Erika Paul

Based In:

Knoxville, TN

A licensed CPA, Erika Paul leads operational finance across GSV’s portfolio, specializing in process optimization and scalable systems that support growth.

About

Erika Paul joined Greater Sum Ventures in 2019 and serves on our Value Add team as a VP, Finance and Accounting, helping lead operational finance across the firm’s platforms. A licensed Certified Public Accountant with more than a decade of experience, she specializes in financial transparency, process optimization, and scalable systems that support disciplined growth.

Before joining GSV, Erika held controllership roles for small businesses across multiple industries, where she built finance functions from the ground up and introduced efficiencies that streamlined reporting and decision-making. Her expertise includes financial statement preparation and analysis, banking, billing, payroll, and benefits, as well as oversight and implementation of complex accounting projects such as purchase price allocations, revenue recognition, tax, and audits.

Across the GSV portfolio, Erika is known for her ability to execute quickly and manage multiple priorities with precision. She brings clarity and structure to fast-paced environments, helping founders and portfolio teams focus on strategic initiatives by removing operational friction. Erika thrives in collaborative settings, working alongside high-energy, execution-oriented teams to drive measurable improvement and long-term value creation.

Q&A

What is a favorite quote or saying?

I don’t have a favorite quote, but I have a favorite word—gambit. It means being willing to sacrifice something small at the beginning for greater gain in the end. I’m very forward thinking, so this is the context through which I navigate life. Small sacrifices are often required to accomplish big goals, and that’s something I’m willing to do!

What’s your operating superpower?

My operating superpower is the ability to execute tasks and manage a large number of projects at once.

What kind of founders or companies do you love working with?

I love working with founders that are high energy, close to the details, and open minded to new things. These types of founders are usually execution oriented, which dovetails well with my operating superpower. We can get a lot accomplished quickly this way, which allows me to remove back-office distractions from their plate so they’re able to focus on more strategic initiatives.