Christopher Payton

Experience

• Babson College

  Adjunct Lecturer, Finance

  Jan 2025 - Present

  Babson College, recognized globally for its leadership in entrepreneurship education, enhances student entrepreneurs' knowledge and tools for financial decision-making through its MBA programs.

  • Teach a specialized course, 'Finance for New Ventures', enriching Babson's graduate programs.
  • Empower student entrepreneurs with practical insights into evaluating financing options and aligning financial strategies with business objectives.
  • Designed and implemented a curriculum focused on real-world application, fostering analytical and strategic thinking among students.
  • Facilitator of vibrant classroom discussions, encouraging a culture of innovation and critical financial analysis.
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  Stellaromics Inc.

  Fractional CFO

  Oct 2024 - Present

  A rapidly growing genomics tools company revolutionizing biomedical research with its proprietary STARmap technology and advancing the development of the Pyxa suite for intricate cellular mapping in disease research.

  • Instrumental in steering Stellaromics Inc. towards transformative financial milestones in preparation for a lucrative IPO.
  • Spearheaded the evolution of the company's finance function, adding the people and infrastructure needed to drive key financial insights.
  • Charged with overseeing all financial operations, ensuring compliance and strategic financial planning to support the company's research and development efforts.
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  Stack

  Advisor

  Sep 2023 - Present

  An innovative startup utilizing AI to revolutionize clinical research workforce efficiency, thereby resolving the pervasive issue of delayed trials in the healthcare sector.

  • Leverage extensive experience to advise on strategic directions, contributing to Stack's mission of aligning technology with clinical trial workforce optimization.
  • Provide critical insights into AI-driven solutions, enhancing trial efficiency and reducing time to market for essential healthcare innovations.
  • Instrumental in curating strategic initiatives that bolster Stack's positioning in the healthcare industry, emphasizing the importance of an efficient clinical trial workforce.
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  Reveal Pharmaceuticals

  Chief Financial Officer

  Jun 2017 - May 2023

  Reveal Pharmaceuticals addresses a significant gap in MRI diagnostics by developing safe, gadolinium-free contrast agents, enhancing patient safety and environmental health.

  • Oversaw comprehensive financial management, positioning Reveal for pivotal Phase 2 clinical studies of its innovative MRI contrast agent, RVP-001.
  • Guided financial strategy and funding acquisition, including securing critical NIH grants, to advance the development of gadolinium-free contrast agents.
  • Spearheaded efforts for financial transparency and compliance in the highly regulated pharmaceutical landscape.
  • Facilitated cross-functional team alignment, ensuring synchronized effort towards achieving clinical milestones and financial viability.
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  Harvard Business School

  Senior Researcher & Entrepreneurial Management Teaching Fellow

  Aug 2014 - Dec 2017

  Harvard Business School is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership.

  • Authored 20+ case studies and tools on entrepreneurial finance, business models, and growth strategy.
  • Mentored student founders on investor communications, GTM planning, and early-stage fundraising.
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  Academy of Executive Education

  Co-Founder and Managing Director

  Apr 2011 - Oct 2014

  A leading provider of corporate governance training and consultancy, serving a global clientele including multinational corporations and financial institutions.

  • Founded and strategically grew a consultancy focused on addressing critical needs in corporate governance across global markets.
  • Designed and launched tailored training programs that significantly improved governance practices among client organizations.
  • Spearheaded high-impact consulting projects that resulted in enhanced board effectiveness and governance frameworks.
  • Drove business expansion into key international markets, establishing the firm as a preferred partner for corporate governance solutions.
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  Hillstead Partners LLC

  Founding Partner

  Jun 2006 - Oct 2011

  A private equity firm providing innovative investment solutions that address structural inefficiencies within the industry.

  • Played a pivotal role in establishing the U.S. footprint of the firm, broadening its reach and access to investment opportunities.
  • Developed and implemented investment strategies that capitalized on market inefficiencies, delivering superior returns to investors.
  • Cultivated strategic relationships with stakeholders, enhancing the firm’s market position and investment capacity.