At PlaceIQ, an unexpected acquisition inbound forced Matt Novick to deeply assess unit economics and true revenue and cost synergies. The experience reshaped his strategy: always be transaction-ready by understanding the business end-to-end, so finance can quickly evaluate opportunities, avoid misfits, and operate with strategic precision.
Made Possible By
Now Watch the Complete Episode Featuring CFO Matt Novick of TripleLift
Matt Novick discusses how an operator’s lens shapes the CFO role at TripleLift, a creative supply-side advertising platform owned by Vista. He explains why finance must understand supply, demand, retention, and unit economics—not just the close. Novick describes aligning teams around cash flow, EBITDA, and efficiency, including procurement and vendor rationalization, while preserving trust through partnership. He outlines how he evaluates CEO chemistry like a marriage and why board relationships drive opportunities. A PlaceIQ inbound acquisition inquiry taught him to stay transaction-ready by mapping synergies and knowing every line item. He also details how AI is speeding close and analysis.
| CFO’s Strategy Playbook |
|---|
| • Translate operating drivers into cash discipline |
| • Build trust while questioning costs and priorities |
| • Stay transaction-ready by mastering unit economics |