Our Fractional
Success stories

Pascal Kornfuehrer

Pascal Kornfuehrer spent more than 20 years working in multinational corporates before deciding it was time to experience something completely different. Based in Miami, Florida, he supports early-stage startups as a fractional CFO and board advisor — but getting there required a mindset shift as much as a career one. When Connectd approached him about the T2P programme, Pascal did what any rational CFO would do: he mapped out the scenarios. What he found on the other side exceeded even his best-case projections. By approaching the Connectd platform proactively — reaching out to founders before they even knew they needed him — he converted his pro bono placement into a fractional CFO role four months in, and secured two additional paid engagements on top of that. His story is a masterclass in translating corporate experience into startup relevance.

Customer with Ivan Sierra

Ivan Sierra is a senior executive with 25 years of experience in telecoms and technology, now focused on AI and machine learning commercial roles. Through Connectd, he took a strategic approach to building his advisory portfolio — researching startups carefully, reaching out proactively, and prioritising fit over volume. The result? Three secured roles, with two focused on helping UK companies break into the Americas.

Julie McFadden

Grant Keller

Grant Keller spent 30 years helping marketing teams harness data and technology to build capability and drive performance — first in an entrepreneurial environment, then in the corporate world. After three decades as an executive, he was ready for something different: more flexibility, more variety, and the freedom to work across multiple ventures rather than being locked into one. The Connectd T2P programme gave him the framework to make that transition, helping him define his value proposition, unlearn 30 years of executive muscle memory, and build a portfolio advisory career focused on startups and scale-ups in marketing, data, and AI. Within 18 months, he had converted two paid engagements through the Connectd platform — with a third in the pipeline.

Pete Smith

PLUGG turned to Connectd at a critical growth stage, needing a strategic injection and experienced operational guidance. Through the platform, they connected with Board Advisor Pete Smith. Drawing on his two decades as a management consultant and experience helping organizations find efficiency, Pete gave Founder & CEO Rodney Kabuye the high-level perspective and practical support he needed. He quickly adapted to the startup's pace, provided structured insight on key challenges, and helped Rodney think through operational strategy and growth, ensuring the business was prepared to accelerate its journey.

Oskar Hurme

Oskar joined Connectd’s Transition to Portfolio programme and secured his placement with Sharely through the platform. Working with their team and a group of specialised advisors helped him strengthen Sharely’s product and move it toward scale, while giving him the experience, confidence and structure to build his own fractional career.