The SaaS CFO

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben talks to Jeff Handy, CEO and co-founder of Qualiti AI. Jeff shares how he and his team developed an AI tool to automate the testing process for software development, aiming to revolutionize the way companies approach quality assurance.   He discusses the background of Qualiti AI, its target market, team size, funding, and future plans. Jeff also provides valuable insights and lessons learned from raising capital and finding the right investors.   Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating intersection between AI and software testing and to learn more about the journey of Qualiti AI.  Show Notes:   00:00 AI simplifies test code generation and management.  05:13 Ben can sell our lightweight JavaScript tag.  08:28 Location in Lehigh, Utah, but distributed teams.  10:50 Prepare for market, secure capital, lead competition.  12:33 Venture world: empathy, rejection, finding resonance.  17:38 Pricing model encourages platform usage and testing.  19:03 Connect with Jeff Handy on LinkedIn for conversation.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/qualiti-ai-closes-6-5-million-in-seed-round  Jeff Handy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-handy-3363a347/  Qualiti AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualiti/?viewAsMember=true  Qualiti AI’s Website: https://qualiti.ai/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Paul Prendergast, CEO and co-founder of Kayna, a tech start-up specializing in insurance technology.   Throughout their conversation, Paul discusses his extensive experience in tech startups and the unique approach Kayna is taking to revolutionize the insurance industry. He shares insights on Kayna's focus on vertical SaaS platforms, its go-to-market strategy, and its journey from inception to raising funds.   Join us as we delve into the innovative world of insurance technology with Paul Prendergast.  Show Notes:  00:00 Early stage Insurtech SaaS for vertical platforms.  04:30 Platform drives revenue by offering personalized products.  07:29 18 months ago, started, became regulated entity, funding.  10:53 Focused vertical SaaS, providing valuable content.  15:05 Focus on credibility and differentiation as small business.  17:23 Maximizing value through targeted outreach and collaboration.  Links:  Paul Prendergast’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulincork/  Kayna Innovation’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayna-innovation/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host, Ben, welcomes Anshul Shrivastava, the co-founder and CEO of Vodex AI. Anshul shares his fascinating journey from being an engineer in India to founding Vodex AI, a company specializing in voicebot technology for phone call automation.   They discussed the company's innovative products and services, its growth and funding journey, and the importance of focusing on one value proposition for success. Anshul also provides a glimpse into the future of Vodex with exciting developments in multilingual capabilities and cognitive ability.   Tune in to learn more about Vodex AI and the exciting advancements in AI technology.  Show Notes:  00:00 Interest in voicebots led to freelance work.  04:39 Bot frustration resolved, improved response accuracy achieved.  08:00 Instantly receive answers with integrated website API.  11:57 Global funding challenges, but opportunities in AI.  15:15 Key lessons: Revenue, technology, team, focus, scale.  17:05 Vodax offers voicebot with 100+ language capabilities.  19:25 Ensure country code, YouTube channel, Discord connection.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vodex-raises-320-000-in-pre-seed-round  Anshul Shrivastava’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshul-shrivastava/  Vodex AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vodexai/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben sits down with John Mizzi, founder and CEO of Vero Technologies. John shares his journey from the world of financial services to launching his fintech company.   Vero Technologies offers a platform for wholesale inventory financing, catering to dealers of various manufactured goods. John discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in this space, including the company's pricing model and go-to-market strategy.  He also dives into the company's recent series A raise and future plans for growth and organizational development. Tune in to hear an insightful conversation about innovation and growth within the world of fintech.  Show Notes:  00:00 Platform provides financing for dealers' high-value inventory.  04:39 SaaS platform streams lenders' day-to-day operations.  08:16 Platform created new opportunities for banks and manufacturers.  10:45 Validating milestone: banks signed up for platform.  13:23 Segmenting market approach for new banking landscape.  17:27 Focusing on scaling organization, evolving niche opportunities.  20:02 Grateful for insights on company growth strategy.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vero-technologies-closes-8-5-million-in-series-a  John Mizzi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfmizzi/  Vero Technologies’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vero-technologies/  John Mizzi’s Email: [email protected]  To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we bring you insightful conversations with SaaS industry leaders. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Ivan Cossu, the founder and CEO of Deskbird, a B2B SaaS company providing a software solution for managing the complexity of hybrid workplaces.   Ivan shares his entrepreneurial journey, from pivoting from a B2C coworking model to the current B2B SaaS platform. He talks about the challenges and successes of raising capital, the company's growth strategies, and the future of workplace management with AI.   Join us as we dive into Ivan's insights and experiences in scaling a SaaS business and revolutionizing the workplace experience.  Show Notes:  00:00 Deskbird: Software for managing hybrid workplace complexity.  03:46 Pivoted from Airbnb for coworking spaces model.  09:13 Diversified channels including Google for inbound marketing.  13:12 Efficiency and unit economics crucial for investors.  16:01 Expect few term sheets, be authentic as founder.  17:43 OKR meeting: ARR and burn multiple discussed.  21:06 AI can improve workplace management using data.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/deskbird-closes-5-million-in-pre-series-a  https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/deskbird-secures-13-million-in-series-a  Ivan Cossu’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivancossu/  Deskbird’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deskbird/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our guest Derek Osgood, founder and CEO of Ignition, shares valuable insights into the world of product marketing and go-to-market strategy. Derek discusses his background in running products and marketing teams, as well as the inception and offerings of Ignition, a platform that assists in creating and launching products, features, and campaigns.  He delves into the industries Ignition serves, the target audience within organizations, and the effectiveness of its product. Derek also reveals key aspects of their go-to-market strategy, including channel partnerships and the lessons he learned from the fundraising process.  Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the metrics and pricing model used by Ignition, as well as the future innovations and advancements planned for the company. So join us as Derek Osgood provides a comprehensive look into the world of product development and commercialization in the SaaS industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Platform manages launch process, competitive analysis, roadmapping, go-to-market.  05:03 Product and product marketing drive app usage.  09:47 Channel partners incentivized with recurring revenue and involvement.  12:22 Seed raise focused on usage and value.  14:56 Dipping toe in fundraising process led to regret.  18:06 Excited for AI in sales enablement growth.  20:50 Mark's gone. Thanks, check out havignition.com.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/ignition-raises-8-million-in-seed-round  Derek Osgood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekosgood3/  Ignition’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haveignition/  Ignition’s Website: https://www.haveignition.com/  To learn more about Ben, check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we hear from Jacob Bank, the CEO and founder of Relay. Jacob shares his background, including his journey from AI research at Stanford to founding Relay.app.   He discusses the transition from being a founder to being acquired by a larger company, and the challenges and opportunities that came with it. Jacob also delves into the details of Relay, a workflow automation tool that helps people connect multiple products and create streamlined workflows.   He sheds light on the target customers, go-to-market strategy, fundraising journey, and the key metric guiding the business. Tune in to hear about Jacob's insights, strategies, and what's coming up next for Relay.  Show Notes:  00:00 Acquired by Google; led product for Gmail.  04:32 Challenges of team alignment and scaling at Google.  08:46 People find and use Relay for specific needs.  10:56 Shared automation, cross-team workflows, and adaptation.  15:33 Startup secured funding, developed product in timeline.  17:42 Seize investment opportunity, extend runway, minimize dilution.  20:54 Plan ahead for low runway, secure capital strategically.  25:32 Creating targeted how-to guides for automating tasks.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/relay-app-raises-3-1-million-in-funding  Jacob Bank’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobbank/  Relay’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tryrelayapp/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, I'm your host, Ben, and today we're diving into the financial heartbeat of SaaS companies with a very special guest, Vipul Shah, the co-founder and CEO/CFO at SaaS Works. In this episode, Vipul will share his unique insights into guiding metrics that are crucial for any recurring revenue business such MRR, ARR, customer retention, and dollar retention, and why these metrics are pivotal for evaluating capital efficiency, customer satisfaction, and product-market fit.  We'll also explore how Vipul's background in technology and finance has shaped the services offered by SaaSWorks, a company dedicated to enhancing the office of the CFO through data-driven decision-making and automation. Get ready to learn about their innovative approach to quality of revenue, their successful funding rounds, and the lessons they've learned along the way, not to mention the importance of community and customer-led growth.  Whether you're a CFO, a SaaS entrepreneur, or an investor, this conversation will give you a comprehensive outlook on the value drivers in the SaaS world and the evolving role of finance in the success of a SaaS business. Remember to check out more about SaasWorks at www.saasworks.com. So, let’s buckle up and get ready for a journey into the metrics that matter, the funding that fuels growth, and the strategies that sustain success in the SaaS industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Transitioned from tech to investing, worked extensively.  06:00 Utilizing digital workers to automate finance tasks.  07:28 Quality of revenue impacts SaaS business value.  12:15 Patient investors, proven product, successful growth strategies.  14:00 CFO board support, strategic investors, $6M rounds.  16:45 30-year renewal, testimonial, case studies, reaching CFOs, expanding volume.  23:12 Guidance for fundraising: be balanced and transparent.  25:30 Efficiency, team quality, growth, and customer retention.  28:38 Embedding AI, ML, RPA and more into platform for users.  Links:  Vipul Shah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpshah/  SaaSWorks’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saasworksinc/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we sit down with Husayn Kassai, the CEO and founder of Quench. Husayn shares his journey from starting an eBay business at a young age to co-founding and leading Onfido, a successful startup, before taking on the challenge of launching Quench AI.   He discusses the unique approach Quench takes towards corporate learning, utilizing AI to personalize the learning journey for individuals. Husayn delves into the challenges faced in the learning and development space, the vision for the future of learning, and the cultural shift needed in early-stage companies.   Join us as we explore the innovative approach Quench is taking to revolutionize corporate learning and development.  Show Notes:  00:00 Upskilling, training team, content creation, cost considerations.  04:11 Applying AI to filter educational video transcripts.  09:18 Flat fee for platform use, employee access.  12:42 Team building product; personalized learning, AI models.  15:39 AI enables personalized learning for business leaders.  17:12 Udemy and similar platforms are competitors in content.  21:05 Challenges in showing data driven ROI persist.  23:25 AI platform, easy sign-up, trial, feedback-driven development.  Links:  Husayn Kassai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/husaynkassai/  QuenchAI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quenchai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Sudhir Bhojwani, co-founder and CEO of Oro Labs, a procurement software company. Sudhir talks about his background in software engineering, previous entrepreneurial endeavors, and the founding of Oro Labs.   He shares insights into the challenges and nuances of the procurement space and explains the company's mission to "humanize the procurement experience." Sudhir also delves into Oro Labs' pricing structure, go-to-market strategies, fundraising experiences, and the future direction of the company.   Join us as we explore the world of procurement software and entrepreneurial growth with Sudhir Bhojwani.  Show Notes:  00:00 Ariba is top procurement software. Challenges in business-user friction in procurement. Complex process due to non-commoditized goods.  05:12 Startup company focusing on life sciences, pharmaceuticals, financial services, manufacturing, and software.  07:35 Consulting work involves IP sharing and goes through multiple steps, guided by a tool for maximum outcome and speed.  10:58 Focus on large enterprise and mid-market, using account-based marketing and partner strategy.  15:16 Series A to B transition: Metrics or major company signings guide valuation strategy. Early stage metrics are complex.  16:36 Sticking with philosophy, fortunate in procurement software market.  19:42 Belief in humanized procurement experience, using GPT for problem solving, prioritizing user experience.  Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/oro-labs-secures-34-million-in-series-b  Sudhir Bhojwani’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudhir-bhojwani-43b342/  Orolabs’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procurewithoro/  Orolabs’ Website: https://www.orolabs.ai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, host Ben is joined by Brian Pontarelli, founder and CEO at Fusionauth, a customer identity and access management tool. Brian delves into his coding background, the products and services offered by Fusionauth, and the company's journey from its founding to recent growth equity investment.   He shares insights on their go-to-market strategy, metrics guiding the business, and their focus on product development and boosting their market presence. Don't miss Brian's valuable lessons learned and what's in store for Fusionauth's future. Tune in for an insightful conversation on SaaS growth and evolution.  Show Notes:  00:00 Login downtime closes cash register. Prioritize customer login ease.  04:45 Friend and I tried to recreate the web, but switched to a profanity filter which became successful.  08:02 Focused on content marketing, SEO, and developer-oriented ads using platforms like Google and LinkedIn to reach developers. Ads are creative and provide immediate value with ebooks.  09:40 Received interest from various firms, pursued growth equity investment.  13:25 Focusing on real metrics, not just revenue growth.  16:28 Fusionauth IO website - comprehensive and transparent resource for information without sales pressure.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fusionauth-secures-65-million-in-funding  Brian Pontarelli’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voidmain/  Fusion Auth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusionauth/  Fusion Auth’s Website: https://fusionauth.io/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Hello listeners, and welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In today's episode, I'm excited to be sitting down with a very special guest—Jason Vego, the dynamic CEO behind Bevz, a company that's revolutionizing how convenience stores sell their products in the digital marketplace.  We'll be diving into Jason's incredible story of steering Bevz through a complete business model pivot during the height of the pandemic, emerging on the other side with a robust SaaS platform and an impressive 600% annual growth rate. This kind of success doesn't come easy, and Jason will be pulling back the curtain on their path to attracting seed investors and scaling their operations with some smart strategies and a dedicated sales team.  If you're interested in learning from the challenges and triumphs of an actual SaaS startup, then you're in for a treat. We'll also touch on how Bevz has dealt with the fundamentals of fundraising, growth metrics, and even managing a distributed team.  So grab your headphones, get comfortable, and let's delve into these topics and more with Jason Vego. Here we go!  Show Notes:  00:00 Mistaken solution for inventory management software. Shift to B2B SaaS. Emerging need for vertical software.  05:03 Realizing gaps in dog grooming and finance, sought expertise.  08:37 Industry move too slow, pandemic sped up change, flipped order of operations for online sales and ROI.  10:24 Discussion on transitioning bodegas to more restaurant-like. Focus is on non-perishable items.  16:09 Ops title, CEO pivot in 2021, led inventory management pivot, became CEO, Victor focused on industry partnerships and advertising deals.  16:52 Focused on launching SaaS, successful pivot, learning experience.  21:38 In summer 2022, the company secured key integrations and raised a $605,000 round from early investors.  23:57 Company had ten reps, lost two, now at eight with plans to expand and implement new strategies.  26:47 Recommendations for raising capital: pre-work, dedication, build relationships, meet investors in person.  29:56 Improving platform efficiency for increased GMV and store effectiveness.  34:11 Emphasizing the importance of hiring the right people with unique skill sets and strong personality, and managing internal conflict effectively for success.  36:12 Visit bevz.com or LinkedIn for more about Jason's work at Bevz.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/bevz-secures-3-1-million-in-funding  Jason Vego’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvego/  Bevz’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bevz/  Bevz’ Website: https://www.bevz.com/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we're joined by Lauris Rutkis, the co-founder and CEO of Swotzy, a last-mile shipping software company. Lauris shares his journey from studying logistics engineering in the Netherlands to working at companies like Merskline and DPD before founding Swotzy in 2022.   He discusses the company's growth, the services they offer, their ideal customer profile, and their go-to-market strategy. Lauris also delves into their fundraising journey, the metrics they focus on, and the exciting plans for scaling operations and expanding into multiple European countries.   Tune in to hear about the innovative solutions Swotzy is bringing to the shipping industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Last mile shipping software streamlines package delivery, saving time and resources for companies.  03:51 Customers can ship in 5 minutes, benefit from consolidation and support for small and medium-sized businesses.  08:01 Focusing on postal shipments. Ideal customers: growing companies sending hundreds of shipments per month. Also targeting large enterprises. Adding value through multi-carrier setup for new markets.  12:03 Successful use of free media and cold outreach attracting companies and investors.  15:10 Quickly validate product with customers, secure second investment.  17:11 Focus on month-on-month increases in shipments, revenue, and net cash burn to maintain steady progress. Tracking shipments is important for revenue growth.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/swotzy-raises-500-000-in-pre-seed-round  Lauris Rutkis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauris-rutkis/  Swotzy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swotzy/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we dive into the world of SaaS companies and their financial strategies. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Ravi Sandepudi, co-founder and CEO of Effectiv, a fraud detection software company. Ravi shares his fascinating journey, from his time at Google and the acquisition of his previous startup by PayPal, to the founding of Effectiv.   Ravi provides valuable insights into the world of fraud detection within mid-sized financial institutions, including credit unions and community banks. He delves into the challenges these institutions face and how Effectiv's platform is designed to address their specific needs. Ravi also discusses the company's go-to-market strategies, funding journey, and future plans for growth and innovation.  Tune in as Ravi shares his experiences, lessons learned, and his vision for the future of Effectiv. If you're interested in the intersection of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, you won't want to miss this episode.  Show Notes:  00:00 Started career at Google, worked in fraud and risk. Joined startup Simility, acquired by PayPal. Worked in PayPal's risk team, built new products.  05:39 System integrates with banking, assesses risks and adds friction when necessary.  08:09 25-person remote team operates real-time fraud platform for 24/7 transactions.  09:51 We serve mid-sized fintechs and work closely with credit unions and community banks. Initially challenging, now collaborative partnerships.  13:54 Combining variable and fixed SaaS pricing for predictability and customer budget approval.  17:16 Company waited for customer commitment before raising money to avoid potential pitfalls.  22:42 Emphasize discipline, pivot to existing customer upselling, and learn from quick actions.  23:59 Maintaining controlled burn, aiming for 5 million, considering profitability vs growth.  27:25 Company presence on LinkedIn and Twitter for fraud platform. Contact Ravi at Effectiv AI.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/effectiv-raises-4-million-in-seed-round  Ravi Sandepudi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandepudi/  Effectiv Ai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/effectivai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben sits down with Nayrhit Bhattacharya, co-founder of Gushwork. Nayrhit shares his journey in the tech industry, from working with AI at American Express to launching a company focused on reimagining the world of outsourcing post-GPT and AI.   Gushwork offers a platform that combines human and AI capabilities to handle recurring business workflows, particularly in the sales domain. Nayrhit discusses the company's evolution, current team structure, customer acquisition strategies, fundraising journey, and valuable lessons for founders at the concept stage.   He also highlights key metrics and the future direction of Gushwork. Join us for an insightful conversation on the innovative intersection of human intelligence and technology in streamlining business processes.  Show Notes:  00:00 A platform for combining human and AI/SaaS tools for business workflows, focusing on sales tasks.  05:30 Started targeting Upwork/Fiverr users, offering SaaS human tool, now moving into SEO, successful on LinkedIn/Twitter.  07:14 A concept evolved through iteration; launched GPT bot to help business owners with actionable workflows.  11:00 Key metrics are LTV to CAC, delegated tasks, and financial metrics.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/gushwork-ai-raises-2-1-million-in-pre-seed-round  Gushwork’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gushwork/  Nayrhit Bhattacharya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayrhit/  Gushwork’s Website: https://www.gushwork.ai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben welcomes Adam Weber, CEO and founder at Pestiq. Adam discusses his diverse entrepreneurial background and how he transitioned from owning a pest control business to founding a SaaS company.   He shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of building a performance analytics dashboard for the pest control industry, the decision to raise funding, and the crucial focus on customer feedback and onboarding.   Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on early-stage startup growth, raising capital, and the strategic importance of aligning with the right investors. Tune in to learn about Adam's journey and the exciting prospects for Pestiq in the SaaS industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Dropped out, started business, non-traditional learning, personal growth and fulfillment.  04:43 Realized value in automating data collection led to business growth and transition to dedicated venture.  08:16 They developed a working product, sought feedback from industry contacts.  13:23 Founder believes in steady growth, eliminating companies.  14:08 The company aims for 10-15M ARR in pest control and sees potential in expanding to other service industries.  17:49 Entrepreneurs seek supportive venture capital for profitability in SaaS.  23:01 Requesting feedback on using Pestiq, emphasizing customer satisfaction.  24:05 Emphasis on thorough onboarding for accurate data and customer satisfaction.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/pest-iq-secures-600-000-in-pre-seed-round  Adam Weber’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-weber-go/  Driven’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpestiq/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben sits down with special guest Shai Gabay, the co-founder and CEO of TrustMi. Shai shares the fascinating story of his background, from his early days disassembling electronic devices to his time in the Israeli intelligence corp and his transition into the world of cybersecurity and fintech.   He goes on to discuss the innovative products and services that TrustMi offers, focusing on solving the problem of B2B payment fraud. Shai also delves into the company's journey, from its founding to securing $21 million in funding.   With insights into the challenges of protecting B2B payment flows in the age of AI, this episode offers a captivating look into the intersection of cybersecurity and fintech.  Show Notes:  00:00 Reported $32 billion B2B payment fraud loss in 2020, prompting further investigation.  03:41 Spoke to 150 CFOs, 70% SMBs, learned wire transfers are scary, manual controls used, 9 out of 10 suffered loss.  08:56 SaaS software streamlines B2B payment security with quick deployment.  10:36 Focused on value, leveraging historical data to show immediate results in payment flow and fault detection.  16:09 Launching a company requires market validation and understanding customer needs.  18:26 Founders took time to validate idea before seeking funding, focused on product market fit and customer sales before scaling and marketing.  21:20 Investors seek solid business evidence, paying customers.  24:25 Organizations educated on detecting sophisticated cyber threats.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/trustmi-raises-17-million-in-series-a  Shai Gabay’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaigabay/  Trustmi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustmi-ai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Hello listeners, welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. I'm your host, Ben, and today, Dave Campbell, co-founder and CEO of Tropic, is here with us. Dave's eclectic background shaped his understanding of intricate procurement problems, leading to the inception of Tropic, a cutting-edge procurement platform turning heads in the SaaS world.  In this episode, we dive into how Tropic's keen focus on customer health scores and engagement drives retention and growth. We'll uncover the strategies that have attracted major feature releases, exclusive partnerships, and a noteworthy $65 million in funding—propelling them toward a $100 million ARR goal.  Dave's going to share a treasure trove of insights, from the importance of storytelling in fundraising to the metrics that matter most for long-term success. With exciting advancements and a unique approach to simplifying software spend management, Tropic is on a mission to reshape the procurement landscape.  Ready for some financial wisdom and operational tips from a true SaaS trailblazer? Stay tuned for a session that promises to enrich your SaaS knowledge!  Show Notes:  00:00 Read an American novel, had an entrepreneurial revelation, worked in digital marketing with the rise of blogs.  03:26 Summary: Founder starts at Tropic, worked at Microsoft, realizes big companies are not for him, gains clarity.  09:03 Make finance approvals easier with automated platform for spend tracking and utilization.  12:35 Initially capped at 1000, now expanded to 10,000 with new features and target market shift. Planning to expand into other industry verticals.  15:06 Improved adoption = better spend management. Consumer-grade UX helps with procurement challenges. Tropic aids under-resourced teams.  17:06 Not a fit for real estate or physical goods, but good for software. Eyeing healthcare and higher ed markets for procurement.  22:20 Praising insightful and diligent company, aligning with fund for quick series B, facing rigorous assessment.  26:00 Meet top funds, control access to data room, stage meetings, keep it tight.  29:09 Customer health scores crucial for business growth and retention. Monitoring through dashboards.  31:42 Realizing customer needs and product-market fit in business endeavors.  33:39 Insight partners helped with pricing, packaging, and capacity planning.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/tropic-raises-40-million-in-series-b  David Campbell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtropic/  Tropic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tropicapp/ To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to another exciting episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to host Kaj Seeste, the co-founder and CEO, and Greg Milliken, the president of the US business, from Saashop as our guests.   We delve into their journey, discussing topics such as SaaS spend management, international expansion, and strategic fundraising. Get ready to explore how Saashop is revolutionizing software procurement and billing and evolving into a trusted advisor in the industry.   Join us for a captivating conversation about their go-to-market strategy, the pursuit of product-market fit, and so much more.  Show Notes:  00:00 Started SaaS tool marketplace 5+ years ago, now focuses on consolidating spending for larger companies.  05:18 Describes Finnish culture's influence on business approach.  06:59 Building Saashop, reaching out to companies, focus on spend management marketplaces.  11:19 No charge for Saashop; focus on relationships with ISVs for profit; ecosystem-centric approach.  14:49 We aim to guide and lead with neutrality, offering multiple solutions in each category to benefit ISVs. 16:59 Finnish government supports tech businesses, aiming for series A funding soon.  23:17 Summary: As we engage more customers, our focus has been on automating procurement and billing rather than deep analysis of spending and usage patterns. However, we are receiving positive feedback.  24:31 Advising on software, improving service & customer satisfaction.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/saashop-raises-1-2-million-in-seed-round  Saashop’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saashop/  Greg Milliken’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmilliken/  Kaj Seeste’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajseeste/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben sits down with Mark Chung, co-founder and CEO of Verdigris, to discuss their energy intelligence platform. Mark shares his journey from his background in electrical engineering to founding Verdigris in 2012 and the challenges of balancing a hardware and software business model.   He provides insights into the company's recent $10 million funding, their go-to-market strategy, lessons learned from their journey, and their focus on metrics such as contracted ARR and cash flow.   Mark also sheds light on the company's future plans, including their efforts to expand their customer base and integrate new capabilities with the grid. Tune in to hear about Mark's entrepreneurial journey and Verdigris' mission to make a meaningful impact in the energy industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Born and raised in Texas, studied electrical engineering at Stanford, worked in semiconductor industry, involved in startups and eventually joined Broadcom.  03:06 Companies have varied data use for carbon neutrality mandate.  06:47 The reaction is positive. Legacy providers underserve the market. There's a desire for stable cloud-managed solutions.  10:09 Founders had credibility from previous success. Initial fundraising was easy due to reputation. Challenge was balancing product development with building a business. determination helped overcome tough times.  14:44 Biggest lesson: hardware business is tough. Supply chain complexities, capital outlay challenging.  16:02 Founders must reflect on their purpose and adapt to challenges.  20:37 Company focusing on aggressive growth, new partnerships, revenue, and hiring. Expanding customer base and building new capabilities.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/verdigris-raises-10-million-in-funding  Mark’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markchung/  Verdigris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verdigris/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

 Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, where your host Ben explores the intersections of sports, technology, and finance. Today's guest, Jason Syversen, brings his cyber security acumen to the sports industry with his venture, Sports Physio. Utilizing AI to transform how sports stats and highlights are created, Jason shares his hands-on approach to fundraising and the power of genuine investor relationships.  In this episode, we dive into his entrepreneurial strategies for achieving substantial Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), the significance of multi-channel go-to-market tactics, and the dynamic of running a SaaS business without diving into hardware.   Jason opens up about the early revenue stages of Sports Physio, targeting key decision-makers within sports programs, and the challenges of building a team in a remote work environment. For those interested in connecting with Jason or learning more about Sports Physio, stay tuned as we discuss the best ways to engage.  Get ready for a compact session brimming with insights on navigating a SaaS startup's growth, capital-raising adventures, and team management tips. Let's kick off this insightful episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast.  Show Notes:  00:00 Former hacker turned cybersecurity entrepreneur, retired after successful exit, now investing and developing AI sports technology.  05:56 Investor's lesson: CAC and LTV are key for any business. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV) determine the success.  09:07 Staff mostly remote, considering office next year due to growth, cautious on fixed costs, values flexibility and in-person interaction.  11:50 New company with a growing customer base and positive feedback.  15:08 Pooling resources for common benefit is preferable.  19:06 COVID led to remote work realization, cost efficiency and flexibility in hiring.  19:52 Choosing local talent over hiring from abroad to support American workers and maximize return for shareholders.  26:10 Focus on ARR growth, metrics include customer engagement, NPS, and conversion rates. Aim for $2-3 million ARR for next round.  28:06 Discussed PR firm campaign success, raising awareness in crowded market.  30:10 Expresses gratitude, invites to sportsphysio.com or email, requests LinkedIn connection.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sportsvisio-raises-3-million-in-seed-round  Jason Syversen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsyversen/  Sports Visio’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sportsvisio/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben sits down with Matias Mäenpää, co-founder of Videobot, to discuss his journey in the SaaS world. Matias shares his background starting in sales and eventually becoming a CEO and co-founder of a company that was later acquired.   He then delves into the concept behind Videobot, a platform that offers interactive video solutions for websites. Matias shares the use cases for Videobot and sheds light on their go-to-market strategies and seed round funding.   He also provides valuable insights for SaaS founders looking to raise capital and shares exciting plans for the future of Videobot. Tune in to learn more about Matias's entrepreneurial journey and the innovative world of Videobot.  Show Notes:  00:00 Chatbots familiar, social media shifts to videos, YouTube top search, Google investing in videos, future short form video answers.  03:35 In 12 months, 200 clients in 15 countries use video for website navigation, product or service landing pages, and customer journey exploration.  09:12 Early traction shown with enterprise clients, global relevance, real need, learning about ideal customer profile and marketing approach.  12:22 To succeed in fundraising, think of it as building a pipeline and research investors' track record.  16:31 Planning to build a unicorn company with revenue-driven approach.  17:38 Acknowledging need to focus on long-term plans vs. daily tasks; discussion about Videobot.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/videobot-raises-2-million-in-seed-round  Matias’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matiasmaenpaa/?originalSubdomain=lu  VideoBot’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/videobot-com/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we explore the intersection of technology, finance, and innovation in the world of software as a service. Today, we have an exciting episode featuring Amber Nigam, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Basys AI. In this engaging conversation, Amber shares insights into his remarkable journey from a background in computer science and data science to founding BasysAI, a company focused on revolutionizing the healthcare industry.  Amber delves into the unique products and services offered by Basys AI, including their innovative use of generative AI to automate prior authorization and utilization management processes for insurance companies. He explains how Basys AI's platform eliminates the need for traditional phone calls and faxes, transforming the efficiency and accuracy of healthcare administration through technology and SaaS solutions.  Throughout the episode, Amber provides valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare industry, the strategic approach to raising capital in the current macro environment, and the pivotal metrics his team prioritizes for business growth.  Join us as we uncover the exciting pilot programs and future initiatives on the horizon for Basys AI, and gain deep insights into the cutting-edge world of healthcare technology from the visionary leader himself. This episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the transformative potential of AI, finance, and technology within the healthcare landscape, and we can't wait for you to hear all about it!  Show Notes:  00:00 Basys provides prior authorization and utilization management services using AI and technology, eliminating the need for phone calls and faxes.  03:39 Utilization management regulates healthcare services to control costs.  09:21 Perspective on reaching out to market, involving CMO, CEO, CFO, and other teams for buy-ins.  12:29 Tech companies struggle in healthcare, but investors see potential in startups focused on improving healthcare outcomes. Eli Lilly and Mayo Clinic invest in a patient-centric, transparent platform.  15:29 Healthcare challenges, investor discussions, and selling arguments are key learnings in business.  17:11 Investors vetted product, align tech with healthcare needs for quicker success.  20:44 Exciting start for health plan pilots after funding raise.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/basys-ai-raises-2-4-million-in-pre-seed-round  Amber Nigam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-nigam/  Basys.ai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/basysai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Alisa Patotskaya, founder and CEO of Immersive Fox. Alisa shares her journey as a tech entrepreneur, discussing her background in AI and computer science, as well as her experience with startups.   She highlights the innovative products and services offered by Immersive Fox, which utilizes generative AI technology to personalize video content for customer communication and sales.   Alisa also offers valuable insights into the process of fundraising, the importance of customer metrics, and the future developments at Immersive Fox. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge from Alisa's experiences as a solo founder in the tech industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Ideal customer uses CRM heavily, wants to improve sales and email campaigns, targets IT sector and SMBs.  04:21 Customers create personalized content for faster video production, replicating voices in various languages.  08:13 Raising precede was easier than raising seed due to changing economic conditions and increased expectations for product demonstration.  11:02 Prepare financially, demonstrate progress metrics, be patient and open to investor feedback.  14:48 Voice integration, product improvements, video editing, redesigned platform, improved feeder duration, released Fox AI 2.0.  16:16 The speaker wanted a co-founder but couldn't find one. They see benefits and drawbacks to being a solo founder.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/immersive-fox-secures-3-3-million-in-seed-round  Alisa Patotskaya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-patotskaya-01736777/  Immersive Fox’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/immersive-fox/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Janis Zech, CEO and co-founder of Weflow, to discuss his background and the exciting journey of his company.   Janis shares how Weflow originated from his observation of data quality issues in CRM systems and the challenges sales teams face. He talks about the products and services Weflow offers, as well as their focus on revenue intelligence. The conversation delves into the recent seed round of funding, the importance of go-to-market channels, and valuable insights for SaaS founders navigating the investor landscape.   Join us to discover more about Weflow's journey and the future plans for this innovative revenue intelligence platform.  Show Notes:  00:00 Flow started at Fiverr to address CRM data quality issues, offering visibility and accurate forecasting for sales teams.  04:41 Helps companies improve Salesforce data quality, forecasting processes for B2B tech companies, targets revenue teams of at least 5-10 people, emphasizes account executives and customer success roles, focuses on pipeline management, emphasizes sophistication in forecasting process, aims to provide better visibility into team performance and deal signals.  07:31 Bringing finance and sales together is essential for companies to succeed by resolving conflicts and improving processes.  10:26 Focused on building user-friendly sales technology product, emphasizing onboarding and usage.  12:58 Venture partner stresses realistic goals, tactical focus for entrepreneurs seeking investment.  18:28 Focus on ICP Persona, messaging, unit economics, series A metrics for scaling and financial outlook.  19:35 Early content and outbound sales are effective for startups, with LinkedIn being an important channel.  22:15 Expressing gratitude to Sambia.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/weflow-raises-3-2-million-in-seed-round Janis Zech’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiszech/ GetWeFlow’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getweflow/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we are excited to feature Sean Trevaskis and Enver Sorkun, the co-founders of Growdash, a company specializing in analytics and business intelligence solutions for restaurants.   Host Ben dives into an in-depth conversation with Sean and Enver to learn about their backgrounds, the products and services Growdash offers, their ideal customer profile, geographic focus, team size, fundraising journey, key metrics, and plans for the future.   Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Growdash and gain valuable insights into the world of SaaS startups in this engaging and informative episode.  Show Notes:  03:12 Grow Dash is a platform for restaurant analytics and business intelligence, helping restaurants use advertising tools to develop growth strategies. They collect data, generate insights, and provide recommendations to optimize marketing campaigns.  09:17 The company initially bootstrapped its product, then focused on building traction. They balanced product development and sales hiring to manage cash effectively. Also, the company found ways to scale talent by managing tech internally and outsourcing where possible.  11:53 Advanced cold calling with tools like rocket reach and CRM to generate outbound and inbound opportunities.  13:52 Discovered product market fit through Excel tool, achieved high advertising return, now expanding product roadmap.  18:03 Persistence pays off in building relationships and sales.  21:33 Preparing for seed round, launching in Saudi Arabia, finalizing next year's strategy, targeting Europe and Southeast Asia for expansion.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/growdash-closes-750-000-in-pre-seed-round  Sean’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-trevaskis/  Enver’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emsorkun/?originalSubdomain=ae  Growdash’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growdash/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray  

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben invites Farokh Shahabi, co-founder and CEO of Formaloo, to share his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the world of SaaS and no-code application development.   Farokh discusses his background as a serial entrepreneur and the inception of Formaloo as his third startup, offering a no-code collaboration platform for businesses to create applications without the need for coding. He provides an in-depth look at the product and services offered, the company's rapid growth, its deliberate product-led growth strategy, and the recent fundraising milestone.   Farokh also shares valuable advice for first-time founders and talks about the future of Formaloo. Join the conversation as Farokh Shahabi provides valuable insights for both startup enthusiasts and seasoned professionals in the SaaS industry.  Highlights:  00:00 Over 25,000 businesses use our engagement solutions, popular in US and expanding globally.  03:44 Flexibility is essential for unique business solutions, as off-the-shelf platforms often limit customization.  08:51 Promoted transparent publishing for feedback from developers. Created community around Novo developers using different tools for web development. Generated word of mouth for Formaloo.  11:58 Focused on becoming stable, achieved positive cash flow, now aiming to grow with capital raise.  14:34 VC lessons: don't raise in summer, show a proven track record, focus on traction, be adaptable to market fluctuations.  17:34 Critical KPIs: MRI and active business usage on platform. Impactfulness on customer's business. Tracking employee interaction and platform usage.  19:48 Formaloop implementing new features for easier application creation, incorporating AI and automation for faster business growth.  22:46 Lesson 3: work with great VCs, avoid bad ones. Money is important, but bad VCs can doom a startup.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/formaloo-raises-2-million-in-seed-round  Farokh Shahabi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farokhshahabi/  Formaloo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/formaloohq/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben welcomes Chris Priebe, the founder of Zelt. Chris shares his background, starting as an investment banker and later becoming a partner at a venture firm. He then delves into the products and services offered by Zelt, focusing on providing companies with a platform for managing HR, IT, and financial operations.  Ben and Chris discuss the champion of Zelt's product within companies, the various features and use cases, including onboarding and offboarding employees, and the industries Zelt is targeting. They also touch on Zelt's recent seed round and how the company is landing prospects.  Chris details Zelt's go-to-market strategy and talks about what's coming up next for the company. He offers the audience the opportunity to learn more about Zelt and reach out for any further inquiries. Whether you're interested in the future of HR and finance operations or looking for insights into SaaS product development and fundraising, this episode provides valuable perspectives from Chris Priebe.  Show Notes:  00:00 Switched from physics to investment banking, then private equity, and venture capital. Started Zelt in 2021.  03:47 Secure onboarding with comprehensive information capture for payroll and hardware procurement.  08:13 London-based company serves fintech startups but expanding to tech companies and unexpected sectors like healthcare.  10:46 Initial customers validated product, reassured investors.  14:55 Discussion on various metrics to gauge efficiency and profitability, focusing on revenue per FTE and a new metric called the rose metric.  17:24 Active in multiple channels for lead generation, no magic sauce yet, focus on understanding and solving problems.  19:56 Request for email regarding pitch deck, fundraising.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/zelt-raises-3-5-million-in-seed-round  Chris Priebe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris365/  Zelt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zelthq/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Brittany Harris, CEO and co-founder of Qualis Flow, a B2B software platform aiming to transform the engineering and construction industry through real-time data capture and analytics.   Brittany discusses her journey from civil engineer to first-time founder, the challenges and opportunities in the construction industry, and the exciting developments at Qualis Flow. From hitting the 1 million ARR mark to raising a 7.2 million euro Series A investment, Brittany shares important insights and lessons learned on scaling a SaaS business in the construction industry.  Tune in to hear Brittany's inspirational story and learn more about the innovative work happening at Qualus Flow.  Show Notes:  00:00 Accidentally entered startup competition, success despite competition.  03:28 QFlow automates tracking materials, waste, and data capture for construction industry to promote sustainability and efficiency.  09:12 Challenging construction market with big international players and potential clients in tier two and SMEs.  11:05 Organizations benefit from cost savings, risk reduction, compliance, sustainability reporting, supply chain management, and procurement through the use of accurate data.  14:27 Preparation and strict timelines for fundraising round.  17:25 Focus on UK growth, then move to US exploration next year. Hiring and building capacity.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/qflow-raises-7-2-million-in-series-a  Qualis-Flow's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualis-flow/  Britanny Harris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanydharris/?originalSubdomain=uk  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, our host Ben speaks with Blake Hall, founder and CEO of ID.me. Blake shares his inspiring story of transitioning from military service to founding a company that is streamlining digital identity verification and access.   He discusses the evolution of ID.me's products and services, the impact of their digital wallet, and the vision for the future of digital identity. From military verification to healthcare access, this episode unveils the revolutionary potential of digital identity and the strategic insights behind scaling a successful SaaS company.   Tune in for a deep dive into the world of digital identity and the remarkable journey of ID.me.  Show Notes:  00:00 Combat experience led to desire for positive impact. Started company based on need for simplifying online security amidst digitization and data breaches.  04:56 Received grant for privacy tech, worked with major brands for minimal info disclosure, expanded to students, teachers, first responders, nurses, influencers. Aimed to be "PayPal for identity," commerce initiative in 2012.  06:54 Military ID used for digital access to government services and private sector offers, enhancing privacy and legal identity verification.  12:56 Having a clear plan, identifying critical assumptions, and being adaptable are vital for a young company's success.  15:57 Pivotal conversation led to PayPal for identity opportunity, successful launch with 48,000 users.  19:22 Sales efficiency is crucial to cover costs and focus on the right customers.  21:05 The business uses sales-led approach with a unique PLG component and 110+ million American users.  24:51 Person on LinkedIn, Twitter, ID Me. Mention of CMO.   Links:SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/id-me-raises-132-million-in-series-d  ID.me’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/id.me/  Blake Hall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hallblake/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Taylor Lowe, the co-founder and CEO of Metal. Taylor discusses his background in the SaaS industry, including his journey from working in sales to founding Metal with his co-founders.   He delves into the products and services Metal offers, their target industries, and their approach to developing and refining their product offering. Taylor also shares insights into their go-to-market strategy, pricing model, and recent seed funding round.   As they wrap up, he gives a glimpse into what's coming up for Metal and even reveals the interesting story behind the company's name. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with a SaaS industry leader.  Show Notes:  00:00 Founders with experience in sales and engineering developed enterprise SaaS, inspired by previous work in software and infrastructure.  03:41 Engineers rely on layers of abstraction for easier work with raw materials, like embeddings in vector databases. This powers applications like chat TPT.  08:58 Focus on product, new way of building software and data representation, hands-on customer approach.  09:57 Inbound interest drives learning and product improvement.  13:16 Capital is important, but experience and customer focus are crucial. Choose investors carefully.  16:13 Three people like metal, started a company called "pretty metal."  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/metal-raises-2-5-million-in-funding  Taylor Lowe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorlowe11/  Get Metal’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getmetal/  Get Metal’s Website: https://getmetal.io/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Matt Hicks, VP of Sales and part of the founding team at Vertice, a tech-enabled service provider.   Matt shares his extensive experience in startups and his current role in helping finance and technology leaders deploy capital more efficiently in the realm of technology solutions. They discuss Vertice's specialized services in cloud and SaaS optimization, as well as the company's journey from its founding to its current position as a leader in the market.   Matt also provides insights into the company's go-to-market strategy, its recent capital raise, and the exciting future of the industry. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn more about the evolving landscape of technology spend optimization.  Show Notes:  00:00 Developers creating new services in the cloud can lead to increased costs. FinOps integrates finance and technology to manage and understand cloud expenses. Vertice's CCO product supports cloud cost optimization for finance teams.  06:13 Amazon introduced AWS in 2006-2007. Tech market faces scrutiny on cost due to job losses. CFOs focus on controlling cloud and SaaS spending. Intermediaries are key in mature markets for efficiency.  07:23 SaaS and cloud industry selling through intermediaries, Vertiz focuses on buyer's interests, SaaS and cloud industry maturing, potential for increased regulations.  11:12 Market focus on efficiency, third-party visibility and cost reduction as AI navigates challenges.  13:57 Target ICP: larger companies, shift to enterprise customers, series B+ companies, growing enterprise customer base.  19:14 Successful startup with MVP, fundraising based on founder's track record, exceeding targets and generating significant revenue. Plans for significant growth in 2024.  22:35 Company offers SaaS procurement and cloud cost optimization services. They aim to help customers deploy capital efficiently by using data to make useful recommendations.  24:00 Underutilization of SaaS and cloud services leads to significant waste.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vertice-raises-26-million-in-series-a  Matt Hick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthicks85/  Vertice One’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verticeone/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the world of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) with Taimur Abdaal, the founder and CEO of Causal.   Taimur shares his background in mathematics and programming, and how that led him to start Causal, a number crunching tool that simplifies financial modeling and planning. He talks about the journey of building Causal, from its early days to raising funding and scaling the business. Taimur also discusses the company's approach to go-to-market strategy, product development, and the key metrics they focus on.   If you're interested in the intersection of tech, finance, and entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned to gain valuable insights into the world of SaaS and FPA!  Show Notes:  00:00 Data scientist at Nested worked on automating financial models, prompted the idea for a better number-crunching tool. Spreadsheets have not evolved much in 40 years.  04:38 Felt right to quit job, started project, gained interest.  07:11 Product focuses on easy initial use, scalable complexity, self-serve flow, and product-led growth strategy. 25% revenue from self-serve, majority from higher touch motion.  10:43 Early investors were found through connections, securing $1 million.  14:32 Access to networks and warm introductions important for fundraising. Pre-seed and seed stages focus on market size, team strength, and initial traction. Series A requires high growth rate.  17:29 Next focus is out-of-the-box reporting, easily linked with CRM.  Links:    SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/casual-secures-15-million-in-series-a  Taimur Abdaal’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taimurabdaal/  Causal’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/causalhq/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of SaaS spend management with Sven Lackinger, co-founder and CEO of Sastrify. Sven shares his journey from founding a company in the parking technology market, which was later acquired, to launching Sastrify, a company focused on managing the lifecycle of SaaS within organizations.   He discusses the products and services offered by Sastrify and provides insights into their pricing model and customer base. Sven also shares valuable lessons learned from his extensive fundraising experience, as Sastrify secured rounds of investment ranging from seed to Series B.   Join us as Sven gives us a glimpse into the future plans for Sastrify and shares his valuable insights for other founders in the SaaS industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Sastrify co-founder Max's overspending on SaaS licenses led to creating a company managing SaaS lifecycle and costs.  03:38 SaaS companies increasing usage-based pricing due to analytics and AI impact.  09:02 Sales growth fueled by intangible ROI, centralized SaaS stack reduces spend waste, works with finance teams and procurement over 500 FTEs.  11:27 Received early funding, formed partnership, strong growth, successful B round fundraising.  13:05 Expanding products, global markets, innovation, finance focus.  16:33 Focus on mid-market customers, aiming to grow into higher-end market.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories  Aug 2021 https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sastrify-raises-7-million-in-seed-round  Jan 2022 https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sastrify-raises-15-million-in-series-a  May 2023 https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sastrify-raises-32-million-in-series-b  Sven Lackinger’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svenlackinger/  Sastrify’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sastrify/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Ben York, the CEO of Genetica. Ben shares his fascinating background, starting in finance and later transitioning into the world of SaaS and investment.   Genetica, founded in late 2020, is at the forefront of modernizing the cannabis and CBD retail experience through their AI platform. Ben delves into the products and services offered by Genetica, such as Flora Match, which analyzes data points and individual biochemistry to provide personalized recommendations, and Flora OS, which optimizes operations for retailers.   He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the cannabis tech industry, including regulatory hurdles and the potential for consolidation. Stay tuned to learn more about the exciting developments in the cannabis tech space with Ben York on The SaaS CFO Podcast.  Show Notes: [00:02:11] Genetica modernizes cannabis retail with AI.  [00:04:06] Industry tests products, provides certificates, reduces liability.  [00:07:32] Challenges in raising capital, consolidation and mergers.  [00:12:05] Targeting retailers with advisors and partners.  [00:13:32] Twitter advertising bypasses restrictions to gain visibility.  [00:16:57] Always take conversations, even seemingly random ones.  [00:21:11] Ahead of schedule, product predicts employee's resignation.  Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/genetica-raises-500-000-seed-round Ben York’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-ben-york/ Genetica’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getgenetica/ Genetica’s Website: https://www.getgenetica.com/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host, Ben, sits down with Alexander Hagerup, the co-founder and CEO of VIC AI. Alexander shares his background growing up in Norway with parents who were small business owners, and how his fascination with accounting and finance led him to start several successful companies.   He then dives into the products and services offered by VIC AI, which focuses on revolutionizing the accounting process through autonomous algorithms and AI technology. The main focus currently is on the accounts payable process, with plans to expand into other areas of accounting in the future.   Alexander also discusses the state of AI in accounting and the importance of accuracy and scalability in making AI solutions work effectively in real-life scenarios. Join us as we explore the world of AI-powered accounting with Alexander Hagerup. Let's get started!  Show notes: [00:01:50] The speaker observed accounting at scale, realizing its global similarity and the need for efficient transaction processing.  [00:03:34] Vic AI aims to create autonomous accounting processes, with AI capable of working independently and seeking human help when needed. It also focuses on providing financial insights from accounting data, starting with the accounts payable process.  [00:10:10] Company focuses on accounts payable but aims to expand to broader AI applications; foresee AI-run business functions emerging in the future.  [00:13:27] We work with large companies for greater AI benefits, ROI.  [00:17:20] GGB supports our future vision, building capital-intensive software and AI business, with high value for customers.  [00:20:27] Attracting experienced talent and maintaining a solid balance sheet are important for growth and customer confidence.  [00:21:55] Finding investors aligned with long-term strategy is crucial. A shared mission and vision fosters belief in the future despite challenges.  [00:26:23] Excited about AI-based purchase order matching, launching bill pay, expanding AI-based accounts payable process, and broadening to adjacent accounting processes.  Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vic-ai-raises-50-million-in-series-b  Alexander Hagerup’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderhagerup/  Vic.ai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vic.ai/  Vic.ai’s Website: https://www.vic.ai/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Amr Awadallah, the founder and CEO of Vectara. Amr shares his impressive background as a seasoned entrepreneur, from being the VP of Developer Relations at Cloud to founding and serving as CTO of Cloudera, and his time at Yahoo.   He also discusses his journey from wanting to be a professor to being drawn into the world of entrepreneurship at Stanford. Amr dives into the details of Vectara, a company that offers a powerful AI tool that allows users to leverage their own data for tasks like brainstorming and customer support.   The conversation explores the simplicity and accessibility of Vectara’s API, the target customer profiles, and the consumption-based pricing model. Join us as we unravel the fascinating story and insights of Amr Awadallah on this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast.  Show Notes:   [00:01:36] Stanford taught entrepreneurship, changed my teaching mission.  [00:03:28] Collaborate on brainstorming with an intern using data.  [00:07:26] Charges based on consumption, 50 MB data free.  [00:10:46] Consumption-based model, land and expand. Goal: acquire customers even with minimum $1.0.25 payment. Grow customer data and API usage. Hybrid approach: product-led growth and premium offering.  [00:16:23] Raise capital for expansion, sales, and competition.  [00:18:37] Startup success rates are only 10%. Extending lifespan is crucial for success.  [00:22:19] Massive opportunity proven by Chat GPT success.   Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vectara-raises-20-million-in-seed-round  Amr Awadallah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awadallah/  Vectara’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vectara/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, our host Ben sits down with special guest Dharmendra Mohan, co-founder and CEO of Sonet.IO. Dharmendra shares his background in R&D, including his experience at Symantec and Bluecode Systems before embarking on the journey of starting Sonnet.   He explains the tipping point that led him to realize the potential of the cloud and the need for a better solution to connect remote workers to applications securely and hassle-free. Dharmendra dives deep into the products and services offered by Sonet, highlighting their remote work platform and how it benefits various industries, particularly in the tech and services sectors.   He also discusses the company's go-to-market strategy, recent funding round, and plans for expansion. Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the innovative work being done at Sonet.IO.  Show Notes:  [00:02:18] Sonnet: Remote work platform, secure connection.  [00:04:07] Securing and monitoring data for maximum protection.  [00:07:28] Dual strategy: content creation and outreach methods.  [00:10:11] Critical to have right product-market fit, cash-efficient, profitable, sustainable business. Prototype, customer feedback, execution important.  [00:13:38] Constantly upgrading platform with secure, mobile accessibility.  Links:SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sonet-io-raises-6-million-in-seed-round Dharmendra Mohan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmendra-mohan/ Sonet.IO’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonet-io/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben is joined by the esteemed Jim Williams, a seasoned expert in software M&A and the Managing Director of GLC Advisors. They delve into the current landscape of private equity deals, the changing dynamics of valuations, and the importance of understanding the true business model in SaaS companies.  Jim sheds light on the cautious approach private equity sponsors are taking, with lenders becoming more conservative on leverage. They discuss how discipline has increased among sponsors, who now prioritize investing in higher-quality assets and businesses with stronger growth potential. Valuations have shifted, and Jim provides insights into the factors driving these changes.   The conversation then turns to the significance of understanding revenue streams and profitability in SaaS companies. Jim emphasizes the need for a clear delineation of business models and revenue streams, as well as the importance of showing gross margins by business line. They also explore the difference between platform and add-on acquisitions, with Jim explaining how each contributes to scaling a business.  Valuations, growth rates, and profitability remain key considerations for investors, with a focus on financial discipline and sound fundamentals. Jim examines the "rule of 40" and the changing mindset towards the growth at all cost models. They delve into the current state of the software M&A market, discussing deal volume, valuations, and deal structures.  As the episode draws to a close, Jim offers insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for software entrepreneurs. He predicts a potential pickup in software M&A activity in 2024 and encourages business owners to seek advice and carefully consider their timing. Jim's expertise and outlook provide valuable guidance for navigating the ever-evolving software industry.  Stay tuned for an informative and thought-provoking discussion on The SaaS CFO Podcast!  Show Notes:  00:01:30 New normal: stable, consistent decline in deals.  00:04:33 Stabilized deals, new normal in rate environment.  00:08:30 Lenders getting more conservative, making deals harder.  00:11:24 Disciplined firms invest in better assets.  00:14:21 Good companies getting fair multiples, longer diligence.  00:17:28 Buyers lack urgency to close deals.  00:20:02 Deal volume steady, quality plays important role.  00:22:43 Look forward in financials, focus on ARR.  00:26:22 Metrics, gross and net revenue retention focus.  00:29:27 GR important metric, Mr. Schedule, data consistency, diligence, renewal rates, data preparation, metrics  00:34:22 Importance of understanding SaaS business model.  00:36:22 Clearly explain business model and revenue streams.  00:40:49 Platform: bigger, confident sponsor with strong belief.  00:43:24 Hurdle for businesses to reach Ten X.  00:47:38 Steady Eddie businesses for potential add-ons.  00:50:34 2024 outlook positive, potential delay in progress.  00:52:51 Offering software quarterly report for Ben's notes.  Links:   James Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-williams-5754953/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben is joined by special guest Peter Tilbrook, founder and CEO of Loro Insuretech. Peter shares his background in the insurance industry and how his frustrations with existing solutions led him to start his own company.   They discuss the products and services that Loro offers, including their ambitious goal of taking any insurance product online immediately. Peter also dives into their unique pricing model and ideal customer profile.   Tune in to learn more about the innovative world of Loro and the vision of democratizing access to insurance.  Show Notes  [00:03:13] Ambitious insurance platform connecting global markets.  [00:06:25] Pricing model debate: fixed cost, tiered rates.  [00:12:03] Small team, regular catch-ups, easy onboarding.  [00:14:17] Startup journey: learning, feedback, networking, digital marketing.  [00:17:48] Belief and support led to investment success.  [00:20:04] Learn, speak, advise, reach out, invest, execute.  [00:22:30] Website showcases pricing and company updates. Networking on LinkedIn encouraged.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/loro-insuretech-secures-750-000-in-seed-round  Peter Tillbrook’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-tilbrook-50832336/ Loro Insurtech Inc. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loro-insurtech/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray  

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Restaurant 365. Tony shares his journey from software consulting to founding a SaaS company and explains how his experience in the industry shaped his approach.   He takes us through the inception of Restaurant 365, its product offerings, and the diverse range of restaurants they serve. Tony also discusses the challenges and milestones along the way, including the importance of self-funding and the dedication required to build a successful company.   Join us as we dive into the fascinating story of Restaurant 365 and gain insights into their go-to-market strategy. Let's get started!  Show Notes:  [00:01:09] Resold Microsoft software, specialized in customization. Transitioned to focus on restaurant industry.  [00:05:34] Balancing day job, self-funding, and risks.  [00:08:22] Product evolved, different sales models for customers.  [00:11:40] Regular pricing assessment, underprice early, add value.  [00:14:57] Company reached crossroads, chose to seek funding.  [00:19:25] Value your story, connections, and support.  [00:22:11] Gross and net retention important for growth.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/restaurant365-raises-135-million-in-funding  Tony Smith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-t-smith/  Restaurant 365’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restaurant365-cloud-erp-for-restaurants/   To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribeSubscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-pageSaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray  

In today's episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben welcomes special guest Paul Martin, an IT entrepreneur and founder of "equipment." Paul shares his insights on the importance of frictionless processes in today's business landscape, where failures cannot be fixed immediately.   With his expertise in IT outsourcing and managing SaaS for mid-sized companies, Paul discusses the challenges faced by both clients and service providers in managing processes efficiently. He also sheds light on the growing significance of outsourcing services, devices, and software for businesses seeking cash flow flexibility and dealing with an expert shortage.   Join us as we delve into Paul's journey, his vision for "equipment," and how they are building a global operating system for the subscription economy in B2B.  Show Notes:   [00:01:29] Outsourcing IT operations: a growing necessity.  [00:04:14] Digital platform targeting IT and telecommunication industries.  [00:09:21] Amazon-like marketplace connects customers and service providers.  [00:13:24] Failed fundraising, pause sales, warm intros, potential in uncertain times.  [00:15:38] Building global provider network for global companies.   Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/equipme-raises-3-8-million-in-seed-round  Paul Martin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-martin-525433117/ Equip Me’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equip-me/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray #saas #thesaascfo #podcast #saasmetrics #saasmetricsschool #benmurray  

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we delve into the world of finance and accounting in the software-as-a-service industry. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Tal Kirschenbaum, the co-founder and CEO of Ledge, a leading automated finance operations platform.   Tal shares his extensive background in finance, venture capital, and payments, which ultimately led him to found Ledge. He explains how Ledge helps finance teams with their day-to-day tasks, particularly in payment reconciliation and treasury management. Tal also reveals how Ledge addresses the pain points that arise from managing high volumes of payments and the significant losses that can occur when these processes are not properly automated.   Join us as we explore how Ledge is revolutionizing back-office finance for mid-market and enterprise tech companies across various industries. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Tal Kirschenbaum on today's episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast  Show Notes  [00:00:21] Finance and business background, venture capital, consulting, M&A, fintech. Founded Ledge a year ago.  [00:03:15] Developed own solution to handle payments. Ledge helps companies with finance issues.  [00:07:23] Reconciliation is unsexy, time-consuming, and costly.  [00:12:57] Outbound sales, partnerships, and inbound channels summary.  [00:16:06] Vision, plan, investors - crucial for success.  [00:18:43] Access and familiarity aided successful fundraising process.  [00:22:07] Exploring opportunities to expand product in finance.  Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/ledge-raises-9-million-in-seed-roundTal Kirschenbaum’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tal-k/ Ledge’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ledge-finance/ Ledge’s Website: https://www.ledge.co/   To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest, Sandeep Jain, co-founder and CEO of Monetize Now. Sandeep has a unique background in engineering, product, and sales, which has given him a fresh perspective in the tech industry. He shares his journey, from working in various industries to starting his own companies, including his current venture, Monetize Now.   Sandeep dives into the problem he encountered in the podcast distribution space and how it led him to the realization that billing systems for B2B SaaS companies lacked efficiency. This realization sparked the creation of Monetize Now, a revenue operations platform that aims to solve the complex billing challenges faced by B2B SaaS companies.   Sandeep also discusses the market size considerations for startups, the importance of understanding the problem you're solving, and the key focus of Monetize Now in assisting companies with revenues ranging from zero to 100 million dollars. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation about the future of revenue operations and the impact it has on scaling SaaS businesses.  Show Notes:   [00:00:16] Engineering, product, sales mix led to unique perspectives.  [00:03:14] MonetizeNow builds revenue operations platform for SaaS companies.  [00:08:58] Revenue operations hindered by tooling limitations. Vendors overlooked SaaS requirements for integration.  [00:12:46] Early stages, twelve+ customers, replacing Zuora, best architecture.  [00:15:33] Risks faced, but success in funding rounds.  [00:18:55] CEOs with engineering backgrounds need sales skills.  [00:21:52] Signed deals, competitive replacements, exciting revenue growth.   Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.monetizenow.io/blog/announcing-3m| Sandeep Jain’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeeja/ Monetize Now’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monetizenow/  To know more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, our host Ben sits down with Matt Welsh, CEO and co-founder of Fixie AI. Matt shares his fascinating journey, starting from academia to Google and eventually venturing into the world of startups.   As a technical expert, Matt dives into the products and services offered by Fixie, highlighting their mission to simplify the integration of large language models into various applications. With a strong founding team, Fixie is making strides in the AI realm, and Matt discusses their growth plans and the challenges of harnessing the team's expertise.   Join us as we learn more about Fixie's path towards product-market fit and revenue generation. Tune in now!   Show Notes  [00:01:35] Simplifying language models integration with Fixie.  [00:05:49] Four founders, Zach Cook, Justin Uberti, Hassan Bagharinazad.  [00:09:26] Dual approach: devs and companies seeking AI integration.  [00:10:49] Combining blog posts, community, SDK, demos, hackathons, targeting developers.  [00:14:04] Raised $17 million in seed funding round.  [00:18:53] My blog post on raising $5M seed: market hot, team backgrounds key. Expectations higher for founders without resumes. Learned VC firms are partners, not just cash.  [00:20:45] Early indications of product market fit; Series A; ARR benchmark; developer platform metrics; proxies for traction and revenue.   Links SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fixie-raises-17-million-in-seed-round Fixie.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fixie-ai/ Fixie.ai Website: https://www.fixie.ai/ Matt Welsh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/welsh-matt/   To know more about Ben check the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray  

Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Ben Williams, CEO and co-founder of Loopin. Ben shares his fascinating background, starting from his time in the British Royal Marines Commandos to working with high-profile football clubs, and eventually finding his way into the business world.   He explains how the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to pivot and create a SaaS technology solution to address the disconnect between managers and employees. Ben gives us an inside look into Loopin's innovative approach, leveraging generative AI and personalized data to improve employee engagement, morale, and upskilling.   Join us as we dive deeper into the world of Loopin and explore the ways this technology is revolutionizing organizations' approach to creating high-performing teams. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation with Ben Williams on this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast.  Show Notes  [00:00:15] Military background led to creating SaaS tech.  [00:03:03] Uncertainty during the pandemic led to change.  [00:09:08] Product captures and learns about users' experiences. Encourages effective leadership and teamwork.  [00:11:26] Challenges in multiple markets, especially burnout.  [00:15:46] Tech world budget cuts, HR as buyers  [00:18:09] Funding journey for a start-up during recession.  [00:23:59] SaaS win with Oxford University, revolutionizing technology.  [00:25:55] Loopin offers coaching and connections.  Links Saas Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/loopin-raises-1-6-million-in-seed-round Loopin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lets-loopin/ Loopin Website: https://www.letsloopin.com/ Ben Williams’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-williams-vgs/    To know more about Ben check the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-pageSaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkoutFollow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have an exciting guest joining us, Toni Holbein, CEO and co-founder at Growblocks.   Toni shares his extensive background in the SaaS industry, specifically in revenue operations, and how it led him to launching Growblocks. We dive into the products and services that Growblocks offers, which focus on helping businesses become more data-driven in their go-to-market strategies.   Tune in to learn more about how Growblocks is revolutionizing revenue modeling and empowering CFOs and commercial leaders to make informed decisions for their organizations.  Show Notes  [00:02:18] Data-driven go-to-market relies on different tools: Excel spreadsheets, BI, slides. FP&A solves finance, not revenue modeling. Massive market potential for revenue solutions.  [00:04:38] Revenue operations and strategy overlap with finance, but commercial leaders prefer tools other than spreadsheets. This communication gap affects revenue potential.  [00:08:10] Bottom-up revenue planning using strong data-driven approach. Clear tracking of progress, immediate course correction. Improves efficiency and helps hit revenue targets.  [00:12:37] Generating demand without relying on Google Ads.  [00:14:49] Starting with early sales, organization proved value. Next step: achieve product market fit. Seeking funding for product development and growth. Plan to focus on US market expansion.  [00:17:55] Funding raised in June, market conditions uncertain.  [00:21:34] Exciting revenue operations progress, adding analytics layer.   Links  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/growblocks-raises-6-million-in-seed-round Growblocks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growblocks/ Growblock’s Website: https://growblocks.com/ Toni Hohlbein’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonihohlbein/ Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray/ 

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Denis Chernobaev, CEO and co-founder of Getplace.io. Denis shares his background in the fast-growing food tech industry and how it led him to the creation of Getplace.io. He explains how Getplace.io helps small and medium businesses make informed decisions about their future locations by providing affordable access to valuable data. Through their subscription-based service, businesses can analyze footfall, vehicle traffic, demographic insights, spending data, and competitor analysis, all at a fraction of the cost typically associated with such tools.Denis also discusses different use cases and patterns of usage among their current clients. Don't miss this insightful conversation on leveraging data for strategic decision-making. Stay tuned for more on The SaaS CFO Podcast!  Show Notes  [00:01:49] Affordable tool helps businesses choose ideal locations.  [00:04:04] Choose locations wisely based on research.  [00:06:55] Limited data, ongoing improvements attract and retain clients.  [00:10:51] Product launched in February, attracting paying customers.  [00:15:36] Co-founder experience, MVP delay, remote market.  [00:19:03] Plans to expand into Netherlands with more complex products and negotiate with partners; considering raising funds for future expansion. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/getplace-io-raises-pre-seed-round Getplace.io's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getplace-io/ Getplace.io's Website: https://getplace.io/Denis Chernobaev’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denis-chernobaev/  To know more about Ben check the links below: Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-pageSaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkoutFollow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray #saas #thesaascfo #podcast #saasmetrics #saasmetricsschool #benmurray

Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, I have the pleasure of hosting Charles Brecque, founder and CEO of Legislate. Charles shares his insights on the inefficiencies of dealing with contracts and the need for a better solution.   He explains how Legislate's contract creation and management platform is aimed at people operations and finance, rather than legal teams. Charles also discusses their unique approach of using Knowledge Graph technology to track and analyze contract data.   We delve into the challenges CFOs face with contract management and the value that Legislate brings to the table. So, join us as we dive into this fascinating conversation with Charles Brecque on The SaaS CFO Podcast!  Show Notes  [00:01:52] We offer a contract management platform for people operations and finance. Our key differentiators are user-friendly features and accurate contract tracking using Knowledge Graph technology.  [00:05:53] Early stage company pivoting to focus on larger clients and empower businesses to create contracts without legal involvement.  [00:08:45] Impressive growth, novel approach using knowledge graph, securing patents, ready for market after funding rounds.  [00:11:13] Fundraising is distracting and stressful for founders, but it's important to minimize distractions and focus on investors who understand the business.  [00:14:11] Contact us at legislate.AI for more information.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/legislate-secures-3-6-million-in-funding Charles Brecque’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-brecque/ Legislate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legislate/ Legislate Website: https://legislate.ai/ Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray/ 

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Paul Foster, founder and CEO of OnePlan. With a background in crowd science, Paul has extensive experience in managing large-scale events, including the Olympics.  Frustrated with the traditional methods of event planning, Paul embarked on a mission to revolutionize the industry with OnePlan. This innovative platform offers 2D and 3D mapping technology that not only streamlines the planning process but also optimizes risk management and enhances operational efficiency.   Join us as we dive into the world of event planning and discover how OnePlan is transforming the way we think about mapping and simulation.  Show Notes  00:01:36 Paralympic journey led to managing diverse events.  00:05:25 3D models used in operational planning, security, and commercialization.  00:08:56 Subscription model for event site plans.  00:11:55 Startup partner of Olympic Games, advertising methods.  00:14:12 Sustainable fundraising strategy, milestone-based growth, experienced investors.  00:17:06 Lessons learned in fundraising and investor strategy.  00:20:31 Focusing on target markets for progress and success. Links  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/oneplan-raises-5-3-million-in-funding OnePlan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/one-plan-events/ OnePlan Website: https://www.oneplanevents.com/ Paul Foster’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fosteroneplan/ Ben’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray/