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Ørjan Lonning

CFO

Ørjan is an entrepreneurial CFO and board advisor who specialises in helping ambitious SMEs scale with strong financial foundations. He combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution to improve cash flow, secure funding, and implement the systems and controls required for sustainable growth.

With a track record of raising over $100m across his own ventures and client organisations, Ørjan brings deep expertise in funding strategy, transactions, and financial structuring. He has worked closely with founders, boards, investors, and financial institutions, building robust relationships across banking, venture capital, and family office networks.

 

Ørjan is particularly valued for his ability to translate strategy into measurable results. He has delivered significant efficiency improvements, reduced costs, and enhanced operational performance while strengthening governance and financial discipline. His experience spans scaling businesses from early-stage growth to established mid-market operations.

Orjan

Track record highlights

  • Raised more than $100m across equity, loans, and grants for growth businesses
  • Delivered AED20m in funding through a combination of awards, equity, and debt20
  • Improved operational efficiency by 20% and reduced costs by 15%
  • Led acquisition and merger activity
  • Implemented ERP and reporting systems reducing manual work by ~30%
  • Built finance systems supporting growth from 0 to AED8m+ ARR within one year
  • Generated AED1m in savings through commercial renegotiations

Sector Experience

  • Technology and AI scale-ups
  • Financial services and fintech
  • Real estate and development
  • Professional services

Ørjan's specialist skills

Strategic planning and financial leadership

Set company-level strategy, identified operational/financial risks, and executed turnarounds Drove +20% efficiency and –15% cost programs; lifted engagement (+30% satisfaction, +25% competence)

Cash flow optimisation and working capital management

Implemented liquidity routines and working-capital playbooks Renegotiated supplier/customer terms to save AED1M; improved cash conversion

Fundraising (equity, debt, grants) and investor readiness

Led/secured $100m+ across equity, grants/awards, and loans Delivered AED20M Executed 100+ analyses/valuations with PwC; led acquisition and merger

M&A, valuations, and transaction support

Led acquisition and merger: stood up new division generating AED$4M in year-one revenue Frequent business-plan reviews, modeling, and board materials

KPI frameworks, reporting, and performance management

Rolled out Power BI reporting; reduced manual work ~30% via integrations

ERP implementation, systems integration, and automation

Implemented ERP migrations handling 10,000+ vouchers/month

Governance, compliance, and multi-entity structures

Built multi-entity reporting, audit readiness, option plans, and ERP governance Coordinated auditors/legal advisors on restructurings and buy-side integrations

Board advisory and stakeholder engagement

Board chair/member, founder, and GM background Consultative selling with CEOs/owners and long-term account management across SMEs and mid-market

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