Sebastian Read

FP&A Director | Strategic Finance Leader | Budgeting and Forecasting | M&A | Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) | Wharton MBA | AI and Data-Driven Decision Making

I help companies make better, faster financial decisions. With 9+ years leading FP&A, M&A, and corporate finance across investor-backed startups, PE-owned companies, and global multi-billion-dollar enterprises, I’ve built robust financial models, led Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) initiatives, and delivered $20M+ in cost savings — all while driving operational efficiency and growth.My background spans engineering, advanced analytics, and AI. I leverage Python, Power BI, ChatGPT/Google Gemini, and a Caltech AI/ML certification to turn complex datasets into actionable strategies and insights.Known for a highly analytical, results-driven approach, I thrive in cross-functional leadership — partnering with executives, boards, and investors to align finance with strategy.

Key Achievements

  • Built InductEV’s first zero-based budget and rolling forecast, giving leadership a clear capital runway. The plan underpinned the company’s current > $150 M Series C.

  • Closed a $6.9 M bridge round in 30 days, owning investor outreach and dilution modelling.

  • Advised Webasto CFO on a $100 M carve-out of its charging division; produced the valuation and a $20 M cost-synergy roadmap adopted by the PE buyer.

  • Engineered the 3-statement buy-side model and populated the VDR for the pending ENRX-InductEV strategic deal, now in final board vote.

Core Skills

FP&A and Strategic Finance
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Budgeting and Forecasting (Rolling Forecasts)
- Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB)
- KPI Development and Performance Metrics
- Forecast Accuracy Improvement
- Finance Transformation and Budget Ownership
- Executive Stakeholder Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration / Decision Support
- Team Leadership, Development and Mentorship