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Boston, MA, USA

Christopher P.

Transforming Startups into Success Stories: Finance, Operations, and Leadership Expertise

Christopher Payton embodies the spirit of an entrepreneurial leader, blending finance and operations expertise with a passion for guiding startups. His advisory roles span early to growth-stage businesses, focusing on refining business models, securing capital, and optimizing operations. A seasoned educator, he also imparts his knowledge to Babson College's graduate students, teaching Finance for New Ventures. His diverse journey includes key roles in financial services, education, and life sciences, driving finance functions, capital-raising, and managing critical relationships. Christopher's authorship of 30+ Harvard Business School case studies reflects his profound impact on finance, investing, and entrepreneurship.

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Christopher P.

Experience

Jan 2025 — Present

Babson College

Adjunct Lecturer, Finance

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.
Oct 2024 — Present
Stellaromics Inc.

Stellaromics Inc.

Fractional CFO

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.
Sep 2023 — Present
Stack

Stack

Advisor

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.
Jun 2017 — May 2023
Reveal Pharmaceuticals

Reveal Pharmaceuticals

Chief Financial Officer

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.
Aug 2014 — Dec 2017
Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School

Senior Researcher & Entrepreneurial Management Teaching Fellow

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.
Apr 2011 — Oct 2014
Academy of Executive Education

Academy of Executive Education

Co-Founder and Managing Director

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.
Jun 2006 — Oct 2011
Hillstead Partners LLC

Hillstead Partners LLC

Founding Partner

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.