Oleksandr Solovei

When your account balance is zero, your pocket holds $2, and you're staring down $120,000 in debt. All while your business still has sales, a team, and clients.

I was standing in the kitchen with $2 in my pocket, thinking: that’s it, there’s no way out. Three years later — I paid back every cent of my debt. If I had tracked the numbers earlier, none of this would’ve happened. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya, entrepreneur, guest on the podcast “If Only I Had Known”

Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya — partner at Genius Space Teleport, co-owner of the international educational project Proryv, and an entrepreneur who missed the signs of a cash flow gap. The result: minus $120 000, creditors, panic, and a complete business reboot. She rebuilt everything from scratch — slowly and painfully.

Today, Ekaterina shares the lessons that apply not just to project-based businesses, but to any entrepreneur who wants to avoid losing everything.

This isn't a finance lecture. It's real stories, real mistakes, real numbers — and the exact steps that helped her:

• stay out of the debt trap,
• keep money under control, even without a financial background,
• organize the budget without messy Excel sheets,
• and finally stop living from one launch to the next.

Keep reading — it's honest, sometimes painful, but incredibly useful.

Lesson 1. You’re Not an ATM for Your Business — and Your Business Isn’t Your Wallet

The Problem: Mixing Personal and Business Finances = a Ticking Time Bomb

You estimate profits “by feel” and celebrate every incoming payment — only to spend that money on personal expenses the next day. A month later, your accountant shows that you’re short $5 000 for salaries and ads — and you have no idea how that happened.

We were using this month’s revenue to pay off invoices from three months ago — because we kept everything in one pot: personal and business. It was a ticking time bomb. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Why It’s Dangerous for Your Business

• Distorted picture. You see $7 000 in the account and think it’s profit — but $6 000 is actually client prepayments that still need to be fulfilled.
• Working capital disappears. When you pull out money for personal use, your business is left without cash for inventory, services, or marketing.
• One delay = cash flow gap. Two late payments — and suddenly you can’t pay last month’s bills, because you didn’t have a reserve.

The solution: create a clear financial boundary between you and your business.

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Results in just one month

• A clear view of your company’s actual profit.
• Confident expense and investment planning — without the fear of “will we have enough for payroll?”
• Your personal finances no longer depend on how many clients paid today.
• Transparent financial reports — so investors and partners trust the numbers, not just your words.

Most importantly: if you mix personal and business money, a cash flow gap is only a matter of time.
Set up a border now, and your business will breathe freely, and you will be free from panic.

Lesson 2. How You Lose 30% of Your Money Every Day Without Noticing

The Problem: Thousands of Small Transactions Quietly Draining Your Cash

You focus on big bills — rent, inventory, salaries — while minor expenses of $2 – $4 silently eat away your profits. Coffee, taxis, subscriptions, office supplies — all those “little things” add up to a big loss. By the end of the month, you’re looking at the numbers and wondering:

A thousand small transactions, each for $2 – $4, and suddenly there’s a 30% hole labeled ‘miscellaneous.’ That’s how money disappears — without a trace. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Why It’s Dangerous for Your Business

• Small expenses drain your focus and your budget. They seem harmless, but they quietly shrink your margin and make your business less profitable.
• Lack of clear control. Without weekly tracking, even tiny subscriptions or impulse buys accumulate — becoming a black hole in your budget.
• Worsened financial planning. When the “miscellaneous” category keeps growing, it’s nearly impossible to forecast expenses or profits.

The solution: a weekly 10-minute check-in to review and control small expenses.

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Results in just one month

• A real understanding of where your money is going — and where you can cut back.
• Higher profits, because you’re no longer losing money to invisible cash leaks.
• More accurate and predictable budgeting.
• Peace of mind for you as the owner — because everything is under control.

Remember: big money is made up of small money. If you don’t control the little things, they’ll become your biggest financial enemy.

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Financial chaos?
Forget it!

Finmap gives you control and order.

Try it — 7 days for free.

Try for free

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Lesson 3. A +20% Buffer: Your Financial Safety Net That Can Save Your Business

Why Adding 20% Isn’t a Luxury — It’s Real Insurance for Your Business

I multiply any expense by 1.2. If there’s anything left — it goes into the reserve. If not — I was ready for it. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

No one asks your permission when exchange rates spike or inflation surges. A marketing campaign might suddenly need more funding to actually perform. A client might request a refund even after payment — and you need to plan for that in advance.Without a buffer, even small surprises can turn into a cash flow crisis that hits your business hard.

How to Create a +20% Buffer Budget in 4 Simple Steps

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Results in just one month

• You’ll stop fearing unexpected costs — and start handling surprises calmly.
• You’ll build a real financial cushion — without stress or panic.
• Your business becomes more stable, and you become more confident in the future.

Even if you don’t spend the reserve — it gives you peace of mind.

Think of it like life insurance — for your money. Don’t wait for a crisis to catch you off guard. Learn to plan with a buffer — and your business won’t collapse at the first unexpected hit.

Lesson 4. A Financial Cushion Is Your Bulletproof Vest in an Unstable World

Why a Financial Cushion Isn’t Just About Money — It’s About Business Survival

Our courses launch every three months. If one launch fails — without a cushion, the company won’t survive until the next one. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

In project-based businesses, income is inconsistent: one month there’s a launch, the next — silence.
Without savings, even a small delay or failed campaign can sink the company.

No financial cushion means you’re forced to cover operating expenses with loans or debt — and that’s a fast track to collapse.

There’s a Simple Formula for Building Your Financial Cushion

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The Result:

• You get a bulletproof vest that absorbs unexpected shocks and gives you time to recover.
• You gain confidence knowing that even if something goes wrong, your business won’t go under.
• This cushion is your life raft — it helps you stay afloat until the next successful launch.

This pillow is like a lifeline that helps you survive until the next successful launch. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Lesson 5. A Cash Flow Gap Is Your Most Painful — but Most Valuable — Teacher

$120,000 in debt and zero in the account. It hurt — but that’s when I learned to truly respect the numbers. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Three Signs a Crisis Is Already at Your Door:

• You’re paying off old bills with new sales — like using a credit card to cover other debts.
• Client prepayments are spent on current expenses instead of business growth.
• Payroll dates keep getting pushed, and accounts receivable keep growing.

If any of this sounds familiar — it’s time to act.

The “Stop-Debt” Algorithm: How to Keep Your Business Alive in a Crisis

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The Result: The crisis becomes a lesson — not the end of your business.

A clear action plan gives you strength and motivation to move forward while keeping your team and reputation intact.

Debt isn’t a death sentence — if you stop in time and take control of the situation. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Lesson 6. Future Costs — Not Past Prices — Ignoring This Difference Pulls Your Business into the Red

A product I bought for $1,000 two months ago now costs $1,100.If I leave the old price in the budget — I’m guaranteed to lose money. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Why You Need to Think in Future Prices, Not Past Ones

Prices are constantly rising — due to inflation, logistics, or raw material costs.
If you don’t update your cost estimates in your financial models, your budget becomes inaccurate and unprofitable. It’s like driving a car with a fuel gauge that shows yesterday’s fuel level.

How to Avoid This Trap

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The Result: You stop losing money due to outdated numbers. Your business stays aligned with the market and remains financially stable.

A financial model is a living document — you need to keep it in shape. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Lesson 7. A Balance Sheet Isn’t Just About Expenses — It’s a Strategic Transformation of Your Money

Why Understanding Balance Matters

Buying equipment isn’t just spending — it’s investing in an asset.
An asset can be sold, rented out, or used to scale the business.

Without understanding your balance sheet, you can’t make smart decisions — whether it’s better to buy or rent, spend or invest.

How to See Your Balance Sheet in a New Light

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The result: You turn your budget from a list of expenses into a growth tool.

Lesson 8. Visualization and Delegation — Financial Control at a Single Click

I get lost in spreadsheets. In Finmap, I opened the dashboard — found the error in five minutes and fixed it. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Why Founders Need Instant Financial Visibility

Even if you have a CFO, you must be able to see the real picture at any time. Without that, you risk staying in the dark and missing critical issues.

How to Combine Delegation with Control

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The result:You control your finances without Excel or complicated reports.

Visualization is financial radar — it keeps you one step ahead. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Instead of a Conclusion: Take the First Step Today

1. Open a separate bank account for your business.
2. Set up bank sync in Finmap — it takes 3 minutes.
3. Set aside the first 3% of your profit into a financial cushion.
4. Review the budget for your next project and add a 20% buffer.
5. Check your minor expenses and reduce the “miscellaneous” category to 5% or less.

Controlling the numbers is an investment in my peace and freedom.$25 a month vs. $250,000 in potential losses — the choice is obvious. — Ekaterina Vishnevetskaya

Ready to turn your business from chaos to control? Leave a request — our experts will show you exactly what’s happening with your money, for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I separate personal and business finances if I’m just starting out?
Start by opening a separate business bank account and setting a fixed “owner’s salary.” This helps prevent mixing personal and business funds from day one.‍

2. Why is it so important to track even small expenses?
Seemingly insignificant payments — coffee, subscriptions, taxis — can add up to serious amounts and eat up to 30% of your budget, harming profits. Regular review and categorization of expenses help maintain control and avoid surprise cash flow gaps.

3. Why add a 20% buffer to the budget? Isn’t that overspending?
The buffer acts as insurance for your business against unforeseen events — currency fluctuations, extra marketing costs, client refunds. It helps avoid crises and keeps your business stable.

4. How much should I save for a financial cushion, and why is it necessary?
Ideally, set aside 3–10% of your net profit monthly until you’ve built a reserve that covers at least three months of regular expenses. These funds must remain untouched — even for debt repayment.

5. What if I’m already facing a cash flow gap and debt?
Be transparent with creditors and ask for a 3-month payment delay. Focus on boosting sales and marketing, and pay down debts gradually — track payments in a spreadsheet for control and motivation.

6. How do I account for rising costs in my budget?
Include a forecasted cost increase (e.g., +5–10%) in your financial model, and compare it monthly with actual expenses — this helps prevent losses.

7. Why is a balance sheet more than just tracking expenses — it’s about transforming assets?
Buying equipment is an investment in an asset you can rent out or sell. It opens new opportunities for the business instead of just draining funds.

8. How can a business owner stay financially aware even with a CFO?
Even with a CFO, you should have fast access to key financial metrics via simple tools (like Finmap) to make informed decisions and stay in control.

As part of a new investment round, Finmap has secured a strategic partnership with the UK venture capital fund 1991 Ventures. The company raised funding within a deal totaling over $1 million. The fund specializes in early-stage investments with a focus on supporting businesses from Eastern Europe.

1991 Ventures helps innovative companies scale internationally, offering not only capital but also strategic support in market expansion and product development.

An investment from such a reputable partner is a powerful signal of trust from the market — reinforcing Finmap’s position as a leading financial management platform for small and medium-sized businesses. It validates the product, the team, and the strategic vision as meeting the highest global standards.

Why Did 1991 Ventures Invest in Finmap?

Finmap is a user-friendly online platform for financial management that has already helped over 4,000 companies bring clarity to their finances.

Entrepreneurs from more than 100 industries choose Finmap not only for its intuitive interface and powerful features but also for its high level of data security. The platform complies with international safety standards used by leading global companies and banks. All data is transmitted and stored on secure servers in Europe using 256-bit encryption — one of the most robust encryption methods in the world.

Finmap is a leader among financial management tools for small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine.

The platform integrates with over 2,800 banks and financial services worldwide, supports more than 35 fiat currencies and over 80 cryptocurrencies. In addition, Finmap’s team of experienced financial experts is ready to assist with financial management, mentorship, and the development of custom financial models for businesses.

70% of businesses fail due to financial issues. Not because of the idea, not because of the lack of demand — but due to lack of control over their finances.

That’s exactly the problem Finmap solves.

We invest when we see both strong product potential and a team with the strategic vision and operational discipline to scale effectively. Finmap is a prime example — a technology startup tackling a clear, large-scale business challenge that demonstrates not only product-market fit, but also the traction and maturity needed for global growth.
— a representative of 1991 Ventures on why they invested in Finmap.

The investors also highlighted:

• Consistent traction across Ukraine, the European Union, and Latin America — clear proof of Finmap’s ability to operate globally.
• ‍A strong team that continuously improves the product.
• A strategic vision — Finmap is more than just a financial management tool. It’s a platform that brings clarity to business finances and supports well-informed decision-making.
  
• A systematic approach to entering new markets and rolling out new features.
  

This is more than just a deal — it’s a strategic partnership that creates new growth opportunities for Finmap and its users.

We believe that Finmap is already synonymous with effective financial management for entrepreneurs who value growth with confidence and control.

What Does This Mean for Finmap Users?

The investment from 1991 Ventures opens up new opportunities that will directly enhance the experience of our users:

1. AI-Driven Analytics: More Confidence in the Future

We're introducing AI-powered analytical tools that will:

• Forecast cash flow based on historical data and seasonality.
  
• Identify potential cash gaps before they become a problem.
  
• Highlight which expenses to optimize and which projects drive the most profit.
  

What this means for users: Faster strategic decisions — powered by real-time business data and automated insights.

2. Faster Market Expansion with Deep Localization

We’re expanding our localization efforts to include:

• Support for local currencies, banks, and payment systems (e.g. Brazil, Turkey, Portugal, Asia).
  
• Region-specific pricing plans.
  
• Local payment methods and language options.
  

What this means for users: Finmap adapts to any market — so you can scale without barriers.

3. Enhanced Mobile Experience

We’re improving the Finmap mobile app with:

• A redesigned UX for faster onboarding and more intuitive navigation.
  
• Improved app stability in regions with technical limitations (e.g. Latin America).
  
• Timely notifications about key events and updates.
  

What this means for users: Effortless financial control — anytime, anywhere.

4. More Powerful Analytics and Reporting

We’re upgrading reports with:

• Advanced filters, category breakdowns, and account grouping.
  
• The ability to set base currencies for multi-currency businesses.
  

What this means for users: A deeper understanding of your business finances, even with complex structures.

5. Integrations with Banks, Payment Systems, and CRMs

We’re enabling tighter integration with:

• Banks for faster transaction tracking and reduced manual input.
  
• Crypto wallets.
  
• CRMs — to connect financial and customer data in one place.
  

What this means for users: Less manual work, fewer errors — and more time to grow your business.

Financial chaos?
Forget it!

Finmap gives you control and order.

Try it — 7 days for free.

Try for free

no card required

​

In Summary, Finmap Users Will Get:

• Global reach — local banks, languages, and currencies.
  
• Routine automation — financial tracking that runs on autopilot.
  
• Powerful reporting — get clear answers to your financial questions.
  
• Reliable mobile app — control your finances on the go.

AI analytics, automation, localization, flexible reporting, and integrations — this isn’t just a set of features. It’s a complete system for financial management that replaces chaos with clarity and control.

• You’ll see exactly where your business is losing money.
• You’ll predict cash gaps before they happen.
• You’ll know which costs fuel growth — and which ones drain resources.
• You’ll get a full financial picture — all in one place, with no noise.

Finmap is the only financial management tool your business needs.

Forget the chaos and uncertainty — Finmap gives you complete clarity and control, in any currency, on any market.

Fast decisions, accurate forecasts, automated routine — so you can focus on growth, not paperwork.

This isn’t just financial tracking.
It’s your most powerful tool for scaling and profitability.

We’re working hard to make Finmap the global financial standard for entrepreneurs.
Support from a strategic partner like 1991 Ventures is proof that our product and team are ready for the next big leap.

Ready to take control of your finances?  Book a free consultation with our expert and get demo access to see firsthand how Finmap can work for your business.

Google has always supported Ukrainian business, and this year it took another step in this direction. In spring, the company launched the global programme "Google for Startups Ukraine Support Fund", which provides financial assistance to Ukrainian startups.

In the second round, the fund totalled $10,000,000 in equity funding. In addition to financial support, Finmap and 23 other startups and tech companies receive mentorship and product support from leading experts of a global IT giant.

Finmap is a easy-to-use cash flow management tool that has helped more than 3,500 companies from more than 100 different industries to get their finances in order.

Entrepreneurs from 54 countries choose Finmap not only because of its convenient and intuitive functionality, but also because of the high level of data protection that meets the security standards of international companies and banks. The information is transmitted and stored on secure servers in Europe and encrypted using the highest 256-bit encryption standard.

Finmap is a leader in Ukraine in the niche of financial management for small and medium-sized business owners.

Finmap has connections to more than 2800 banks and financial services worldwide, support for 35+ currencies and 80+ cryptocurrencies. It also has a team of professional financiers who can help with financial management, mentoring, and the development of individual financial models for businesses.

Google's Support for Finmap: Recognised on a Global Scale

The competition for the programme was intense with many selection criteria.
Google chose Finmap because of its product innovation and ability to solve real business problems. This selection confirms the company's potential for growth and international scaling.

Receiving funding and mentorship is not only a confirmation of the company's right course, but also new opportunities for international development, job creation and the use of technology to solve unique challenges, collaborate and attract customers.

New Opportunities for Finmap with the Support of Google: What Does It Mean for You as an Entrepreneur?

The funds received from Google will be used to improve Finmap tools. The main focus is on the integration of new features to automate financial management and analytics.

This will not only expand Finmap's capabilities and improve the user experience, but will also provide a real opportunity for existing users to get more accurate and detailed data needed to make important business decisions. For new customers, this will mean easier access to effective tools that simplify financial management and help their companies grow.

New AI assistant Functions to Optimise Financial Management

Google gave preference to those who actively integrate AI into their products. One of Finmap's key advantages in the selection process was the use of an AI assistant that helps entrepreneurs quickly receive recommendations and advice and easily optimise financial management.

Google's support and experience will significantly expand the functionality and capabilities of the AI assistant, adding the ability to conduct in-depth analysis, analyse data, and provide valuable recommendations for business development. Users of the service will be able to receive insights on how to improve business processes based on their real data.

The new features will also reduce routine operations, find cost bottlenecks, and help avoid financial crises. Finmap users can now focus on scaling their business, and Finmap will help them to organise their money.

Try Finmap now

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Business-Changing Financial Solutions: Supporting Local Businesses and Global Ambitions

The mission of Finmap is to help small and medium-sized businesses systematize financial processes and improve resource management. The founders of Finmap initiated a project to support Ukrainian entrepreneurs, assisting them in implementing effective financial management. This contributes to financial stability and business growth, even during challenging times.

The company's funders and financial experts have repeatedly participated as speakers and mentors in economic and social events: Defence builder, Vector of Reconstruction, Ukrainian Humanitarian Front, Star for life and others.

Support from Google opens the door to international markets. Finmap has an ambitious goal to become a key tool for financial management of small and medium-sized companies around the world. And you, as a Finmap user, have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this expansion.

The service helps entrepreneurs better understand their finances and make informed decisions. This not only facilitates the work of individual companies, but also actively contributes to the development of the Ukrainian economy.
The real-life cases of Finmap users are impressive:

• found $9,000 of avoidable expenses;
• have never fallen into a cash gap thanks to Finmap management;
• increased net profit by 10% per month;
• created a successful financial model for entering the international market;
• reduced the time spent working with finances by 50 times;
• For the first time in three years, we made a profit instead of constant losses and ‘falling into the red’.

These achievements were made possible by the implementation of the Finmap and with the help of a team of professional financiers who provide advice, financial management services, mentoring and the development of individual financial models for businesses.

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Financial chaos? Forget it!

Finmap gives you control and order.

Try it — 7 days for free.

Try for free

no card required

‍

With Finmap, you get not just tools for financial management, but a reliable partner on the way to development and scaling.

If you want to:

• take the first step towards sustainable business development and transparent financial management,
• get advice on financial planning and business scaling,

Book a free expert diagnostic consultation and start turning your business goals into reality today!