About

About Upfront

Upfront Clarity was founded by John Ireland, a seasoned finance leader with 30+ years of strategic, operational, and fundraising experience. We help founder‑led businesses gain the financial leadership they need before they’re ready to hire a full‑time CFO.

Unlike traditional CFO roles that focus solely on reporting or compliance, Upfront Clarity brings entrepreneurial sensibility to every engagement—blending deep financial expertise with a practical, business‑driven mindset. We partner with you to understand your vision, align your financial strategy, and support measurable outcomes.

Whether you’re preparing for growth, navigating uncertainty, or aligning your numbers for a funding round, Upfront Clarity delivers personalized guidance and a proactive approach that empowers better decisions. — A founder-first CFO partner who brings transparency, structure, and confidence to your financial future.

A clean, modern glass conference table with a single, open silver laptop displaying a detailed financial chart on its glare-free screen. The table sits atop smooth concrete flooring within a minimalist office space featuring neutral tones of soft gray and taupe. Subtle reflections play beneath the table from overhead LED panel lighting, providing sharp, even illumination without harsh shadows. The image is shot from an eye-level, slightly off-center perspective, following a rule-of-thirds composition that creates a sense of balance and openness. The mood is professional, focused, and quietly dynamic, evoking confidence in hands-on financial strategy. The photographic realism emphasizes clean lines, corporate structure, and a commitment to transparency in business outcomes.

A hand-assembled set of polished stone balance scales positioned on an immaculate, matte-finished credenza. Beside the scales, a collection of subtle neutral-colored folders and a single elegant fountain pen rest in perfect alignment. The backdrop features a large, fogged glass wall panel, softening any background distractions. Overhead, adjustable recessed spotlighting casts gentle highlights and defined, purposeful shadows, emphasizing the symmetry and order of the scene. Captured from a direct, eye-level view with crisp depth of field, the composition exudes a sense of equilibrium, meticulousness, and authority. The photographic, corporate aesthetic reinforces the idea of balanced, strategic financial decision-making at the heart of fractional CFO services.

Trusted Fractional Leadership

John has served as CFO, CEO, and Head of Business Development for companies from early-stage to $40M+ acquisitions. His hands-on experience includes capital raising, M&A advisory, financial modeling (including Monte Carlo simulations), investor readiness, and building scalable financial systems. He has helped grow companies from under $1M to over $7M in revenue, led teams of 65+, and secured millions in funding. His past clients include a leading biotech firm, solar and cannabis ventures, software startups, and vertical farms.

We bring credibility and context to every engagement. John’s leadership blends deep financial craft with practical entrepreneurial insight for investor-ready stories.

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