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Data Analysis

CFO Survey: How CFOs are navigating a changing market

Our exclusive survey shines a spotlight on startups’ plans for riding out the downturn.

Some economic indicators remain strong, such as the low 3.5% unemployment rate in the United States.

The survey was fielded in May, some six months after the Nasdaq began its retreat, capturing CFOs’ outlook during a time of high volatility. As the economic backdrop continues to shift, their outlook could shift as well. If, for example, the pace of layoffs across the industry accelerates, concerns about hiring, retention, and labor costs could become far less pronounced. (You can explore the full survey results, and filter by region, sector, and stage, with our interactive data experience.)

The survey highlights some compelling findings, as well as nuances and regional differences. What’s clear is that as CFOs look ahead to rocky financial times, they’re having to make tough calls, particularly around hiring, while continuing to hit financial targets. Five key insights from this survey will help point the way:

Issues that companies said will have an impact on business in 2022

54%
Hiring/retention challenges
54%
Inflation
45%
The financing environment
42%
Market volatility
31%
Rising interest rates
24%
Supply chain disruptions
18%
The war in Ukraine
18%
COVID-19

“Managing uncertainty is par for the course now. The current COVID-19 lockdown situation has caused a three-week delay in our operations, but we’ve been able to manage given our experience with the first set of lockdowns.”

– China-based CFO

How long CFOs expect inflation to last

5
0-6 months
33
6-12
41
12-18 months
13
18-24 months
8
24+ months

Companies that expect talent costs will impact their business

By region

38
Asia & Middle East
69
Europe
21
Latin America
79
US East Coast
63
US West Coast

By stage

54
B & C rounds
66
D & E rounds
37
Public or later stage

We hired a lot in the last six months and had to pay more than anticipated. For now, we’ve paused hiring other than for mission critical roles.

– CFO of a European SaaS company

Companies planning to increase cash compensation in 2022

By region

43
Asia & Middle East
63
Europe
29
Latin America
57
US East Coast
77
US West Coast

By stage

63
B & C rounds
66
D & E rounds
47
Public or later stage

“We’ve been aggressive on hiring in the US, as when there’s fear and uncertainty in the market, it’s a good time to step on the gas. Strong candidates, especially on the sales side, are eager to join high-growth companies with opportunity.”

– CFO of an India/US software company

Companies that plan to scale back hiring plans

38
Asia & Middle East
50
Europe
50
Latin America
14
US East Coast
57
US West Coast

Impact of market volatility on next fundraise

47%
No change
14%
Plan to raise more
21%
Plan to raise less
24%
Plan to lean more on debt

Among the 1 in 5 companies that conduct sponsored liquidity events, here’s how often and how much of their equity companies allow employees to sell:

Frequency

14%
As a one-time event
19%
At regular intervals
71%
Coinciding with fundraising rounds

Amount

5%
No limit
29%
Up to 10%
69%
11%-25%
5%
Up to 50%

Companies that expect to see a business impact from supply chain issues

By sector

23%
Consumer
36%
Enterprise
17%
Fintech
7%
Health Tech

By stage

13%
B & C rounds
37%
D & E rounds
26%
Public or later stage
Next
Interactive Data

CFOs weigh in on inflation, talent, volatility, and more

Explore the full results of our May 2022 CFO survey with our interactive tool. Compare the results and benchmark your company.

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