New Sponsor Spotlight: Vince Phorn, Partner at Withum
Withum is a top 25 forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm here in Orange County.
The firm is an important part of the Orange County tech startup ecosystem, and a Gold Sponsor of the OC Startup Council.
Enjoy this exclusive interview with Vince Phorn, Partner at Withum, to learn more about what they do and how their work is helping local founders and startup companies succeed in Orange County:
What are the specialties of your firm?
Withum’s Technology and Emerging Growth Services practice is dedicated to serving technology‑driven and high‑growth companies at every stage of their lifecycle, from startups and emerging businesses to large, complex public companies. The practice provides a full spectrum of audit, tax, and advisory services designed to address the evolving needs of innovative organizations operating in fast‑paced and highly regulated environments.
The team advises clients on critical areas such as financial reporting and SEC compliance, complex accounting matters (including revenue recognition, equity instruments, and business combinations), capital raising, M&A transactions, and IPO readiness. In addition, Withum supports companies with operational and risk‑focused services including SOC reporting, internal controls, cybersecurity, ERP and systems implementation, and data and analytics advisory.
Withum’s Technology and Emerging Growth Services professionals work closely with founders, executives, and investors, providing practical guidance that extends beyond traditional accounting and tax services. By combining deep industry specialization with a forward‑looking advisory approach, the team helps clients anticipate change, manage risk, and scale confidently as they pursue growth and innovation.
Who are the clients you can help the most?
Withum is well‑suited for venture‑backed startups and founder‑led businesses that need support beyond basic compliance, including assistance with funding readiness, complex equity structures, R&D tax credits, and preparation for future audits or IPOs. The firm emphasizes helping founders anticipate future challenges rather than reacting to them.
The practice strongly supports public companies and companies preparing for the public markets, providing services such as audited financial statements, SEC compliance and reporting, technical accounting support, and readiness for IPOs or other capital market transactions.
In addition to company‑level services, Withum supports founders and technology executives with planning around equity compensation, tax strategy, and personal financial considerations tied to liquidity events and business growth. This founder‑focused approach is a core part of the practice.
What's the most common problem you help startup founders with?
Startup founders often struggle to prepare financial information that meets investor expectations. Withum helps founders prepare investor‑ready financials, address accounting and reporting questions raised during fundraising, and position the company for future audits or due diligence as capital needs grow. As founders scale, Withum can help answer questions surrounding revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, and other types of equity instruments.Withum can help address early‑stage accounting and tax complexity, prepare for capital raises, maximize tax credits, build scalable financial infrastructure, and plan for audits, transactions, and long‑term growth—all while serving as a trusted advisor as companies move through critical inflection points.
Why do you enjoy working with startups?
I've had the privilege of hearing about the stories and being part of the journeys of some of my largest clients. Each story is so special, with some sharing similarities and others standing out for their differences. I cherish learning about the sources of my clients' inspiration and the perseverance that drove them through numerous challenges to reach their current stage. I am committed to connecting founders with the right partners and delivering exceptional client services to support their evolving needs.
How did you get into your current job?
I majored in business with a dual emphasis in accounting and management information systems. When I graduated, the blend of technology and accounting was highly sought after by public accounting firms. This demand led me to begin my career at Withum.
What's your best advice for early stage entrepreneurs?
While seeking capital and fundraising are crucial, it’s never too early to consult with your accountants to ensure you’re prepared to seize upcoming opportunities. Non-compliance with GAAP financial statements or income tax regulations can create significant obstacles in the event of a potential acquisition or major capital raise.
What are some specialties, differentiators, or factors that make your firm good at what it does?
Withum is forward-thinking and aligns well with many of the founders we collaborate with. We leverage technology to enhance the quality of our services and foster a unique culture. These elements are crucial for delivering world-class client services.
Unlike many firms that serve technology companies as a subset of a general practice, Withum maintains a dedicated Technology and Emerging Growth Services practice made up of professionals focused exclusively on technology‑driven and high‑growth businesses. This specialization allows the firm to develop deep expertise in the accounting, tax, and regulatory challenges unique to these companies, rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
Why have you chosen to work in Orange County?
Orange County is a beautiful place to live, offering numerous opportunities for communities and companies to thrive and grow. I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work here.
How big is your firm locally and nationally?
125 + headcount in Orange County and 2400+ total team members.
Favorite OC restaurant?
Water Grill.
Favorite place in OC?
Salt Creek Beach.
Favorite food?
Japanese Cuisine.
Favorite song?
I’m a big fan of EDM.
Hobby?
Traveling to Japan annually with my wife and kids.
Why did your company join the OC Startup Council?
Withum is relatively new to the West Coast. We aim to expand our practice across major metropolitan areas in California, and since Orange County is a key location for us, partnering with OCSC to connect with the startup community made perfect sense.
Thanks to Vince Phorn for sharing how Withum works with startups here in Orange County.
He can be reached at vphorn@withum.com for questions about startup financial strategies and Withum's many services supporting early stage companies.
Thanks again to Withum for their Gold Sponsorship support of the OC Startup Council and our efforts to accelerate Orange County’s tech ecosystem.
For Technology and Emerging Growth Services contact Allen Goh, Technology & Emerging Growth Services West Coast Team Leader - allen.goh@withum.com, Vince Phorn, CPA - vphorn@withum.com, Brenna Liana, Marketing - bliana@withum.com and learn more at https://www.withum.com/industries/technology-services/