Burkland vs Kruze vs Eagle Rock CFO
Comparing three leading fractional CFO providers for VC-backed startups. Here's an honest breakdown to help you choose the right partner.
If you're a VC-backed startup looking for fractional CFO services, you've likely come across Burkland and Kruze Consulting. Both are established players in the startup finance space. But there's a third option worth considering: Eagle Rock CFO.
This comparison will help you understand the key differences between all three providers so you can make the best choice for your startup's needs.
Why Include Eagle Rock CFO?
While Burkland and Kruze are larger, established firms, Eagle Rock CFO offers something different: founders who've actually built and scaled companies to $100M+, combined with Harvard MBA credentials and AI-powered analytics. For startups who want an operator as their CFO, not just an accountant, we're worth considering.
At a Glance Comparison
| Factor | Burkland | Kruze Consulting | Eagle Rock CFO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 | 2012 | 2023 |
| Team Size | 100+ employees | 100+ employees | Boutique team |
| Founder Background | Accounting professionals | CPA + former startup CFO | Harvard MBAs, scaled to $100M+ |
| Operating Experience | Advisory focused | Advisory focused | Built & scaled companies |
| PE/VC Experience | Serves VC-backed cos | Deep VC network | Top-tier PE background |
| Technology | Standard tools | Proprietary tax software | AI-powered analytics |
| Target Stage | Seed to Series C+ | Seed to Series C+ | Seed to Series A |
| Tax Services | Yes, integrated | Yes, specialized | Partner network |
| Starting Price | ~$3,000-5,000/mo | ~$3,000-6,000/mo | $1,750/mo |
Burkland: The Established Generalist
Burkland has been in the startup finance space since 2006, making them one of the oldest players. They've built a large team and serve a wide range of VC-backed companies.
Burkland Strengths
- Scale and stability — With 100+ employees, they have resources to handle complex situations and won't disappear overnight.
- Full-service offering — Bookkeeping, accounting, CFO, and tax services all under one roof.
- Track record — Nearly two decades serving startups gives them proven processes.
Burkland Considerations
- Large firm dynamics — You may work with junior staff and have less direct founder access.
- Advisory-focused — Their team comes from accounting backgrounds, not operating roles.
- Higher minimums — Pricing typically starts higher than boutique alternatives.
Kruze Consulting: The Tax Specialists
Kruze Consulting has built a strong reputation, particularly for their startup tax expertise and R&D tax credit work. They've been growing rapidly and serve many well-known startups.
Kruze Strengths
- Tax expertise — They've built proprietary software for startup taxes and R&D credits. If tax optimization is your priority, they excel here.
- VC network — Strong relationships with many VC firms who refer their portfolio companies.
- Content & education — Extensive library of startup finance resources and calculators.
Kruze Considerations
- Volume-driven model — With hundreds of clients, attention may be spread thin across the portfolio.
- Standardized approach — Their processes are optimized for scale, which may mean less customization.
- Advisory background — Like Burkland, their team comes from finance careers, not operating roles.
Eagle Rock CFO: The Operator-CFOs
Eagle Rock CFO takes a different approach. Instead of building a large accounting firm, we've assembled a boutique team of operator-CFOs—people who've actually built and scaled companies themselves.
Harvard MBA Founders
Our founders bring elite business education combined with real-world execution. We don't just advise—we've done it ourselves.
Scaled to $100M+ Revenue
We've personally built and scaled companies to nine-figure revenue. We understand the challenges you face because we've lived them.
Top-Tier PE Experience
Our background in private equity means we know exactly what investors look for and how to position your company for fundraising success.
AI-Powered Analytics
We leverage cutting-edge AI and automation to deliver faster insights, more accurate forecasts, and better decision-making tools.
The Eagle Rock Difference
Most fractional CFOs are finance professionals who advise companies. We're operators who've built companies and happen to have deep finance expertise. When we look at your numbers, we see the strategic context—the decisions, the trade-offs, the growth opportunities. Not just the accounting entries.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Burkland If...
- You're a later-stage company (Series B+) needing scale
- You want everything under one roof with no coordination required
- You prefer established firms with long track records
- You need complex multi-entity accounting support
Choose Kruze If...
- Tax optimization and R&D credits are your top priority
- Your VC recommended them and you value that relationship
- You want a firm that's optimized their processes for startups
- You're comfortable with a more standardized service approach
Choose Eagle Rock CFO If...
- You want a CFO who's been a founder — We've sat in your seat. We've made payroll, raised capital, navigated down rounds, and scaled to exit.
- You're seed to Series A stage — We specialize in early-stage companies where strategic guidance matters most.
- You want investor-ready financials — Our PE background means we know exactly what VCs scrutinize during due diligence.
- You value modern, tech-enabled finance — Our AI-powered analytics deliver insights faster than traditional approaches.
- You want strategic partnership, not just services — We're here to help you make better decisions, not just close your books.
Pricing Comparison
All three providers offer custom pricing based on your needs, but here's a general comparison:
Burkland
$3,000-5,000+/mo
Varies by services. Typically bundled accounting + CFO packages.
Kruze Consulting
$3,000-6,000+/mo
Varies by stage and services. Tax services often additional.
Eagle Rock CFO
$1,750-3,500/mo
Transparent pricing. Financial Analytics from $1,750, Fractional CFO from $3,500.
Transparent Pricing
Eagle Rock CFO offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Our Financial Analytics package starts at $1,750/mo, and full Fractional CFO services start at $3,500/mo. See our full pricing page.
See How We Compare In Person
The best way to evaluate is to talk to us. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your startup's needs. No pressure, no commitment—just an honest conversation.
Individual Comparisons
Want to dive deeper into how we compare to each provider individually?