Jenny Bloom (Zapier, MailChimp) recently retired as CFO of Zapier, a technology startup that helps businesses automate their workflows. Jenny has decades of experience working as CFO for bootstrapped tech startups like Zapier and Mailchimp.

In this episode of Ventured Growth with Hercules Capital, Eddie Lopez and Jenny Bloom discuss Jenny’s experience in the startup world, how she helped grow Zapier to a $5B valuation with only $1.3M in VC funding, tips for staying lean during periods of hypergrowth, and much more.

Topics Include:
Jenny’s journey from corporate accounting and finance to CFO at major startups. The role of CFOs at tech startups. The value of investing in learning and development for your staff. The importance of building relationships as a CFO. Bootstrapping vs funding. Three tips for startups with growth models similar to MailChimp and Zapier. The importance of simplicity and automation. How to create a financially frugal company culture. And other topics…

Jenny Bloom retired as the CFO of Zapier at the end of 2021. Before her role at Zapier, Jenny spent several years in corporate jobs in industries from retail and hospitality to the automotive industry with Saab Cars USA. In 2002, Jenny started a CPA practice, Bloom & Associates, LLC, that focused on outsourcing CFO services for technology startups. This was where she connected with the founders of MailChimp. Jenny went on to work as the CFO of MailChimp for six years before starting at Zapier. Jenny lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.

*Correction – Zapier received $1.3M in VC funding, slightly more than was mentioned in the podcast.

This podcast is produced by Hercules Capital, Inc. (“Hercules”) for informational purposes only. Views expressed are the speakers’ own as of the recording date and do not necessarily reflect those of Hercules or its affiliates. Nothing here is investment, legal, or tax advice, an offer or commitment to provide financing, or an offer of any security. Guests may be associated with current, former, or prospective Hercules portfolio companies. Their appearance is not an endorsement, and they are not compensated.