Episode 30: Numerated CRO discusses automation for PPP.

Today we are speaking with Chris Aronis, Chief Revenue Officer at Numerated, a Boston based fintech startup.  Most recently Chris was with Plaid before it was acquired and has in the past had other successful exits. 

Hello, Chris Welcome to the Pandocap show. 

Q: Can you share a bit about your journey with our audience?

A: After the 2001 dotcom bust I had to do a reset and found myself in fintech. I started a company called Dataware Solutions that was later acquired by Sungard. I built business units, and over time, completed 5 startups.  I generally like to join companies with no more than 50 employees and $5 Million in revenue, to help grow the culture and direction of the business.  I love doing deals and sales functions, which has allowed me to build high-performing teams along the way. 

Q: The pandemic has caused many challenges and opportunities for companies.  How has 2020 been for Numerated?

A: The pandemic has been crazy -  but in the best way for Numerated.  We were one of the first companies in Boston to send everyone home.   We were worried about how we were going to take care of our staff but things changed quickly when they introduced the PPP loans.  Numerated is a digital front-end for business banking solutions; we were the best in the world at automating and supporting the PPP loans.  We put all 50 of our employees to work and were able to close 100 bank clients in 3 weeks! 

Q: Since you have had some successful exits in the past, what would you say to others either starting or growing a business that has helped you along the way? 

A: I wish I could point to a formula, but I have been fortunate enough to be part of some great companies. For me, the process typically starts with the team.  I’ve found that you can work with some really smart people but not be part of a team.  Or, you can team-up with really hard-working people who arrive at great outcomes because everyone is pulling together on the same end of the rope. I am looking for partners, not just with the executive team, but the folks with whom you are going to be spending a lot of time.  

Q: Your Linkedin profile says you are hiring.  Can you share a bit about your culture and how you think about hiring during a pandemic?

A: We are adding 30 to 50 percent headcount, which can be daunting.  It’s also the one thing that generally gives you more capacity but often the first thing that falls on the floor. The leadership team tracks it on a weekly basis, and as much as we are in a hurry, we are thoughtful about how we bring people to the company. 

Q: What’s next for you for the rest of the year and beyond?

A: We have a few areas of focus that begin with doing a good job on PPP loans; maintaining that good cadence on hiring, and finally taking the newly acquired clients and extending those relationships.  

Thank you for joining us on Pandocap and we look forward to having you back.