Built from Real Experience
We started elatarenor because we saw too many finance professionals struggling with outdated modeling techniques. Our approach comes from years of building models that actually work in high-pressure environments.
Why We Do This
Back in 2018, I was working 80-hour weeks at an investment bank, rebuilding the same flawed models over and over. The problem wasn't the data or the markets — it was that most people learned financial modeling from textbooks written by academics who'd never had to present to a room full of skeptical investors at 2 AM.
That's when Cordelia and I decided to create something different. We wanted to teach the kind of modeling that actually survives contact with reality. The techniques that work when your assumptions get challenged, when data is messy, and when stakeholders ask the hard questions you didn't prepare for.
Today, we focus on building models that tell clear stories and stand up to scrutiny. Because in finance, precision matters — but so does being able to explain your work to people who make the final decisions.
The People Behind elatarenor
Our team combines practical financial experience with genuine passion for teaching. We've all been where you are — trying to build better models under pressure.
Thaddeus Blackwood
Spent eight years building valuation models for M&A deals at Goldman Sachs. Now focuses on teaching the modeling techniques that actually work when millions are on the line. Has a particular talent for making complex scenarios understandable.
Cordelia Voss
Former financial analyst turned educator who believes learning should be challenging but never overwhelming. Designs our curriculum to build skills progressively, so students master fundamentals before tackling advanced concepts.
How We Teach Financial Modeling
Real Scenarios
Every model we teach is based on actual deal situations. You'll work with the same data challenges and time pressures that financial professionals face daily.
Error Prevention
We show you the common mistakes that can destroy model credibility, plus the checking techniques that catch problems before they reach stakeholders.
Clear Communication
A perfect model is worthless if you can't explain it. We teach presentation techniques that help non-finance audiences understand your analysis.
Our Journey
elatarenor Founded
Started with a simple goal: teach financial modeling the way it's actually practiced in professional environments. Our first cohort was just twelve students meeting in a borrowed conference room.
Remote Learning Launch
Adapted our hands-on approach to online learning during the pandemic. This actually improved our teaching — we could share screens more effectively and record complex modeling sequences for review.
Advanced Programs
Launched specialized courses in LBO modeling and credit analysis after requests from students who wanted deeper expertise in specific areas. These programs focus on the nuances that separate good modelers from great ones.
Industry Partnerships
Began working directly with investment firms and corporate finance teams to provide customized training. This keeps our curriculum current with what employers actually need.
Next Chapter
Expanding our program offerings while maintaining small class sizes. We're also developing new content around ESG modeling and alternative investment analysis — areas where traditional training falls short.
What Drives Our Work
These aren't corporate buzzwords — they're the principles that guide how we design curriculum, interact with students, and measure our own success.
Practical Over Perfect
We teach techniques that work under real deadlines with imperfect data. Academic perfection is nice, but practical skills pay the bills and advance careers.
Small Classes
We limit enrollment so everyone gets individual attention. Financial modeling has too many nuances to learn in huge lecture halls.
Continuous Updates
Markets evolve, regulations change, and software updates constantly. Our curriculum adapts to keep pace with what employers expect.