VALE Mat McDonald: A man who was devoted to helping startups stay alive and reach their full potential
"The objective of every startup is not to be a startup anymore" - Mat McDonald
From Matt’s Son (now in year 11)
Dear Mat’s clients, former colleagues, school and university friends, and wider connections,
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Mat McDonald passed away on the 2nd of December 2023, after a twenty-five-year battle with severe depression. Unbeknownst to most, Mat consistently showed up in his work, despite his mental illness. I sincerely apologise for the fact that many of you may have been unaware of this news, and I understand this may come as quite a shock. I have not been able to retrieve my father’s LinkedIn login until now. A funeral service was held before Christmas in 2023 where Mat’s family, friends, a former client and I spoke about and honoured his life.
On a positive note, I have been deeply moved by the many messages that my father has received since his death, from prospective clients and former colleagues alike.
After his time at Monash University, he started working as a Graduate Accountant for PWC and also spent time at Terrain Capital. Following this, he started his independent consultancy firm, which was originally called Echelon Ventures and is now known as CFO Cubed, in 2002, and saw him working in roles that mirrored that of a VCFO.
My father was what some would call a “workaholic”, and he loved what he did and the way he did it, perhaps sometimes a bit too much! Mat pioneered the position of Virtual Chief Financial Officer, way before anyone was seen working at cafes. I can confidently say that his financial wisdom and relentless pursuit of solutions to keep startups afloat were unmatched. His perseverance beyond the scope of his clients’ expectations made him an invaluable asset to any entrepreneur. What set Mat apart from other VCFOs was that a red balance sheet did not scare him, in fact quite the opposite, he was lit up by the opportunity to turn it into green.
The picture attached is probably my favourite one of my father in a working environment. It emanates the mind and spirit that he put into his work.
When I spent time with my dad while he was working during the COVID-19 lockdowns, it became clear to me how much he loved his job, through thick and thin. Although I don’t aspire for a career in finance and to follow in my father’s footsteps, I feel not much else but gratitude when I think of him, his work and the passion it ignited in him when he was alive.
To the many of you who had a profound impact on my father, whether it was as a client, colleague or friend, thank you. He is and will be sorely missed. There is no doubt that now, there is a big dent in the Melbourne VCFO market that my father left behind.
Yours sincerely,
Joaquin Carrasco-McDonald
Mat McDonald’s Son, Year 11
From Ivan Kaye :-
Hi Joaquin ,
I worked with your dad from 2002 - 2008 - when he founded our BSI melbourne office - with a view to help entrepreneurs connect, collaborate and grow .
Your Dad was an absolute legend - and his legacy will live on in the many startups and innovations he helped over the years …..
I Wish you and your family a long life. It’s what we say to a family member whose loved one has passed. For as long as you are alive.... your Dad’s memory will live on ....
Best
Ivan Kaye
BSI
No comments:
Post a Comment