InfiniteCFO has supported Patchworks, a SaaS and AI integration platform for complex retail businesses, through five years of growth.
Patchworks connects the systems behind ecommerce operations, including ERPs, websites, marketplaces and warehouses. As the company scaled, its founder, leadership team and investors needed a finance platform built on strong foundations, with accurate reporting and data that could confidently inform decisions.
Working as a trusted extension of the team, our work has strengthened the company’s financial operations, supported multiple funding rounds and provided continuity through changes in finance and executive leadership.
Together we’ve built a flexible ongoing partnership which continues today, with InfiniteCFO working alongside the internal finance team as the business continues to evolve.
“The InfiniteCFO team has never locked us into rigid ways of working. When our needs change, they adapt, and that flexibility has been a real strength of the relationship. We’ve rejigged what they provide a couple of times over the last few years, and they’ve always been very accommodating.” Jim Herbert, CEO at Patchworks.
Our work together began in 2021, during a critical period of growth and investment activity, as Patchworks prepared for a £3.3 million investment.
The business needed CFO-level support for reporting, financial due diligence and its transition into a PE-backed environment. It also planned to hire an in-house CFO, but the finance function needed greater structure first.
The incoming CFO needed to inherit reliable reporting, effective controls and established processes, rather than spend their first months building the foundations.
“InfiniteCFO has always retained enough capacity to respond during change, and that’s been hugely valuable. They’ve been willing to pull long hours when needed, especially when gearing up to welcome new team members, which you definitely notice and appreciate as a client.” Peter Edgar, CFO at Patchworks.
Building the finance foundations
We initially stepped into the CFO role, working alongside the founder and leadership team to transform the finance function and create a stronger platform for growth.
Members of the InfiniteCFO team strengthened FinOps through improved reporting, controls and day-to-day processes, while developing the budgeting, forecasting and FP&A capability needed to support strategic finance.
This gave the founder and leadership team clearer visibility and provided the Board and investors with more credible information.
When Patchworks appointed a permanent CFO in early 2022, we supported a smooth handover before stepping back from day-to-day leadership.
“What I want from a finance partner is someone who understands the business and can work across it credibly. InfiniteCFO have done that well and aren’t ever sitting on the outside waiting for information to be passed to them. They are very involved and proactive.” Jim Herbert, CEO at Patchworks.
In late 2023 and early 2024, the business went through two funding rounds alongside new executives and team restructuring. Growing your finance team during a period of change can often take time and resources; that’s why the team asked us to step back in whilst they hired.
We resumed interim CFO leadership, drawing on expertise from across the InfiniteCFO team for the modelling, reporting and investor support needed to strengthen transaction readiness during a critical fundraising period.
When a new CFO joined in summer 2024, we supported a phased handover while continuing to work alongside the internal finance team.
“The InfiniteCFO team supported us through some important investment rounds and helped provide early credibility with the board and investors. That kind of support at a critical moment was priceless.” Peter Edgar, CFO at Patchworks.
Through our work together, Patchworks has benefited from:
“John and Dave have been there throughout our journey, and that consistency builds trust. You’re not constantly bringing new people up to speed, and that makes the relationship feel much more stable. They’ve had a consistent senior team over the years, and I think that says a lot about the organisation. It gives you confidence as a client, because the people you rely on are still there.” Peter Edgar, CFO at Patchworks.
Today, InfiniteCFO continues to work as an extension of the internal finance team, providing additional capacity and expertise as the business evolves.
Whether you’re preparing for investment, strengthening your finance function or need additional expertise during a period of change, InfiniteCFO can provide the flexible support you need.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your next stage of growth.
