A legacy of banking meets innovation

Banco Sabadell, one of Spain’s oldest and most reputable banks, with over 140 years of history, has long been a pillar of financial services. While its expertise in traditional banking is well established, Sabadell has distinguished itself as a forward-thinking institution, particularly in its commitment to the VC ecosystem. Through its investment arms and BStartup branches, the bank has actively supported startups, demonstrating a willingness to adapt to new market needs.

At The Startup CFO, we have built a strong and evolving partnership with Banco Sabadell since our inception. As fractional CFOs for startups, our mission is to help founders make sound financial decisions, and Sabadell has proven to be a key ally in this process. Our collaboration has not only provided startups with better financial solutions but has also helped shape the bank’s approach to the startup ecosystem.

Training and knowledge exchange

One of the most impactful initiatives in our collaboration has been the tailored training programs we have provided for Banco Sabadell employees. Understanding a startup’s financial structure requires a paradigm shift from traditional banking practices. Unlike established SMEs, startups operate in highly dynamic, cash-burning, and growth-driven environments, where traditional risk metrics don’t always apply.

To address this, we designed a comprehensive five-session training program to equip Banco Sabadell’s BStartup team with the expertise needed to evaluate and support innovative companies effectively. In November 2023, we organized a five-session training program for BStartup employees and other bank personnel interested in working with startups:

• Session 1 (In-person, Barcelona): The program kicked off with a deep dive into the financial DNA of startups. Participants explored key differences between startups and traditional businesses, including funding structures, risk assessment, and financial planning in high-growth environments.
• Sessions 2-4 (Virtual): Over the course of three online sessions, participants engaged in specialized financial analysis training. The sessions combined case studies, real-world startup financials, and interactive discussions, ensuring participants gained actionable knowledge.
• Session 5 (In-person, Madrid): The program culminated in a final in-person session in Madrid, where participants applied their learnings to real startup case studies. By the end of the program BStartup’s professionals could confidently assess, advise, and support startup clients with the same rigor as traditional businesses, but through a modernized financial lens.
  
  

The program combined theoretical insights with real-world financial scenarios. It helped participants develop a deeper understanding of startup financials, equipping them with the tools to make better lending and investment decisions. The success of this initiative has been so significant that we are planning a new edition in late 2025 to further expand and deepen the knowledge base for new bank employees.

Enhancing financial conditions for startups

Another major achievement of our collaboration has been the negotiation of improved financial conditions for our clients. As fractional CFOs, we act as financial advocates for startups, ensuring they have access to the most suitable and cost-effective financing options. Through our partnership with Banco Sabadell, we have successfully secured:

• Preferential loan terms for startups that meet specific criteria.
• Customized banking products tailored to high-growth companies.
• Efficient financing structures that align with the cash flow realities of startups.

Why this matters: Many startups struggle to secure favorable financing due to their unconventional financial profiles. Thanks to the trust and understanding developed over six years of collaboration, Sabadell has been able to craft financial products that cater specifically to this market, ensuring that startups receive the support they need to scale efficiently.

Trusted partner in innovation

• Providing structured feedback on banking products and operations tailored to startups.
• Acting as a strategic advisor in the development of new financing instruments.
• Helping refine venture debt offerings, ensuring they are aligned with the needs of high-growth companies.

As fractional CFOs, we work with multiple banks, each with its strengths and weaknesses. What sets Sabadell apart is its proactive approach to feedback, a rare trait among traditional financial institutions. The fact that a bank with such a long-standing history is willing to listen, learn, and adapt speaks volumes about its commitment to the future of banking.

A vision for the future

Banco Sabadell was among the first major Spanish banks to recognize the potential of the startup ecosystem. Similarly, The Startup CFO has been at the forefront of providing financial leadership to high-growth companies. Together, we have worked to strengthen the financial landscape for startups, ensuring they have access to the right knowledge, financing, and banking products.

Looking ahead, we are committed to continuing this collaboration, expanding our joint initiatives, and further refining financial solutions that empower startups. As Banco Sabadell continues to innovate, both in venture banking and venture debt, we are eager to keep playing a pivotal role in this ecosystem, ensuring that startups receive maximum financial value at every stage of their journey.

Contact us

If you’re a startup seeking the best financial conditions or a bank looking to deepen your understanding of the startup ecosystem, we’re here to help. Contact us to discover how our expertise can equip you with the insights and strategies to drive informed, high-impact decisions.

• Mail: info@tscfo.com
• LinkedIn: The Startup CFO on LinkedIn