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As a seasoned founder, operator, partnerships and business development director, I bring…
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Pete Lopez shared thisGREAT PANEL DISCUSSION - The New Rules of Fundraising: What VCs Actually Fund in 2026. Thank you to Kenan Saleh a16z, Lauri J. Moore Bessemer, Andrew Brackin Gradient Ventures, Madison Faulkner NEA, Brent Murri M13 David Kwon Abstract Ventures and Grace Gong Smart Venture Media #venturecapital #startups #cfo #tax #audit CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
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Pete Lopez shared thisWelcome Meridian Capital Seattle team to CLA Meridian Capital!Pete Lopez shared thisWe’re excited to welcome the Meridian Capital team of Seattle, Washington, to CLA. With Meridian Capital team members joining the firm as CLA Meridian Capital, we’re expanding our investment banking capabilities to better support private business owners at some of the most pivotal moments in their journey, from raising capital and executing M&A to planning ownership transitions and long-term growth. Meridian’s deep experience in middle-market investment banking, combined with CLA’s strength in accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth advisory, creates a more connected, end-to-end experience for clients navigating complex financial decisions. This is the power of CLA’s partnership model at work, bringing together specialized experience and capabilities to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence. Learn more about CLA Meridian Capital: https://lnkd.in/gibmn-AN
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Pete Lopez reposted thisPete Lopez reposted thisCLA has been certified as a Great Place To Work® for the fifth consecutive year! Our people-first culture and ongoing investments in connection, learning, and innovation continue to move us forward. Hear from our leaders about how we are investing in our people: https://lnkd.in/geFhaiyt
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Pete Lopez reposted thisPete Lopez reposted thisIf you have even one W-2 employee in California and haven't registered for CalSavers - you're already out of compliance. As of January 1, 2026, the mandate is fully in effect. The final deadline (Dec 31, 2025) covered employers with 1 - 4 employees. There's no size threshold anymore. One employee = you're in. Here's what I see founders miss: → You don't contribute anything. CalSavers is employee-funded only; no employer match, no fees, no fiduciary liability. → You can't use equity or benefits to satisfy it. This is a registration requirement, not a compensation benchmark. → Exemption still requires action. Already have a 401(k) or SEP IRA? You still need to file an exemption request at employer.calsavers.com - or the compliance notices keep coming. → Penalties are per employee, per period. $250/employee at 90 days. Another $500 at 180 days. Then annually. For a 5-person team, that's $3,750+ before the annual charges stack up. The default enrollment rate is 5% of gross pay, auto-escalating 1%/year up to 8%. Employees can opt out, adjust, or customize - but you have to facilitate it. For early-stage startups: CalSavers is the path of least resistance. For those hiring aggressively, it's worth comparing it to a 401(k) the contribution ceiling ($7,500 vs $24,500) and the recruiting signal of a match matter as headcount grows. I wrote the full breakdown: deadlines, penalty structure, CalSavers vs 401(k) comparison, and action steps on the AG Accounting blog. Link in comments 👇 #California #StartupCompliance #CalSavers #FounderOps #Accounting
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Pete Lopez shared thisSXSW Startuo Pitch Award Ceremony! All are winners - but the recognized ones are to be announced.
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Pete Lopez shared thisEnjoying @SXSW PITCH 2026. Looking forward to hearing from Nandini Ramakrishnan & Erin Kim from Mesh (YC W25)!!
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Pete Lopez shared thisEarly Start at SXSW Austin - met some great people today and looking to meet more in the coming days. Message me to meet up.
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Pete Lopez shared thisLooking forward to a great SXSW conference with the “Innovation” track and many others. If you are here and want to meet up - message me.
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Pete Lopez shared thisSXSW 2026 is around the corner. Message me if attending and would like to meet up - or join me at our CLA “Chaos to Clarity” event on Mach 14th. Register below! https://lnkd.in/gsaMndBfChaos to Clarity: Insight‑Driven Growth in Noisy Tech WorldChaos to Clarity: Insight‑Driven Growth in Noisy Tech World
Pete Lopez commented on a post
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Thanks Junki Nakagawa looking forward to seeing you in sf
Pete Lopez commented on a post
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Congrats Erin Kim and Nandini Ramakrishnan - huge success being at and presenting so well at SXSW - looking forward to supporting you both Mesh (YC W25)
Pete Lopez replied to a comment
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Nandini Ramakrishnan - great to see you two - wonderful presentation!
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Pete Lopez liked thisThis week I cleared my schedule to spend time with our CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) Managing Principals of Office (MPOs) at the Minneapolis Connection Center. These leaders sit at the center of our profession, connecting people, clients, communities, growth, and culture every single day. It’s one of the most complex and meaningful roles we have. Having been an MPO earlier in my career, I remember the weight of the decisions, the pace of change, and the deep responsibility to your people and your market. That responsibility has only expanded, and so has the impact these leaders make. Today, MPOs play an even greater role in shaping extraordinary client experiences and vibrant communities. Here are my three biggest takeaways from our time together: 1️⃣ Leadership today requires clarity, courage, and community. Our MPOs are deeply connected to the people and businesses we serve. They are intentional about how they show up, ensuring clients feel our connection, our responsiveness, and our commitment to helping them thrive. That dedication is why local leadership remains one of CLA’s greatest strengths. 2️⃣ Opportunity grows when we stay close to clients. We spent time exploring how we can continue delivering seamless, proactive service, powered by insights, collaboration, and local relationships. What stood out was the creativity and optimism this group brings to every discussion. When leaders stay close to clients and communities, they anticipate needs early and turn that understanding into impeccable client service. 3️⃣ Investing in our people elevates the client experience. Whether through new career pathways or digital tools that remove friction, our people + platforms approach strengthens how we serve. When leaders have the autonomy, data, and technology to act with confidence, teams flourish, and clients feel the results in every interaction. This week reaffirmed something essential: across our 120 markets, our continued investment in people, culture, and community directly enhances how we serve the heartbeat of the country. I’m grateful for the candor, connection, and unwavering dedication of this team. This is how we strengthen our profession – by staying true to our values, leading with heart, and advancing together to better serve our clients and communities. Bryon Reinhart, CPA, Cathy Clarke, Melissa Yoder, Alisha McClellan, CPA, CGMA, MSA, Lisa Stover, Kelli Roberts, Zina Saeed #Leadership, #ImpeccableClientService, #Growth, #CLA
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Pete Lopez liked thisPete Lopez liked thisThis week, I stepped away from the day‑to‑day to spend time with my fellow Managing Principals of Office at CLA, coming together with one shared purpose: alignment around growth, priorities, and how we continue delivering impeccable client service. Not only did I get to enjoy our amazing connection center in Minneapolis but I got to interact with so many inspiring leaders in the firm. Alisha McClellan, CPA, CGMA, MSA Mary Short, CPA Amber M. Baker, CPA, MSA Matt Bone, CPA, CGMA, CGFM Michael Mead, CPA Leslie Boyd Kevin Cox Brad Toone CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) What stood out most was how aligned we are – as leaders and as a firm. Across markets and regions, we’re focused on the same things: staying close to our clients, supporting our people, and making thoughtful decisions that help businesses navigate complexity and grow with confidence. These conversations matter. When local leaders are aligned on strategy and direction, on technology and innovation, on people and culture, it creates clarity for our teams and consistency for our clients. That alignment allows us to move faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver the kind of proactive, seamless service our clients expect from CLA. I left this meeting energized and confident. We’re more connected than ever, and that alignment shows up where it matters most: in the experience our clients have every day. #Leadership, #ImpeccableClientService, #Growth, #CLA
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Pete Lopez liked thisPete Lopez liked thisCLA is taking an active role at the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit. Our speakers will share guidance on entering the U.S. market, understanding banking expectations, and exploring grants and incentives. Join sessions led by Nicola Ellam, ACA, CIA, BFP, Wade Maleck, and Jennifer Rohen as they bring clear, practical insights to global companies planning a U.S. presence. https://lnkd.in/gzMRjNZF
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Pete Lopez liked thisPete Lopez liked thisThank you to my colleague Craig R Arends for this thoughts on SxSW takeways. I was able to attend SxSW with Craig this year and he did a great job listing out some key takeaways. #SxSW #technology #PESXSW 2026: What Middle Market PE Sponsors Should Take AwaySXSW 2026: What Middle Market PE Sponsors Should Take Away
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Pete Lopez liked thisPete Lopez liked thisI’m incredibly honored to share that I’ve been named a winner of the 2025 MYCPE ONE Excellence Awards! This recognition is a direct reflection of the amazing community that supports and surrounds me every day. Your encouragement, engagement, and votes made this possible—and I’m truly grateful. Thank you for being part of this journey. It means more than you know. #MYCPEONE
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Pete Lopez liked thisPete Lopez liked thisToday, we’re excited to welcome the Answerport team to CLA, further strengthening our digital solutions and technology advisory capabilities, especially for private equity firms and growing businesses navigating complex transitions. Answerport brings deep experience supporting organizations through acquisitions, divestitures, and integrations, where technology, data, cybersecurity, and IT operations must move fast and work seamlessly. This is another meaningful step forward as we continue our $500 million investment in AI and digital solutions, expanding how we help clients connect strategy, finance, and technology to drive confidence and growth. Welcome to CLA, Answerport team members — we’re glad you’re here. https://lnkd.in/gBAwZ3dZ
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Pete Lopez liked thisPete Lopez liked thisWe’re excited to welcome the Meridian Capital team of Seattle, Washington, to CLA. With Meridian Capital team members joining the firm as CLA Meridian Capital, we’re expanding our investment banking capabilities to better support private business owners at some of the most pivotal moments in their journey, from raising capital and executing M&A to planning ownership transitions and long-term growth. Meridian’s deep experience in middle-market investment banking, combined with CLA’s strength in accounting, tax, consulting, and wealth advisory, creates a more connected, end-to-end experience for clients navigating complex financial decisions. This is the power of CLA’s partnership model at work, bringing together specialized experience and capabilities to help clients move forward with clarity and confidence. Learn more about CLA Meridian Capital: https://lnkd.in/gibmn-AN
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