The $650B accounting services industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by generational workforce changes, rapid AI adoption, and evolving customer expectations. The number of new accounting graduates is down nearly 20% since 2016, while experienced CPAs are retiring at increasing rates. At the same time, AI-powered tools are poised to disrupt repetitive knowledge work, particularly in areas like bookkeeping, tax prep, and monthly close processes. Meanwhile, demand for Client Advisory Services(CAS), which offer recurring, value-based financial services, is rapidly rising, growing from just 7% of firms offering CAS in 2014 to over 50% by 2023. SMBs are increasingly hungry for more strategic financial advice, wanting to pay less for the actual accounting. Traditional accounting firms are ill-equipped to meet this demand at scale due to slow technology adoption, legacy staffing situations, and fear around business model evolution - the classic innovator's dilemma. This confluence of trends signals a massive opportunity for a new generation of technology-enabled financial services firms to reshape theSMB finance stack, delivering better margins, scalability, and client outcomes.

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Cast is building a vertically integrated platform that combines real-time financial insights, AI-powered automation, and human expertise to deliver modern financial management for SMBs. Their solution targets both the internal inefficiencies of accounting firms and the unmet strategic needs of their SMB clients. Cast is building its own AI software while also leveraging the best off-the-shelf technology to embed AI into workflows (e.g., month-end close, cash flow forecasting, spend analysis), empowering Cast’s accountants to shift from compliance to strategic advisory. Their current strategy combines organic growth with aggressive M&A, acquiring boutique CAS firms and improving margins and client experience through their platform. Cast has already acquired its first firm and is deploying software, workflow improvements, and AI to increase margin, volume and customer happiness. Cast has secured a significant debt facility to facilitate future M&A. The long-term vision is to become the dominant digital finance hub for SMBs, with recurring revenue from both software subscriptions and services, underpinned by proprietary data. Cast is already serving over 150 clients, with strong early traction across restaurant, nonprofit, retail, and healthcare verticals.

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Cast is led by Matt Talbot, a serial entrepreneur who previously co-founded, built, and exited a leadingDenver high-growth tech startup, GoSpotCheck. His frustration with legacy FP&A tools as a CFO seeded the idea for Cast. He’s joined by co-founders Joey Alfano and Samantha Holloway, who were also co-founders of GoSpotCheck. This trio brings a rare combination of technical excellence, domain expertise in FP&A, and executional experience scaling complex businesses that we love. Their prior working relationships provide deep trust and operating rhythm, allowing them to move quickly and with conviction. The team has already demonstrated the ability to pivot thoughtfully, embracing anon-consensus B2B2C go-to-market model that leverages accountants as distribution channels. With their clear product vision, operating discipline, and a nuanced understanding of market dynamics, theCast team is uniquely suited to build a category-defining company in SMB financial services.

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We’ve known the Cast team for over 10 years, having been involved in their prior companies and built a belief in their ability to execute, big vision and desire to win. They’re great people we’re lucky to back again in hopes of building an iconic company in Denver. Cast is lining up M&A opportunities and has capital to acquire small accounting practices. If you, or people in your network, know of small QuickBooks-based practices that might be open to acquisition, please let us know.