In this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James Kennedy sits down with Aarish Shah, founder of Emerge One, to discuss the shifting landscape of venture capital and what it means for startups in 2025.
Aarish shares his journey from traditional finance to launching a thriving fractional CFO business—scaling to 25+ consultants in just four years. He also dives into the critical role of relationships, data, and financial strategy in today’s uncertain market.
Plus, Aarish shares fascinating stories from his time in Papua New Guinea and his take on how startups can survive and thrive despite tightening VC funding.
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 Is VC Drying Up? – The real state of venture capital and why many startups are struggling to secure funding.
🔹 Scaling a CFO Firm – How Aarish grew Emerge One from the ground up to over 25 consultants.
🔹 The Power of Relationships – Why networking and trust matter more than ever in finance and business.
🔹 From Finance to Founder – Aarish’s career pivot and what he’s learned from his entrepreneurial journey.
🔹 Global Business Insights – Wild stories from working in Papua New Guinea and how it shaped Aarish’s approach to business.
Episode Highlights:
💬 “Startups aren’t dead—but the rules of the game have changed. Founders need to adapt fast.” – Aarish Shah
💬 “The best fractional CFOs don’t just manage numbers—they build financial strategies that drive growth.”
💬 “Data and relationships are the foundation of every great business decision.”
At Emerge One, Aarish and his team provide high-level CFO support to scaling startups, helping founders navigate fundraising, financial planning, and growth strategies in a volatile market.
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