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Patrick Zanoni
CFO at Yalo
Professional Background
Patrick Zanoni is a seasoned finance, accounting, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) professional with over 30 years of experience in the technology sector. He has cultivated a distinguished career marked by increasing levels of responsibility, demonstrating a remarkable ability to enhance corporate growth, profitability, and the scope of various businesses. His career path has been characterized by a robust focus on finance leadership, treasury management, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), and corporate development.
In his role as a corporate finance professional, Patrick has effectively raised capital for both large corporations and emerging companies. His expertise encompasses public offerings, including Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), secondary offerings, unregistered stock offerings, and various debt instruments and facilities. His transactional expertise extends to M&A activities, co-investment strategies, and partnerships that drive innovation and expand business offerings.
Patrick’s leadership extends beyond capital raising; he has successfully built and overseen the operations of venture-backed growth companies and bootstrapped start-ups. His experience includes guiding multiple organizations through their inaugural financial audits with major Big Four audit firms, where he consistently achieved clean "unqualified" opinions, reflecting his commitment to financial integrity.
His comprehensive skill set includes strategy formation, business case development, valuation, due diligence, negotiations, integration planning, document preparation, post-closing integration, and business performance tracking. Patrick’s diverse experience enables him to navigate complex financial landscapes effectively.
Education and Achievements
Patrick Zanoni's educational foundation is built on a solid academic background with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Accounting from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Information Systems Analysis and Design/Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. This combination of educational experiences has equipped him with the analytical and strategic mindset necessary for excelling in the competitive finance landscape.
His career commenced in the late 1980s as a computer programmer, where he began honing his technical skills before transitioning into finance. Patrick's journey took him to Japan in the 1990s, where he lived for seven transformative years. This international experience not only broadened his cultural understanding but also enriched his professional skills in finance and M&A.
After returning to the United States, Patrick entered The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 1998, which solidified his finance acumen and established his proficiency in corporate finance. Since March 2000, Patrick has been dedicated to serving technology and telecommunications companies in various finance and M&A capacities.
Career Milestones
Patrick’s career is highlighted by several prestigious roles, each contributing to his extensive portfolio of achievements. Currently, he serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Yalo, where he continues to drive financial performance and strategic initiatives within the organization. Previously, he held the position of CFO at Portworx, and prior to that, he was both Chief Accounting Officer and CFO/VP of Finance at Exabeam. His earlier roles include significant positions such as CFO/VP of Finance at CipherCloud and Chief Financial Officer/Head of Corporate Development at Fusion Systems Japan.
In the investment banking realm, Patrick has an impressive background as a Vice President at both Credit Suisse and Merrill Lynch, where he developed robust financial expertise and analytical skills focused on corporate finance. He has also contributed to the investment banking field at renowned financial institutions like Lehman Brothers.
His diverse experience extends into consulting roles and significant tenure at various organizations, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in the fast-evolving technology sector. Patrick’s involvement with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) further showcases his dedication to fostering business relationships and advocating for the interests of the finance community.
As a fluent speaker of Japanese, Patrick understands and navigates the nuances of cross-cultural business, making him a valuable asset for organizations looking to expand into Asian markets.
Skills and Specialties
Patrick's professional skill set is comprehensive, covering a wide array of specialties including:
- Corporate Finance: Deep understanding of capital raising, funding strategies, and financial management.
- Strategic Finance: Expertise in aligning financial strategy with broader organizational goals and objectives.
- Mergers & Acquisitions: Proficiency in identifying, negotiating, and executing M&A transactions for value creation.
- Treasury Management: Strong grasp of cash flow management, funding arrangements, and working capital optimization.
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): Skillful in developing financial forecasts, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
- SaaS and Software Expertise: Extensive knowledge of software development, infrastructure software, and IT security, allowing for informed decision-making in technology investments.
- Parallel Experience in Global Markets: Background in both Japan and China, highlighting successful international collaborations and market entry strategies.
- Executive Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams and manage operations effectively, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
Through these experiences, Patrick has built a reputation as a trusted finance leader, recognized for his ability to drive strategic initiatives, optimize operational efficiencies, and contribute to significant business growth.
Patrick's impressive background in finance, complemented by his deep understanding of technology and global markets, solidifies his status as a prominent figure in the finance community. His unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is evident through his remarkable career trajectory and proven success in various financial leadership roles.
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