Claire Martell, CEOBringing a life-changing therapeutic, diagnostic, or medical device to market is one of the most ambitious challenges a founder can pursue. But while early-stage companies in the life sciences are working to solve complex scientific problems, they’re also navigating fundraising, building infrastructure, and recruiting specialized teams—all with limited budgets and under tight timelines and evolving regulations.
At Murdock Martell, we exist to take that burden off their shoulders.
We specialize in finance, accounting, and HR consulting for early-stage life science and medtech startups. Our goal is simple: let founders focus on the science, while we manage the finance, accounting and people functions that bring success and drive sustainable growth.
Supporting Founders from Pre-Seed to Exit
Startups face constant trade-offs between managing burn and accelerating progress. We provide fractional support that adapts to your needs—from basic operational accounting to strategic financial leadership. Whether you’re preparing for your first board meeting, raising a Series A, or planning your exit strategy, we deliver right-sized solutions for every phase.
Our services include:
Finance & Accounting
• Budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning
• Cash flow and runway analysis
• Operational accounting, including payroll, AP/AR
• Audit prep, GAAP compliance, early grant reporting
• Due diligence and investor readiness
• Exit and IPO support
We combine the insights of seasoned CFOs and managers with the execution power of degreed staff accountants to create a cost-efficient, scalable model that evolves as your company grows.
HR and Recruiting That Scales with You
Your people are your greatest asset—and one of your largest early expenses. Our HR professionals help build compliant, sustainable systems to support a growing workforce.
We provide:
• HR infrastructure and policy development
• Benefits setup and multi-state labor law compliance
• Employee onboarding and performance management
• Compensation benchmarking
• Employee relations and reduction in force management
• Specialized recruiting to fill finance, accounting and HR roles as you grow
From your first hire to your exit, we help create a foundation that supports culture, compliance, and retention.
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At Murdock Martell, our vision is to empower life science and tech founders by taking the weight of finance, accounting, and HR off their shoulders—so they can stay focused on what matters most: advancing innovation, securing funding, and improving lives. We bring seasoned expertise, flexible support, and trusted partnership to every stage of their growth
Why Life Science Startups Trust Murdock Martell
We understand the urgency, unpredictability, and regulatory complexity of life science, diagnostic and medical device startups. Our team is made up of industry veterans, including CPAs, former Big 4 professionals, and HR experts—with over 80% having direct life sciences or medtech experience.
Startups choose us because we are:
• Strategic – Senior leadership experience tailored to high-growth companies
• Flexible – Services that scale with your needs and stage
• Embedded – We act as an extension of your team, not outside consultants
• Cost-effective – A blended team structure ensures high value and low overhead
• Proven – We’ve supported clients through venture rounds, FDA approvals, M&A, and IPOs
We’ve helped founders get investor-ready, navigate exits to firms like Boston Scientific and Becton Dickinson, and even operate without a full-time CFO through a public offering.
Who We Are
Founded in 2007 and based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Murdock Martell is a boutique firm focused on startups and high-growth companies in life sciences, tech, and deep tech.
Our team:
• Holds decades of experience across the startup lifecycle
• Includes 100% professionals with startup exposure
• Offers certified expertise in accounting, finance, and HR
• Has a track record of long-term, high-impact client relationships
We’re not just advisors—we’re partners. Our goal is to help build companies from the ground up with the financial clarity, operational rigor, and people power they need to thrive.
Murdock Martell - Your Chief Financial Resource
Trusted. Nimble. Embedded.
Let’s talk about how we can support your company’s next stage.
requests@murdockmartell.com
www.murdockmartell.com
