Team Spotlight: Aelin Kim
Meet the CFO keeping our financial operations clear, compliant, and on course.
Welcome back to our “Team Spotlight” series, where we shine a light on the exceptional individuals who make up Deciens.
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Aelin Kim, newly promoted to Chief Financial Officer. She’s been the steady force behind our financial operations for years — from reporting and compliance to the systems that keep us moving. Her promotion is well-earned recognition of her impact and attention to detail.
Before joining Deciens, Aelin held finance and operations roles at Vista Equity Partners, Icon Ventures, and Avenue Capital Group. She began her career in public accounting at Rothstein Kass (now part of KPMG), where she worked with financial services clients and built a strong technical foundation. Aelin earned her BS in Finance and Accounting from Boston College and is a licensed CPA in New York.
In this Q&A, we’ll dive into Aelin’s career path, her take on venture finance, and the 65-pound Bernedoodle who keeps her grounded.
Q: Where are you located, and what factors influenced your decision to live there?
A: I’m based in Incline Village, up in Lake Tahoe. We used to live in San Francisco and visited Tahoe often – eventually, we decided to make the move full-time. I love being outdoors, so it made a lot of sense.
Q: What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your role?
A: Attention to detail is imperative – an incorrectly placed decimal point can shift a success story into a serious issue. At the same time, it's critical to take a step back and interpret what the numbers reveal about our broader strategy and portfolio performance.
The most effective finance professionals in venture capital are equal parts analyst and communicator: we investigate the data thoroughly and then translate our findings into clear, actionable insights for founders and team members. Adaptability is also essential, as each fund structure and transaction presents its own complexities, and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace.
Q: What resources do you rely on to stay informed in your role?
A: I stay informed on regulatory developments and industry best practices by reading various publications. I actively engage with the broader CPA and finance community, attend Private Equity CFO conferences throughout the year and regularly participate in webinars focused on fund administration, regulatory updates, and legal.
Given how quickly both fintech and venture capital evolve, I prioritize understanding not only the financial implications but also the operational aspects of emerging technologies.
Q: How did you get started in our industry, and what path brought you to where you are now?
A: My path has been wonderfully non-linear and linear at the same time. I started in public accounting at Rothstein Kass right after graduating from Boston College, where I primarily worked with financial services clients. That foundation taught me the importance of precision and gave me early exposure to a range of fund structures. From there, I moved to Avenue Capital Group, where I was introduced to the world of alternative investments.
Each subsequent role – at Icon Ventures and Vista Equity Partners – built on the last, gradually expanding my responsibilities and strategic scope. When the opportunity to join Deciens came along, I was drawn to the chance to be part of a smaller, more nimble team where I could have a broader impact while staying true to my finance roots.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Bringing structure to complexity is consistently rewarding. Streamlining processes to save valuable time reinforces the impact of well-run financial operations. Knowing that efficient, reliable systems allow our team to focus on building – rather than getting bogged down in manual tasks – makes even the most meticulous reconciliation work meaningful.
Q: If venture capital was a sport, what position would you play and why?
A: I see myself in the role of a defensive coordinator – focused on analyzing external factors such as market conditions and regulatory changes, fortifying our internal structures through robust compliance and risk management, and ensuring the team has the necessary resources to execute effectively. While this role may not always be in the spotlight, strong financial operations are foundational to long-term success – just as a solid defense is critical to winning championships.
Q: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
A: I have a three-year-old, 65-pound bernedoodle named Olly, who is the goofiest and happiest doggo. He lives his best life in Tahoe and all that it has to offer. He loves the abundant hiking trails, snow days, and summer beach days on the lake.
Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
A: I enjoy spending time outdoors – hiking, being in nature, and disconnecting from technology. Travel is also a passion of mine and an important way for me to recharge. After audit and tax season, I took some time off to visit Vietnam, Japan, and Korea. Even in day-to-day life, getting out on the trails or by the lake with our dog is my favorite way to unwind and stay balanced.
Q: What's something most people don't know about you?
A: I spent nine months backpacking through Southeast Asia in 2014, which was completely outside my comfort zone as someone who likes everything planned out. It completely shifted my perspective on spontaneity. Some of life's best moments happen when you embrace a little chaos.
