Joel Samples

Background

About Joel Samples

14+ years of corporate finance experience, backed by multiple degrees and professional certifications, has positioned me as a strategic leader who drives business growth and financial performance, especially within the dynamic startup and venture capital landscape. My expertise spans strategic financial planning, complex M&A due diligence for early-stage companies, and capital management. I've built a career on translating intricate financial data into actionable insights that inform and empower executive decision-making. Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered tangible results: Managed a diverse portfolio: Supported over 65 early-stage investment opportunities with an average deal size of $1-5 million, and oversaw financial operations for 10+ portfolio companies, including deep-dive financial and operational due diligence covering seed-stage through series E transactions. Drove efficiency and savings: Led multiple process improvement projects that generated significant cost savings and efficiency gains. Financial modeling & analysis: Developed and managed 3-4 major financial models annually, in addition to reviewing 9-10 models, resulting in improved forecasting and strategic planning for the supported businesses. Mentorship and leadership: Supervised and coached a team of 3 while also onboarding and mentoring numerous high-performing finance professionals throughout my various roles. Strategic budgeting: Created and managed budget templates for 9 global teams with a total revenue of $240 million, ensuring alignment with corporate goals. Taught financial concepts: Curated and taught courses to hundreds of students on key subjects like financial modeling, decision analysis, and startup finance, demonstrating a strong ability to communicate complex topics clearly. I am passionate about leveraging financial insights to drive strategic decisions and shareholder value. Currently, I am seeking a senior leadership role where I can apply my expertise in FP & A and M&A to make a significant impact.