Key Takeaways
Wondering how top CFOs are tackling today’s challenges? We surveyed over 200 finance leaders from high-growth venture-backed companies to get insights into their operations, tools and growth trends helping them navigate the complexities of their jobs. This inaugural report reveals how CFOs did more with less in 2024, as profitability grew despite a drop in median cash runway. Looking ahead, CFOs expect hiring and AI spending to increase, while inflation and interest rates are top concerns.
88% Of VC-backed companies allow some level of remote work
The split between remote and hybrid work is about 50/50.
2 in 3 Companies surveyed encourage employees to use AI at work
Only 3% oppose its use.
42% Growth in subscription-based revenue year over year
Revenue from one-time sales grew by only 28%.
Note: 1) The 8th category was “Other_____.” Findings based on a survey of ~200 finance leaders across the innovation economy, conducted mid-February 2025.
Source: SVB Advantage CFO Survey 2025 and SVB analysis.
Inflation and AI are top of mind for CFOs
CFOs included inflation and interest rates among their top four macro factors expected to have an impact on the ecosystem in 2025. Meanwhile, AI tech adoption earned the top spot among 33% of respondents.
The current tariffs on Mexico and Canada took effect after our survey, so related concerns have likely risen for CFOs as well — whether they have direct exposure to supply chains or not.
Enterprise software companies are spending the most on AI
Among tech sectors, Enterprise software companies are leading in their embrace of AI, with almost 75% incorporating AI into their products in 2024.
Overall, AI spending has remained low, but finance leaders expect as much as a tenfold increase in 2025.
Hybrid work is more common at later-stage companies
Earlier stage companies have more polarity in their work from home policy, with seed and Series A companies more likely to be fully remote and more likely to be fully in-person than later-stage companies, while hybrid models predominate at Series D or later.
This apparent progression toward hybrid work may reflect the view among some startup executives that while remote work helps attract and retain workers, in-office work is necessary to foster a collaborative culture.
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