Best FP&A Forecasting Tools For Executive Teams (Top 10)

Here’s our list of the 10 best forecasting tools for startups, from pre-seed through scale:

1. Parallel

• What it is: AI-native forecasting built for early-stage startups. Starts as a fractional CFO, evolves into the FP&A system of record.

• Why founders pick it: Parallel combines the speed of instant setup with AI-powered intelligence that highlights risks, tradeoffs, and growth opportunities in real time; automating continuous forecast upkeep while delivering CFO-level judgment and context.

• Best for: Founders who want CFO-level insights from day one without building a finance team.

2. Vena

• What it is: Excel-native FP&A software layering structure and automation onto existing spreadsheets.

• Strengths: Familiar Excel interface; workflow controls; multi-user collaboration.

• Best for: Large finance teams committed to Excel who need more control and accuracy.

3. Planful

• What it is: Cloud-based FP&A platform focused on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting at scale.

• Strengths: AI-driven insights; fast consolidations; strong cross-department planning.

• Best for: Enterprise companies moving toward mid-market finance complexity.

4. Workday Adaptive Planning

• What it is: Cloud forecasting and planning software supporting detailed, multi-department models.

• Strengths: Flexible driver-based modeling; visualization tools; enterprise-grade infrastructure.

• Best for: Later-stage companies and scale-ups managing complex org structures.

5. Anaplan

• What it is: Enterprise-level connected planning platform built for global, multi-dimensional forecasting.

• Strengths: Extreme scalability; real-time data sync; deep customization.

• Best for: Large enterprises or rapidly scaling startups with cross-functional planning needs.

6. Finmark (by BILL)

• What it is: Founder-friendly financial modeling focused on cash runway, hiring plans, and fundraising.

• Strengths: Simple onboarding; intuitive interface; popular with early-stage startups.

• Best for: Solo founders or small exec teams wanting runway clarity, but currently limited support offered. 

7. Abacum

• What it is: Collaborative FP&A software integrating finance with sales, HR, and operations.

• Strengths: Team workflows; AI-powered scenario planning; cross-department transparency.

• Best for: Startups approaching mid-market needing active finance collaboration.

8. Float

• What it is: Lightweight cash-flow forecasting tool integrating with QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks.

• Strengths: Simple visuals; fast setup; easy runway projections.

• Best for: Small teams focused on cash visibility.

9. LiveFlow

• What it is: Financial reporting synced live to Google Sheets dashboards.

• Strengths: Automated updates; easy dashboards; works directly in Sheets.

• Best for: Teams who want spreadsheet familiarity but less manual work.

10. Cube

• What it is: Spreadsheet-native FP&A tool connecting Excel/Google Sheets to a centralized database.

• Strengths: Real-time collaboration; modeling templates; improved version control.

• Best for: Finance teams wanting spreadsheet familiarity with modern automation.

Forecasting Tools at a Glance

Final Thoughts

For startup exec teams, forecasting tools aren’t one-size-fits-all:

• Early-stage founders → Parallel for clarity, confidence, and fast investor-ready models. It scales with your team and countless companies have managed runway and raised successful rounds using their product. 

• Spreadsheet lovers → Vena, Cube, Datarails to keep Excel while gaining control.

• Larger Scaling orgs with finance teams → Planful, Workday Adaptive, Anaplan for cross-team, advanced planning.

→The key is matching the tool to both your stage and your speed of decision-making.

Get a Demo of Parallel