finance for the New York Berkeley Center for Entrepreneurship, writes a newsletter called “The Daily CFO”, and co-hosts a podcast about the changing role of the CFO, called “Growth-Minded CFO”.