Strategic Finance Director | Rapid Growth AI Start-Up ($1B+ Series A) | Bay Area

Strategic Finance Director | Rapid Growth AI Start-Up ($1B+ Series A) | Bay AreaThe ClientHarmonic are proud to have been retained by a rapidly growing VC Backed AI start-up revolutionizing mankind’s understanding of the physical sciences. They are preparing to manufacture multiple complex HardTech products utilizing AI with the ability to take massive leaps forward in our interpretation of the laws which underpin physics. The business has applications impacting space exploration, climate and green energy, advanced computing, robotics, defense and global food supply chain.They are currently in stealth mode and incubated by a major VC player with a track record in the last 3 years of launching some of the fastest growing and transformative AI businesses in their respective fields. They are going to announce one of the largest Series A fundraises in start-up history (well in excess of $1 billion) with multiple top tier VC backers that are working together on similar ventures.Our client has a genuinely values led culture with an incredibly bright leadership team. Founded by award winning scientists and AI industry leaders they are now building out their leadership team. The team is littered with Founders and early joiners of some of the top AI labs and HardTech companies in the world - This is much more than an opportunity to join an AI business but a chance to be at the forefront of multiple technological leaps which can change the shape of human history!The Role:The Director of Strategic Finance will own the build out of Strategic Finance and taking responsibility for the development of financial modelling, strategic planning and insightful analysis. This will partner closely with CFO analyzing key investment decisions across compute investment, manufacturing programs, project financing and answering all the ‘big questions’ around scaling the business.Additionally, the position offers significant exposure and the opportunity to build relationships with the CEO and wider Exec team making recommendations that will deliver growth.This position really is a true blank slate as the business is set to scale from 150 to close to 1000 heads in 12 monthsResponsibilities:Build detailed investment analysis for data center infrastructure and capacity, evaluating capital requirements, deployment timelines, power economics, hardware investment, and build-versus-buy decisions.Develop long-range financial models connecting compute demand and infrastructure investment to revenue growth, cash flow, liquidity, and capital needsLead financial analysis for major infrastructure and compute investment decisionsEvaluate and execute project financing strategies for large-scale data center, compute and manufacturing investments, including debt capacity, structured financing, and asset-level funding.Partner with leadership on capital markets and fundraising activities, developing financing models, investor materials, valuation analyses, and recommendations across debt and equity alternatives.Work closely with Engineering, Infrastructure, Operations, and Procurement to translate technical capacity plans into financial forecasts and investment decisions.Develop financial models for the scale up of heavy manufacturingSupport the CFO developing financial modeling for GTM motions and the launch of new productsWhat We Need:Background in Investment banking, experience working in VC/PE firms or Corporate Finance/ M&A advisory experience OR relevant industry experience in a rapid growth Tech start-up (this can include AI, Deeptech, Robotics, Defense, Biotech, Climate Tech and Green Energy, SaaS, Fintech)Exceptional financial modelling skillsExcellent communication skillsHigh level of commercial acumenWhat We’d Love to See (Non-Essential):Experience in a VC backed Tech start-up which has raised over $500mExperience in Project Financing for Data Center, Energy, significant manufacturing or infrastructure projectsExperience in R&D heavy environments or AI labsExperienced leading international teams with multiple entitiesSalary: $250,000 to $300,000 + bonus + significant share optionsStart Date: ASAPLocation: San Francisco Bay AreaPlease contact Fin on fin@harmonicfinance.com for more informationFeel free to share this remarkable opportunity with your network of friends and contacts who may be interested