Founder of StartupBus and StarutpHouse. Worked for crv.com, vast.com, pwc.com.
Bootstrapped entrepreneur that's worked in professional services, venture capital and silicon valley startups.
As a CPA/Chartered accountant that's worked in a Big Four Firm, run the finance department at a venture back startup, as well as run my own businesses -- I can confidently say that the only accounting concept that matters for a startup is cash in the bank.
Specifically, how much is there and how quickly is it running out. Everything else really is a distraction as it doesn't matter: when a ship is sinking, you don't care about GAAP compliance.
Metrics matter more for revenue than expenses, which is why this forces the market to be for later stage companies. And those later stage companies have multiple offerings from the mature accounting and management reporting market.
Elias was very helpful, listened patiently to what we're up to, and gave us helpful feedback! Looking forward to speaking with him again!
Phenomenal advice from someone who knows the process of starting up from beginning to exit. Thanks for the help!
In addition to his dedication and innovation, Elias had two qualities that made him an excellent president of the Sydney University Journalists Society: the first was an ability to inspire others to believe in his projects and revolutionary ideas; the second was his openness to the new ideas and talents of others. It allowed the Society to achieve some truly unique feats, including the creation of an independent web-based newspaper for the Sydney University community, with minimal funding and external support. The Society's continuing strength after Elias' departure is a testament to his sophisticated understanding of how democratic management structures and knowledge sharing can ensure the ongoing vitality of an organisation.
Elias is a force of nature and a great bloke all round. When I first met him he was with PWC and I had my doubts if he could get things done. He completely blew me away with his work ethic and approach.
He's one of those rare guys that brilliantly balances being direct and giving useful advice, with valuing people and looking after them.
It's a loss for the Australian community that he's headed to the Valley, but it's a great connection to have and I am proud to call him a colleague and friend.
Elias has an excellent grasp of emerging internet technologies and and intuitive understanding on how they can transform business behaviour. He is a passionate evangelist who won't take no for an answer and continually seeks to engage and promote new thinking within the business.
Elias was an extremely capable and diligent President who founded, grew and managed the Society into one of the most impressive University groups on Campus. I would not hesitate in recommending him in as a leader in any entrepreneurial capacity.
