We are excited to continue our partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand into 2022, and beyond, with Nik Trajcevski and Ash Mohebi joining our community this month. For Nik and Ash, they’ll get a taste of life as an entrepreneur during their two-month residency at Spacecubed, as they gain first-hand experience of what it's like to live and breathe business innovation. For Spacecubed members, this is an opportunity to connect, discuss and learn from current CA’s, pick their brains and discover new ways you can do business.
The CA Catalyst In Residence Programme was highly successful in 2021, and currently runs throughout leading startup hubs in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Adelaide as it works to immerse CAs into the world of business and innovation. Below, hear the stories of Nik and Ash, and discover how you can get involved!
“Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working across the top tier accounting firms through to boutique firms, startups to liquidations. Having an open mindset to a continuous learning process enables me to better assist my clients.” Nik shared.
“Fast forward to today, whilst the core focus of helping people with accounting and taxation is my top priority, I have adapted a stronger focus on helping businesses grow through the implementation of strategy and also have focused on helping struggling businesses overcome the hurdles of business.” He continued. “And late last year I took the plunge... I decided to venture out on my own and start a business of my own. A Tax and Advisory business!”
For Ash, his journey took him from Perth, to Melbourne and then to Israel, before returning to WA and enjoying a varied career, having worked in insolvency and restructuring, consulting for small businesses and startups. “I’ve always had an interest in start-ups, and innovative/different thinking. So much so that I’m now also working on my own financial technology startup.” He shared.
“I recently helped a client develop a financial model, information memorandum, pitch deck and teaser document.” Ash continued. “On the back of that, they were able to successfully raise $4m towards catapulting their business into the next phase of growth. I look forward to assisting other businesses to raise capital and reach their growth goals!”
So, what is different about the CA In Residence Programme? When Nik spoke about the programme, and his current work, he shared that while there is a general association that accounting/accountants are boring, he is described by his clients as an accountant with a personality! “I believe this is a key trait to have when finding an advisor to assist you with your journey wherever it takes us.”
When asked to share what they’re most looking forward to about joining the Spacecubed community, Ash shared that being a part of a community that drives innovation forward is what he’s looking for. “I’d like to be a part of driving the Perth startup community forward because I know we, in Western Australia, have the talent to develop amazing innovations and businesses. I believe the CA Catalyst program will provide entrepreneurs with the access they need to quality business advice and I’m keen to do what I can to assist.”
For Nik, he’s looking to achieve both personal and business goals. ”Like a lot of you, I too am a startup and would like to share my journey with you all and help you reach your potential and have your business ideas and visions become a reality and to have the personal satisfaction of being able to say that I helped the next Atlassian or Canva hit the world stage.”
He continued. “I have seen a lot of startups fail even before they begin, the reasons for failure vary, however the common ground for failure that I have seen has been inadequate advice or advisors and eroding the limited cash flow of the business before the business has come to light. Ethics, accountability and integrity are just some of the traits that I hold as a CA. Having a trusted advisor who meets with you, talks with you and delivers an outcome for the benefit and growth of a startup's ideas is what I feel the meaning of the CA Catalyst program is.”
To share your spirit of curiosity, entrepreneurialism, innovation and an openness to share learnings, get in touch with Shanille (shanille@spacecubed.com) and schedule a meeting with Nik or Ash today. They will be running a series of Office Hours, virtual and in person, to get a sense of the businesses within our community, and help to share their knowledge like founders.
Not a Spacecubed member and want to get involved? Sign up today for as little as $50/month!
