Arcus Advisors Expands to Austin, Fueling Tech Startups at Capital Factory

AUSTIN, Texas – January 20, 2026 – Arcus Advisors, a Texas-based accounting and technology consulting firm, announced today its expansion into Austin with a new office strategically located at Capital Factory, the city's renowned center for innovation and entrepreneurship. The move signals a significant commitment to Central Texas's burgeoning technology sector, aiming to provide specialized financial infrastructure for the area's high-growth startups and private-equity-backed companies.

The new office will be helmed by Pratixa Bhakta, a seasoned professional with two decades of financial leadership experience, who will serve as the onsite Director. This expansion directly addresses what the firm identifies as a rising tide of demand from companies needing sophisticated accounting systems and expert financial guidance to manage rapid scaling.

Tapping into Silicon Hills' Growth Engine

Arcus Advisors' entry into Austin places it squarely in the heart of "Silicon Hills," a tech ecosystem that has demonstrated explosive growth. The Austin metropolitan area is home to nearly 10,000 high-tech employers, and the sector has seen job growth outpace national averages, expanding by nearly 10% in 2022 alone. This dynamic environment, populated by major industry players like Apple, Google, and Tesla alongside a vibrant startup scene, creates a fertile ground for innovation but also significant operational challenges.

"Austin has become a critical market for venture-backed and PE-backed growth companies," said Candus Hinderer, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Arcus Advisors. This sentiment reflects a market reality where rapid expansion often outpaces a company's internal financial capabilities. As startups mature and attract investment, the need for institutional-grade financial reporting and scalable accounting processes becomes paramount. The firm's expansion is a direct response to this need, providing the essential financial backbone that allows tech companies to focus on innovation and market penetration.

While Austin saw startups raise approximately $4.5 billion in 2024, recent market shifts indicate a more discerning investment climate. Venture capitalists are increasingly demanding clear market traction and robust financial data even at early stages. This heightened scrutiny makes access to expert financial services not just a benefit, but a necessity for founders seeking to secure funding and navigate complex growth trajectories.

The Strategic Advantage of Capital Factory

The choice of Capital Factory for its Austin headquarters is a calculated move that goes far beyond securing office space. Described as the "center of gravity" for Texas entrepreneurs, Capital Factory is an integrated ecosystem that functions as a coworking space, accelerator, and venture capital firm. It provides startups with unparalleled access to a network of investors, mentors, and potential customers.

By embedding itself within this hub, Arcus Advisors gains direct proximity to its target clientele. "Being embedded in the Capital Factory ecosystem puts us at the center of the startup and investment community," stated Pratixa Bhakta, the new Austin Director. This physical presence facilitates a deeper, more collaborative relationship with founders and leadership teams who require agile and responsive financial support.

The firm’s role, as Bhakta described it, is to "give leadership teams confidence in their numbers so they can focus on building and scaling their businesses." This mission is particularly resonant within an environment like Capital Factory, where speed, agility, and a singular focus on growth are the currencies of success. For the startups operating there, having on-demand access to financial experts can mean the difference between successfully closing a funding round and faltering due to inadequate financial controls.

Addressing the Financial Hurdles of High-Growth Companies

Fast-growing companies, particularly in the tech and private equity space, face a unique set of financial hurdles. The journey from a seed-stage startup to a mature, scalable enterprise is fraught with complexity, including managing cash flow during rapid expansion, preparing for fundraising rounds, navigating mergers and acquisitions, and implementing robust financial systems. These are precisely the challenges Arcus Advisors is equipped to handle.

The firm provides a suite of outsourced services spanning accounting operations, controller-level oversight, and strategic CFO-level support. This model allows growing companies to access top-tier financial expertise without the significant overhead of hiring a full-time, C-suite-level finance team. For a startup navigating a Series A fundraise or a PE-backed company preparing for an audit, this outsourced expertise provides the institutional-grade financial processes and reporting that investors and stakeholders demand.

Co-founder and Managing Partner Candus Hinderer emphasized the need for financial functions that can "keep pace with rapid growth and increasing complexity." In a market where M&A activity is strong and regulatory requirements are constantly evolving, having a partner dedicated to financial integrity and readiness is a powerful competitive advantage.

Leadership and a Localized Approach

Leading the charge in Austin is Pratixa Bhakta, whose 20 years of experience across public accounting, consulting, and controllership roles make her uniquely suited for the position. Her background includes deep expertise in accounting integration, system implementations, and process improvement—critical skills for companies undergoing transformation.

"I'm incredibly excited about our expansion into Austin and even more confident in having Pratixa lead this effort," said Carrie Ferroukhi, Co-founder and Managing Partner. "With her 20 years of combined experience...she brings the right mix of technical depth, leadership, and relationship-building skills."

This emphasis on experienced, local leadership is a key part of Arcus Advisors' strategy. With an existing office in Houston, the Austin expansion solidifies the firm's Texas footprint. By maintaining a "hands-on, partner-led approach," the firm differentiates itself in a competitive market for outsourced financial services. This model ensures that clients receive dedicated, strategic guidance tailored to their specific growth stage and industry, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. By establishing a strong local presence, Arcus Advisors is positioned not just as a service provider, but as a long-term strategic partner in the growth and success of the Central Texas technology community.