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Financial Planning Tools for Startups
Albert Richer

Navigating Financial Planning: Insights on Tools That Actually Deliver for Startups When diving into financial planning tools for startups, it's essential to sift through what really matters. Market research suggests that startups often prioritize user-friendly interfaces and robust forecasting capabilities. In fact, many consumers report that tools like QuickBooks and PlanGuru consistently earn high marks for their intuitive designs and comprehensive analytics features. Reviews indicate that QuickBooks excels in automating invoicing, while PlanGuru stands out for its budgeting functionalities—both crucial for tight startup budgets. Interestingly, industry reports show that nearly 60% of startups feel overwhelmed by their financial management tasks, highlighting a clear need for reliable tools. Yet, it's worth noting that while flashy dashboards may catch your eye, experts suggest focusing on platforms that integrate seamlessly with existing accounting software—this can save significant time and headaches down the line. Navigating Financial Planning: Insights on Tools That Actually Deliver for Startups When diving into financial planning tools for startups, it's essential to sift through what really matters. Market research suggests that startups often prioritize user-friendly interfaces and robust forecasting capabilities.

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1
Expert Score
9.9 / 10
641
130
REAL-TIME TRACKER
INVESTOR READY

LivePlan: Business Performance Tracker

LivePlan: Business Performance Tracker
View Website
LivePlan is the preferred choice for startups, offering tailored financial planning tools for business planning, forecasting, and financial management. Its dynamic features enable startups to track their financial performance and align them with their goals, thereby addressing the need for effective financial strategy and control in the startup industry.
LivePlan is the preferred choice for startups, offering tailored financial planning tools for business planning, forecasting, and financial management. Its dynamic features enable startups to track their financial performance and align them with their goals, thereby addressing the need for effective financial strategy and control in the startup industry.
REAL-TIME TRACKER
INVESTOR READY

Best for teams that are

  • Small business owners seeking bank loans or funding
  • Startups needing guided business plan writing
  • Non-financial users wanting automated financials

Skip if

  • Large enterprises with complex custom modeling needs
  • Users needing offline access (no desktop app)
  • Businesses requiring complex multi-entity consolidation

Expert Take

Our analysis shows LivePlan effectively bridges the gap between static business planning and dynamic performance tracking. Research indicates its standout feature is the integration of Vertical IQ data, allowing small businesses to benchmark against real industry standards—a capability often reserved for enterprise tools. Based on documented features, the 'LivePlan Assistant' and automated financials significantly lower the barrier to entry for creating lender-ready forecasts without requiring advanced spreadsheet skills.

Pros

  • Automated financial forecasting without spreadsheets
  • Includes Vertical IQ industry benchmarks
  • Seamless QuickBooks Online & Xero sync
  • Step-by-step AI-powered plan builder
  • 35-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • No support for QuickBooks Desktop
  • Benchmarks locked behind Premium plan
  • No free tier available
  • Mobile experience reported as limited
  • One-way data sync only
2
Expert Score
9.8 / 10
656
55
EASY INTEGRATION
FORECAST GURU

Causal: Finance for Startups

Causal: Finance for Startups
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Causal is a financial planning tool designed specifically for startups. It replaces spreadsheets by offering a more intuitive way to build financial models, connect to data sources such as accounting and CRM systems, and share interactive dashboards with your team. Its focus on simplicity and usability makes it a great fit for startups looking to streamline their financial planning and forecasting processes.
Causal is a financial planning tool designed specifically for startups. It replaces spreadsheets by offering a more intuitive way to build financial models, connect to data sources such as accounting and CRM systems, and share interactive dashboards with your team. Its focus on simplicity and usability makes it a great fit for startups looking to streamline their financial planning and forecasting processes.
EASY INTEGRATION
FORECAST GURU

Best for teams that are

  • Startups needing flexible multidimensional modeling
  • Finance pros wanting to visualize complex scenarios
  • Teams replacing spreadsheets with live data models

Skip if

  • Users who prefer traditional cell-based Excel formulas
  • Non-technical users unwilling to learn new syntax
  • Large enterprises needing strict regulatory reporting

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Causal fundamentally modernizes FP&A by replacing fragile, disconnected spreadsheets with a live, multi-dimensional modeling engine. Research indicates that its ability to connect directly to accounting and CRM data for real-time 'actuals vs. budget' tracking significantly reduces manual work. While the learning curve is real, the payoff is a transparent, audit-ready financial model that stakeholders can actually understand and interact with.

Pros

  • Plain-English formulas make models readable
  • Direct integration with QBO/Xero/Salesforce
  • Interactive dashboards for stakeholder sharing
  • Multi-dimensional modeling prevents tab chaos
  • Automated actuals vs. budget roll-forward

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for Excel users
  • No staging environment for model updates
  • Premium integrations gated on lower plans
  • $250/month starting price for startups
  • Performance issues with very large models
3
Expert Score
9.6 / 10
518
168
STARTUP SAVVY
COLLABORATIVE POWER

Kordis Financial Planning

View Website
Kordis is a financial planning tool specifically designed for startups and small businesses, providing an all-in-one solution for forecasting and tracking financial performance. Its robust analytics, comprehensive dashboard, and easy-to-use interface address the unique financial planning needs of startups and SMBs, aiding in strategic decision-making.
Kordis is a financial planning tool specifically designed for startups and small businesses, providing an all-in-one solution for forecasting and tracking financial performance. Its robust analytics, comprehensive dashboard, and easy-to-use interface address the unique financial planning needs of startups and SMBs, aiding in strategic decision-making.
STARTUP SAVVY
COLLABORATIVE POWER

Best for teams that are

  • Startups and SMBs using QuickBooks Online
  • Fractional CFOs managing multiple client portfolios
  • Founders needing visual cash flow forecasting

Skip if

  • International businesses (supports US Dollars only)
  • Companies not using QuickBooks Online
  • Large enterprises requiring complex regulatory compliance

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Kordis uniquely targets the 'Fractional CFO' market with a pricing model that scales effortlessly—offering unlimited organizations for a flat fee. Research indicates it combines enterprise-grade security (SOC 2 Type II) with white-glove support via dedicated Slack channels, bridging the gap between complex enterprise tools and basic spreadsheets. While currently updating its core forecasting engine, its deep integration with QuickBooks and Plaid makes it a robust choice for US-based financial professionals.

Pros

  • Transparent flat-fee pricing ($100-$250/mo)
  • Dedicated Slack channel for support
  • SOC 2 Type II compliant security
  • Unlimited models and reports included
  • Direct QuickBooks and Plaid integrations

Cons

  • Budgeting feature currently unavailable (updating)
  • Supports US Dollars only
  • No mobile web access available
  • Limited third-party user reviews
  • New entrant (founded 2022)
4
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
714
25
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
EXPERT GUIDANCE

Bizplan Online Business Planning

Bizplan Online Business Planning
View Website
Bizplan is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed specifically for startups to simplify and streamline their business planning process. It provides direct access to planning experts, a robust education platform, and a funding platform that has helped raise over $500 million for startups, addressing the unique needs of this industry.
Bizplan is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed specifically for startups to simplify and streamline their business planning process. It provides direct access to planning experts, a robust education platform, and a funding platform that has helped raise over $500 million for startups, addressing the unique needs of this industry.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
EXPERT GUIDANCE

Best for teams that are

  • Early-stage startups focusing on fundraising
  • Founders needing a guided business plan builder
  • Users looking for crowdfunding integration

Skip if

  • Established businesses needing complex financial modeling
  • Users requiring advanced FP&A or deep integrations
  • Teams needing a mobile app for planning

Expert Take

Our analysis shows that Bizplan's true value lies not just in its software, but in its ecosystem. While the tool itself offers a solid, beginner-friendly guided builder, the inclusion of lifetime access to Startups.com's education library and the Fundable fundraising platform makes it a comprehensive launchpad for new founders. Research indicates it is less suited for advanced financial modeling but exceptional for early-stage education and funding preparation.

Pros

  • Lifetime access option available for one-time fee
  • Includes access to Fundable fundraising platform
  • Massive library of 650+ educational videos
  • Integrates with Xero and QuickBooks Online
  • Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop guided builder

Cons

  • Lacks 'what-if' financial scenario planning
  • No native export to Word or PowerPoint
  • Text editor reported as buggy by users
  • No AI writing assistance features
  • Customer support response times can vary
5
Expert Score
9.5 / 10
563
152
USER-FRIENDLY
AI-POWERED INSIGHTS

Anaplan Scenario Planning

Anaplan Scenario Planning
View Website
Anaplan is an AI-powered SaaS tool ideally suited for startups focusing on strategic, financial, and operational planning. Its ability to align diverse business plans and optimize decision-making through scenario analysis and forecasting is particularly valuable for startups, often operating in uncertain environments with limited resources.
Anaplan is an AI-powered SaaS tool ideally suited for startups focusing on strategic, financial, and operational planning. Its ability to align diverse business plans and optimize decision-making through scenario analysis and forecasting is particularly valuable for startups, often operating in uncertain environments with limited resources.
USER-FRIENDLY
AI-POWERED INSIGHTS

Best for teams that are

  • Large enterprises with complex planning needs
  • Organizations needing scalable supply chain planning
  • Companies with dedicated FP&A teams and high budget

Skip if

  • Small businesses or startups with limited budgets
  • Teams with fewer than 500 employees
  • Users wanting a simple solution without implementation

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Anaplan stands out for its proprietary Hyperblockâ„¢ technology, which enables true real-time connected planning across vast datasets, a capability that separates it from traditional static planning tools. Research indicates it is particularly powerful for large enterprises needing to link complex financial, supply chain, and workforce plans in a single environment. While the learning curve is steep, the depth of its scenario modeling and recent addition of the Polaris engine for sparse data make it a top-tier choice for complex organizational needs.

Pros

  • Real-time Hyperblock calculation engine
  • Highly scalable Connected Planning architecture
  • Robust security with BYOK support
  • Deep scenario modeling capabilities
  • Strong market credibility (Thoma Bravo backed)

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for model builders
  • High Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
  • Opaque pricing structure
  • Implementation often requires consultants
  • Workspace size limits require management
6
Expert Score
9.4 / 10
465
149
DYNAMIC MODELING
PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZER

Modeliks Financial Planning

Modeliks Financial Planning
View Website
Modeliks is the go-to financial planning toolkit for SMEs and startups. It addresses the industry's need for easy-to-create, investor-ready materials and a simplified way of tracking finances. Its business intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities help businesses forecast their financial future with precision.
Modeliks is the go-to financial planning toolkit for SMEs and startups. It addresses the industry's need for easy-to-create, investor-ready materials and a simplified way of tracking finances. Its business intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities help businesses forecast their financial future with precision.
DYNAMIC MODELING
PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZER

Best for teams that are

  • SMEs needing driver-based financial planning
  • Founders creating investor-ready pitch decks
  • Non-finance users wanting guided, no-code forecasting

Skip if

  • Large enterprises requiring on-premise hosting
  • Users needing highly complex, custom-scripted modeling
  • Teams needing a native mobile app

Expert Take

Our analysis shows Modeliks bridges the gap between complex spreadsheets and simple budgeting tools. Research indicates it offers robust driver-based modeling and automated 3-way financial statements usually reserved for enterprise software. Based on documented features, the inclusion of an AI-powered business plan builder alongside financial forecasting makes it a comprehensive toolkit for startups raising capital.

Pros

  • Driver-based financial planning
  • AI-powered business plan creator
  • Automated 3-way financial statements
  • Intuitive guided user interface
  • Affordable entry pricing ($19/mo)

Cons

  • Limited integrations (mainly QuickBooks)
  • No dedicated mobile app
  • No free-forever plan
  • Steep learning curve for novices
  • Reporting locked to higher tiers

Product Comparison

Product Has Mobile App Has Free Plan Has Free Trial Integrates With Zapier Has Public API Live Chat Support SOC 2 or ISO Certified Popular Integrations Supports SSO Starting Price
1 LivePlan: Business Performance Tracker
Web-only No Yes - 60 days No No No Not specified QuickBooks, Xero, Excel No $20/month
2 Causal: Finance for Startups
Web-only Yes Not specified Yes Yes Yes Not specified Google Sheets, Slack, Stripe Yes $20/month
3 Kordis Financial Planning
Not specified No Yes Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Contact for pricing
4 Bizplan Online Business Planning
Web-only No Yes No No No Not specified Fundable, Launchrock, QuickBooks No $20/month
5 Anaplan Scenario Planning
Yes No Contact for trial No Enterprise API only Yes SOC 2 Salesforce, Workday, Microsoft 365 Yes Enterprise pricing
6 Modeliks Financial Planning
Not specified No Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Enterprise pricing
1

LivePlan: Business Performance Tracker

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes - 60 days
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
QuickBooks, Xero, Excel
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$20/month
2

Causal: Finance for Startups

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
Yes
Has Free Trial
Not specified
Integrates With Zapier
Yes
Has Public API
Yes
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Google Sheets, Slack, Stripe
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
$20/month
3

Kordis Financial Planning

Has Mobile App
Not specified
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes
Integrates With Zapier
Not specified
Has Public API
Not specified
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Not specified
Supports SSO
Not specified
Starting Price
Contact for pricing
4

Bizplan Online Business Planning

Has Mobile App
Web-only
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Yes
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
No
Live Chat Support
No
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Fundable, Launchrock, QuickBooks
Supports SSO
No
Starting Price
$20/month
5

Anaplan Scenario Planning

Has Mobile App
Yes
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Contact for trial
Integrates With Zapier
No
Has Public API
Enterprise API only
Live Chat Support
Yes
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
SOC 2
Popular Integrations
Salesforce, Workday, Microsoft 365
Supports SSO
Yes
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing
6

Modeliks Financial Planning

Has Mobile App
Not specified
Has Free Plan
No
Has Free Trial
Not specified
Integrates With Zapier
Not specified
Has Public API
Not specified
Live Chat Support
Not specified
SOC 2 or ISO Certified
Not specified
Popular Integrations
Not specified
Supports SSO
Not specified
Starting Price
Enterprise pricing

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How We Rank Products

Our Evaluation Process

In the selection of financial planning tools for startups, the evaluation process focused on key factors such as product specifications, features, customer reviews, and overall ratings. Specific considerations included the software's ability to facilitate financial forecasting, budgeting, and scenario planning, which are critical for startups navigating uncertain financial landscapes. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of comparative data, including customer feedback and price-to-value ratios, to determine the most effective tools available. Rankings were established based on a detailed review of the products’ capabilities and their alignment with the unique needs of startup businesses.

Overall scores reflect relative ranking within this category, accounting for which limitations materially affect real-world use cases. Small differences in category scores can result in larger ranking separation when those differences affect the most common or highest-impact workflows.

Verification

  • Products evaluated through comprehensive research and analysis of financial planning features tailored for startups.
  • Rankings based on a thorough analysis of user reviews, expert insights, and key financial planning metrics.
  • Selection criteria focus on scalability, usability, and integration capabilities specific to startup financial planning tools.

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Score Breakdown

0.0 / 10

What This Award Means