Explore every episode of the podcast The SaaS CFO
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fathom Raises a $17M Series A to Boost Your Productivity | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:25:27 | |
Welcome to another riveting episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! I'm your host, Ben, and today we have an extraordinary guest with us—Richard White, the founder and CEO of Fathom. With a background as a computer scientist, Richard quickly transitioned into the world of product design and has since become a pioneer in AI-powered software. He honed his skills and experience during his time with Y Combinator and through his previous venture, UserVoice, which laid the groundwork for his current success. Today, Fathom stands as the number one rated AI note taker on G2, making waves with its innovative approach to simplifying meeting notes and enhancing productivity. In our conversation, Richard opens up about the unique fundraising strategies that powered Fathom's growth, including an impressive $27.3 million raised across multiple tranches and a notable series A. He also shares his insights on the evolving landscape of AI in SaaS products, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating advanced AI capabilities. Richard's perspective on the importance of user satisfaction, exemplified by Fathom's world-class NPS score, offers valuable lessons for any SaaS professional aiming to build products that not only solve problems but delight users. Whether you're a startup enthusiast, a seasoned SaaS executive, or someone intrigued by the future of AI in business, today's episode is brimming with insights you won't want to miss. Richard's passion for creating products that truly enhance user experience and his strategic approach to building a successful SaaS company provide a goldmine of knowledge. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Richard White's remarkable journey and the innovative work happening at Fathom. Let's dive into the conversation! Show Notes: 00:00 Fathom: free AI notetaker, popular, premium options. 05:54 Fortunate entry into Zoom marketplace accelerated success. 08:05 Aggressive Moore's Law application, Amazon-style long-term strategy. 12:47 Unique, coalition-building fundraising strategy with small checks. 14:51 Series A expectations now demand fully developed businesses. 17:57 Founder prefers direct approach over lengthy fundraising. 22:55 Monthly meetings assess MPS scores, engage customers. 23:47 Surfing AI wave: Insightful tools for teams. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fathom-raises-17-million-in-series-a Richard White’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rrwhite/ Fathom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fathom-video/ Fathom’s Website: https://fathom.video/ 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 | |||
| $4.8M Raised to Improve Customer Purchase Experience on Stripe | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:19:33 | |
Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Flynn Glover, co-founder and CEO of Schematic, join us for an insightful conversation. Flynn takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, from aspiring soccer player to successful entrepreneur. He shares how his first company, which started as a location-based app, evolved into a content marketing software and eventually got acquired. Flynn then dives into his current venture, Schematic, a platform that enhances Stripe for developers by managing the complexities of pricing and packaging for B2B SaaS companies. He explains how Schematic helps startups by offloading the infrastructural burden around Stripe, enabling them to focus on core product development. Flynn also discusses Schematic's unique approach to both early-stage and more established companies, and their recent public availability launch. With a solid blend of personal stories, strategic insights, and practical advice, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for any SaaS founder. Flynn shares his experience with fundraising, customer acquisition, and the innovative solutions Schematic brings to the table. Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Show Notes: 00:00 Supercharging Stripe for developers’ pricing infrastructure. 05:54 Focus: aiding engineering to optimize tiered offerings. 07:15 Early-stage companies prefer Schematic's easy implementation. 10:47 Founder hustle: referrals, stories; content-driven marketing. 13:46 Key milestone: Real customers trust product production. 17:53 Early stages, need pricing models, improve onboarding. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/schematic-raises-4-8-million-in-seed-round Flynn Glover’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fynn-glover-b0410015/ Schematic HQ’s: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schematichq/ Schematic HQ’s Website: https://schematichq.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 etrics 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 | |||
| $325K Pre-seed Round to Simplify Web App Deployments to the Cloud | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:30:31 | |
Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, our host Ben is joined by the dynamic team behind Toystack, a groundbreaking DevOps platform on Kubernetes designed to simplify and scale deployment for startups and SMBs. We have Mukund, Arun, Sravan, and Torun here to discuss how Toystack operates like an innovative coworking space for DevOps, providing essential services like security, logging, monitoring, and alerts. Together, they delve into the origins of Toystack, targeting developers and startups who lack dedicated DevOps engineers, and how it accelerates product development while cutting costs. We'll explore their user growth strategy, community engagement on Discord, and future plans for integrating AI and new frameworks. The team will share insights on their monetization approach, focusing on converting trial users to paying customers, and their ambitious goals to double their user base in the coming months. We'll also hear about their journey in securing initial revenue, their decision to maintain the name "Toystack" despite enterprise considerations, and their adventures in funding and team dynamics. Whether you're part of a small startup or an enterprise team, you won't want to miss the valuable lessons and strategies from the co-founders of this innovative platform. So tune in and get ready to be inspired by the story of Toystack! Show Notes: 00:00 Investment banker turned entrepreneur with ecommerce marketplace. 05:30 Effortless cloud deployment for developers without DevOps. 07:04 Toystack: Scalable DevOps platform for startups' deployment. 12:24 Launched in February, achieved 7000 users globally. 16:19 Focusing on product-led growth for next years. 18:57 We bootstrapped until gaining traction before fundraising. 23:38 Doubling user growth, fostering an active community. 25:49 Community support and deployments are crucial metrics. 28:17 Toystack showcases live open source project deployments. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/toystack-ai-raises-325k-in-pre-seed-round Toystack’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toystack/ Toystack’s Website: https://toystack.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 | |||
| $54M Raised to Optimize Your Internal SaaS Spend | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:17:44 | |
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: 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: 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 | |||
| $500K Seed Round to Combine AI with Cannabis Matching and Operations | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:23:44 | |
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. [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: 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 | |||
| $100M Raised to Automate Accounts Payable with AI | 23 Nov 2023 | 00:27:54 | |
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! [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 | |||
| $28.5M Raised to Train AI On Your Own Data | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:24:08 | |
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. [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. 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 | |||
| Developer Turned Founder Raises $6M To Secure Remote Workers | 16 Nov 2023 | 00:15:08 | |
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. [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. 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 | |||
| 4Q23 Software M&A Update | 15 Nov 2023 | 00:53:25 | |
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! 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. 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 | |||
| Insurance Pro Exits Corporate Life to Found Insurtech SaaS | 14 Nov 2023 | 00:23:12 | |
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. [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. To know more about Ben check out 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
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| Restaurant 365 Raises $135M to Revolutionize Restaurant Operations | 09 Nov 2023 | 00:24:44 | |
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! [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: 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: Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray
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| Streamlining SaaS Processes: Insights from IT Entrepreneur Paul Martin | 07 Nov 2023 | 00:16:51 | |
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. [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: To know more about Ben check out 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 #saas #thesaascfo #podcast #saasmetrics #saasmetricsschool #benmurray
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| $9M Raised to Help Accounting Teams Automate Payment Reconciliations | 02 Nov 2023 | 00:23:40 | |
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. [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: To know more about Ben check out 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 | |||
| $77M Raised to Build Gen AI Apps Faster and More Efficient | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:23:25 | |
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have a remarkable guest joining us—Lin Qiao, the CEO and co-founder of Fireworks AI. Lin brings a wealth of expertise from her days as a researcher and software engineer, having worked at industry giants like IBM and Facebook. She'll share her inspiring journey from academia to leading innovations in the AI space. In this episode, Lin takes us through the revolutionary products Fireworks AI offers, aimed at transforming how application developers and product engineers leverage GenAI technology. Imagine building advanced AI-driven applications in days instead of years, without needing an army of engineers. Lin expertly breaks down the company's offerings using a compelling car assembly analogy, making it easy for us to grasp the intricate layers of their technology. We’ll also dive into the diverse industry applications of Fireworks AI, spanning startups, digital-native enterprises, and traditional companies. Lin discusses the groundbreaking shifts this technology can bring, the unique challenges and costs involved, and how her company aims to simplify this landscape for developers and enterprises alike. Furthermore, Lin opens up about Fireworks AI's impressive milestones, including their fundraising journey, key metrics, and future product directions. Whether you're an app developer or an enterprise executive, this conversation promises invaluable insights into accelerating innovation with GenAI. So, grab your headphones and join us for an enlightening discussion with Lin Qiao on The SaaS CFO Podcast! Show Notes: 00:00 From researcher to impactful software engineer at Facebook. 05:47 Mobile apps revolutionized industries, creating vast opportunities. 06:49 Create videos for automation and business efficiency. 09:55 Latency challenges with engaging, high-size JNAI models. 13:33 Accelerating strategy and execution for diverse companies. 17:01 Critical partnerships, funding growth, expand AI system, teamwork. 22:05 Explore and deploy models with Fireworks AI. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fireworks-ai-secures-25-million-in-series-a https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fireworks-ai-raises-52-million-in-series-b Lin Qiao’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lin-qiao-22248b4/ Fireworks AI’s Linkedn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fireworks-ai/ Fireworks AI’s Website: https://fireworks.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 | |||
| $7M Raised to Automate Rev Ops for B2B SaaS Companies | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:23:24 | |
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. [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. To know more about Ben check out 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 | |||
| Harvard Professor Turned AI SaaS Founder Raises $17M | 26 Oct 2023 | 00:23:58 | |
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. 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. 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
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| Marine Commando Turned SaaS Founder Raises £2.4 to Improve Staff Engagement and Morale | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:26:40 | |
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. [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.
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 | |||
| €8M Raised to Model and Forecast Your Entire Go To Market Engine | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:23:12 | |
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. [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. | |||
| Using Data to Find Your New Optimal Store Location | 17 Oct 2023 | 00:21:13 | |
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. [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: 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 #thesaascfo #podcast #saasmetrics #saasmetricsschool #benmurray | |||
| $4M Raised to Fix the Contracting Process for CFO’s | 13 Oct 2023 | 00:14:34 | |
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! [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: | |||
| £13M Raised to Map, Design, and Plan Physical Events | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:23:31 | |
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. 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. | |||
| Saving Time and Working Efficiently: Max Brenssell Talks Privacy-First AI Products | 09 Oct 2023 | 00:16:53 | |
In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, I have the pleasure of hosting Max Brentzel, co-founder and CEO at Spoke AI. Max, hailing from Germany and now based in Berlin, shares his journey in the tech scene and how the city's startup ecosystem has evolved over the years. Discover how Spoke AI's standalone app within Slack and web app cater to the needs of product managers, summarizing and organizing their busy channels and threads. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with valuable insights for SaaS founders and tech enthusiasts alike. [00:01:54] AI products prioritize and summarize communication. [00:03:53] User controls communication data processing for privacy. [00:08:22] Limited company onboarding to ensure reliable Summarization. [00:10:13] Early core team, AI expertise = success. [00:15:27] Launching new product, enclosed beta in May. Exciting features coming to Slack app. Links | |||
| $3M Raised to Solve the Last Mile of Logistics | 04 Oct 2023 | 00:18:35 | |
Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Ratnesh Verma, founder and CEO of Pidge. Ratnesh shares his diverse background, which includes working in seven different countries and holding prominent positions at companies like Whitbread and Hyatt. He then provides an in-depth look at the unique products and services Pidge offers, emphasizing its end-to-end logistics solution with a focus on cash on delivery, customer experience, and demand aggregation. We learn about Pidge's self-serve and low code approach, as well as its pay-as-you-go pricing model. [00:04:32] Pidge offers unique end-to-end logistics solution. [00:09:00] Keep it simple and understood by all. [00:13:16] Raise enough capital for successful deployment; continue rapid growth; launch additional services; expand nationally. [00:14:27] Fundraising is challenging, time-consuming, but rewarding. [00:18:05] Pidge In: One-stop source for all things Links: | |||
| $2.3M Seed Round to Revolutionize Call Center Performance | 29 Sep 2023 | 00:17:17 | |
Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, our host Ben is joined by Luba Chudnovets, the co-founder and CEO of Cordless. Luba shares her background, including her experience at a bank, and how it led her to start Cordless. Cordless is a telephony platform that combines AI-driven conversation intelligence for customer support teams. Luba explains how Cordless helps companies analyze support conversations, provide sentiment analysis, and automate call categorization. She also discusses the importance of 100% visibility in support conversations and the future of voice support analysis. Tune in to learn more about Cordless' journey, their target market, and their unique approach to pricing. Let's dive in! [00:01:42] Cordless is a telephony platform with AI-driven conversation intelligence for customer support. It helps companies analyze support conversations, providing sentiment analysis, automatic categorization of calls, call summaries, and enables teams to make outbound calls. The platform is focused on being user-friendly for agents and offering in-depth analysis of support interactions. [00:03:10] Voice support company industry agnostic, but fintech and insurance resonate most. Compliance and customer support important for regulated businesses. Predicts all companies will use conversation analysis in future. Allows 100% visibility and quick reaction. Embracing Chat GPT technology. [00:08:18] Multiple channels: outbound, trade shows, marketplaces integration, content marketing. Promising leads and website visits, but conversion is not yet strong. [00:11:36] Raising funds is harder than expected, need different strategies for investors and customers, don't raise over summer. [00:15:23] Feeling positive about mission, competitive product, hiring business development managers, working on Chat GPT technology, will change computer interactions. [00:17:03] Check out Cordless.IO or email Luba at luba@cordless.io. Luba shared insights and experience today. Links Saas Fundraising Stores: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/cordless-raises-2-3-million-in-seed-round | |||
| $1.7M Raised to Improve Field Sales Rep Productivity | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:23:04 | |
Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we have an exciting conversation lined up with Nicholas Christiaen and Jonas Deprez, the co-CEOs and co-founders of Donna—a next-generation assistant designed to revolutionize the way sales reps manage their CRM data. Nicholas and Jonas bring a wealth of experience from their previous successful startups, Cashforce and Dalbix, respectively. They share their incredible journey of meeting through a mutual investment opportunity, leveraging their combined expertise to co-found Donna. In this episode, we dive into the unique features of Donna, its target industries, and the significant pain points it addresses for field sales reps. We also discuss their recent fundraising success, raising $1.7 million in just three weeks, and their ambitious plans to scale globally. Whether you’re interested in how to streamline sales processes, the dynamics of starting a new SaaS venture, or the intricacies of fundraising, this episode has something for you. Stay tuned as Nicholas and Jonas reveal their insights and the future direction of Donna! Learn more about Donna at askdonna.com. Let’s get started! Show Notes: 00:00 Donna is the perfect assistant for sales reps. 03:26 Helping reduce admin for sales-intensive industries. 07:06 Main targets: VP sales, innovation leads, sales reps. 10:11 Focused on adoption and potential paid programs. 13:32 Raised $1.7 million quickly with unexpected momentum. 19:53 ROI, time saved, and increased business output. 21:37 Sales reps seeking advantages, PLG motion, enterprise. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/donna-secures-1-6-million-in-pre-seed-round Nicolas Christiaen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaschristiaen/ Jonas Deprez’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonasdeprez/ Ask Donna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/donna-by-dealside/ Ask Donna’s Website: https://askdonna.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 | |||
| Janis Vavere's Journey from Sales to SaaS Founder to $1.5M Pre-seed Round | 24 Sep 2023 | 00:16:31 | |
Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Janis Vavere, the co-founder of Trace Space. Janis shares his journey from starting as a Sales Development Representative to becoming a sales leader and eventually starting his own company. He discusses Trace Space's mission to empower and support innovators in the field of systems engineering. Janis explains the importance of requirements management in building complex products and how Trace Space aims to provide a purpose-built solution for engineers and innovators. We dive into the industries that Trace Space focuses on, their team size, and their recent pre-seed funding round. Join us as we learn from Janis's experiences and dive deeper into the world of SaaS and engineering solutions. It's an episode you don't want to miss!
Highlights: [00:00:18] Typical background, promoted, managed accounts, scaled company. Empowering innovators at Trace Space. [00:03:32] Managing large accounts for systems engineering products; organizing user conferences; passionate about the founder persona; working with companies building future products to improve efficiency. [00:09:11] Validating need, building team, obtaining practitioner validation. [00:11:31] Early validation, luck, and market analysis key. [00:15:42] LinkedIn is the best place to learn. Links: Saas Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/trace-space-raises-1-5-million-in-pre-seed-round | |||
| M3ter Raises $31M to Automate Invoicing for Usage-based Pricing Models | 20 Sep 2023 | 00:35:06 | |
Welcome to another exciting episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have very special guests who will reveal the secrets to seamless billing in usage-based pricing in the SaaS industry. [00:01:13] Early engineering career led to big data. Sold and built systems, worked with Griff. Specialized in complex IT systems for media companies. Expanded to work with Disney, AT&T, Liberty. Used basic tools like IBM, WebSphere, Oracle. [00:04:32] Usage based pricing pain points inspired Meta. [00:06:48] M3ter helps CFOs control pricing decisions, billing, and revenue through their platform, which consolidates data sources and provides real-time billing and revenue information. [00:13:29] Billing is difficult, revenue leakage is common, customer experience and continuous pricing are important. 00:15:47 Pricing agility and automation saves time, money. [00:20:15] M3ter excels at complexity, billing, and usage-based models. Ideal customers are mid-sized software companies. Key decision-makers are CFOs or product leaders. Primarily focused on North America and Western Europe. Rapidly expanding customer base in APAC. [00:24:34] Seed stage company, not established product-market fit. [00:28:40] Easier the second time around for founders. [00:29:34] Choose partners carefully; UK and US VCs helpful. [00:33:29] Customer case studies showing platform impact. Links: Griff Parry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/griffinparry/ Founder and CEO | |||
| Helping Sales and Marketing Teams Land Campaigns in Prospect Inboxes | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:19:11 | |
Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, Ben sits down with Vlad Podolyako, founder and CEO of Folderly. Vlad shares his background in entrepreneurship and his journey from running a successful B2B sales agency, Belkins, to creating Folderly, an email deliverability platform. [00:02:15] In 2019, email marketing faced a problem with low open and reply rates. The solution involved addressing domain infrastructure and using the right ESP provider. This led to the creation of Folderly, a service to help clients with similar issues. [00:05:28] Three customer profiles: beginners, knowledgeable, and advanced in sales and marketing. The most important is understanding email outreach consequences. [00:11:00] Our brand focuses on lead generation email marketing. We have successful outbound processes and also generate around 30% organic traffic. We educate customers on various acquisition channels and aim to expand our customer base. [00:13:46] Google for startups offers funding, mentorship, and camps for entrepreneurs. Applicants fly to Silicon Valley or Europe to share their background, experience, and technology. Interviews and data sharing determine acceptance. [00:15:51] Start with an MVP, gain traction with clients and case studies to attract partners and investors. Show progress, don't fake it. [00:19:07] Expressing gratitude and reciprocity. SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/folderly-receives-funding | |||
| $35M Raised to Acquire and Aggregate Salesforce Apps | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:27:42 | |
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, our host Ben sits down with James Gasteen, co-founder and CEO of Unaric, to discuss his experience in the SaaS space and his vision for building the largest suite of apps on the Salesforce platform. James shares insights on the importance of cross-selling, the value of bringing together different products under one vendor, and the unique approach of Unaric as a holding company that acquires ISVs. He also discusses their investment thesis and the criteria they look for in potential acquisitions. Have an app that you’d like to sell? Tune in to learn more about James' journey and the exciting future of Unaric. Let's dive in! [00:00:12] 13-year veteran in Salesforce, ISV merger success. [00:04:43] Holding company acquires small ISVs for growth. [00:07:43] Unaric established July 2022, 8-person team. [00:12:06] Raised funds, shifted focus to software company. [00:13:44] Be clear with messaging, understand investment history, timing. [00:18:42] 3 of us have 35 years experience. Initial conversations through network and conferences. Chief architect has certification that opens doors. Community oriented ecosystem. Careful portfolio building. Service space makes sense. Cross selling between industries and buyers. Building relationships and getting validation. [00:23:34] Building app suite, cross-selling, customer success approach. [00:26:44] Loads of events at Unaric.com, Dreamforce party. Links Saas Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/unaric-raises-35-million-in-seedround James Gasteen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgasteen/
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| $15M Raised to Revolutionize the Talent Assessment Space | 07 Sep 2023 | 00:37:34 | |
Welcome back to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Caitlin MacGregor, a true innovator in the field of talent assessment and CEO of Plum. Caitlin takes us on a journey through the evolution of her company and shares valuable insights into the intersection of science, technology, and human potential. Join us as we delve into the challenges Caitlin faced when bridging the gap between developers and psychologists, the power of accurate data in the world of psychometric assessments in 2023, and the importance of creating a symbiotic relationship between individuals and employers. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in revolutionizing talent practices and boosting organizational success. Stay tuned! HIGHLIGHTS 00:00:48 Studied international development, became successful entrepreneur. 00:05:09 Focused on SMBs, solved data pain point, scaled to enterprise customers. 00:10:15 Myers Briggs not valid, use KPIs instead. 00:13:43 Too many limitations, needing better ways: Plum. 00:18:55 Large enterprises struggle with talent competition and distributed workforces. Retention and diversity are top priorities. 00:24:57 Navigating committees and stakeholders in procurement. 00:27:23 Talent platform gets funding from Pearson Ventures. 00:30:17 Fundraising is about finding believers and derisking. 00:34:51 Expanding team, empowering individuals, serving enterprises. LINKS Caitlin MacGregor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinmacgregor/ Plum.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plum-io/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/plum-raises-6-million-in-funding Ben Murray’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray/ | |||
| $6M Raised to Power the Future of Human Development Through AI and Data | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:20:36 | |
Join us for an insightful chat with Michelle Duval, the dynamic founder and CEO of Fingerprint, as we explore her journey from pioneering one of the world's first coaching firms to creating an AI-powered tool for understanding cognitive biases and motivational traits at work. Listen in as Michelle discusses the freemium user acquisition strategy and the success story of how Canva integrated Fingerprint into their onboarding process. In the second part of our conversation, Michelle sheds light on the capital raising process, having secured AU $9 million to date, and the crucial milestones that guided their fundraising. She offers valuable advice to SaaS founders about understanding investors and knowing the key metrics that drive a business. Don't miss out on Michelle's insights about the future of Fingerprint and their mission to make human development accessible through conversational generative AI. -Founded 2017 -Staff of 43 -Around 1M ARR -HQ in New Zealand but remote first -6.5M USD raised to date Subscribe to Ben's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page Fingerprint Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fingerprint-for-success/ Michelle Duval's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleduval1/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fingerprint-for-success-f4s-raises-au-5-million-in-seed-round | |||
| $18M Series A to Optimize the Lead to Renewal Go-to-market Motion | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:26:14 | |
Sightfull, a San Francisco, CA & Tel Aviv, Israel-based company enabling strategic analysis of business data at scale, announced that it raised $18 million in series A funding. I interviewed Noam Liran, co-founder and CEO at Sightfull. Noam has spent most of his career in cybersecurity. He worked at a company that was acquired by Microsoft and then spent three years at Microsoft in R&D. Sightfull’s round was led by Dell Technologies Capital, with the participation of Norwest Venture Partners and Tiger Global. The new investment brings total funding to $24 million and will accelerate product development, meet increasing market demand, and expand the Sightfull team across multiple departments. Sightfull enables SaaS companies to quickly analyze vast amounts of complex business data to test and adjust their go-to-market strategies continuously. - HQ in SF and Tel Aviv - Founded in September 2020 - Staff of 30 - $24M Raised Noam Liran’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noamliran/ Sightfull’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sightfull/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sightfull-raises-18-million-in-series-a Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| Management Consultant Raises $7.5M to Level Up Presentations and Storytelling | 11 Aug 2023 | 00:27:36 | |
Chronicle, a San Francisco-based startup that provides a presentation platform, raised $7.5 million in seed funding. I interviewed Mayuresh Patole, founder at Chronicle. He has a background in management consulting. Mayuresh was great at creating presentations but knew there was a better, faster way to tell stories in the business world. Chronicle was created to solve two main problems. The first is that creating slides is time-consuming because many presentation tools expect users to be visual designers, and most are not. The second is that the results are usually unappealing and static. The seed round was co-led by Accel and Square Peg, with participation from angel investors from Apple, Google, Meta, Slack, Stripe, Superhuman, OnDeck, Adobe, and others. - Founded in 2021 - Staff of 15 - $7.5M raised - Investors value authenticity Mayuresh Patole’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayuresh-patole/ Chronicle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chroniclehq/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/chronicle-raises-7-5-million-in-seed-round Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| $5M Raised to Improve Revenue Forecasts for Mobile Gaming Apps | 03 Aug 2023 | 00:22:54 | |
Ramp, a London, UK-based forecasting analytics startup transforming how global finance teams plan for the future, raised $5 million in seed funding. I interviewed Dan Marcus, co-founder and CEO at Ramp. Dan is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for SaaS. Ramp is helping mobile gaming apps forecast revenue more accurately. The round was led by AlbionVC and Eurazeo with participation from Triple Point Ventures and angel investors including Barnaby Hussey-Yeo, CEO at Cleo, and Stephane Kurgan, Ex-COO at King.com, among others. Ramp is a user and revenue forecasting startup that is transforming how global finance teams plan for the future. It uses an opinionated view of modeling the interactions between the different levers of a business and with additional models to optimize inputs such as seasonality and live ops. - Founded 2018 - HQ in the UK - Staff of 34 - Passing $1M ARR - Raised $5M Dan Marcus’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dansmarcus/ Ramp’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rampgrowth/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/ramp-closes-5-million-in-seed-round Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| Data Scientist Raises €1.5M to Automate the Evaluation and Debugging of AI and LLM | 31 Jul 2023 | 00:21:19 | |
Giskard, a Paris, France-based software startup specializing in artificial intelligence quality, raised €1.5 million in a funding round led by Elaia with participation from investors including Bessemer Venture Partners. I interviewed Alex Combessie, co-founder and CEO at Giskard. Alex started his career in finance and loved the data part of finance and strategic consulting. He went back to school for data science and became a software engineer and data scientist. Giskard’s AI Test product allows for the building of automated tests on AI models to measure critical quality criteria, including ethics, robustness, and efficiency. Angel investors including Christine Balagué (Founder of Good in Tech), Julien Chaumond (CTO of Hugging Face), Oscar Salazar (Founding CTO of Uber), Nathalie Gaveau (Co-Founder of PriceMinister), Charles Gorintin (CTO of Alan), Nick Hernandez (CEO of 360Learning), Vincent Huguet (CEO of Malt), Shéhérazade Semsar de Boisséson (CEO of McCourt Global), Chris Schagen (ex-CMO of Contentful) and Victor Coisne (VP Marketing of Strapi) also participated in the round. The investment will provide the startup with the firepower to engage in a sustained recruitment drive that will welcome additional talent to develop and commercialize its offer while venturing into new fields including computer vision, time series, and generative AI models. - Founded 2021 - HQ in Paris - Staff of 12 - 1.5M Pre-seed Round Alex Combessie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcombessie/ Giskard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexcombessie/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/giskard-raises-1-5-million-in-funding Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| $13M Raised to Found a Modern Accounting and Financial Platform | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:27:08 | |
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Jonathan Sanders, the co-founder and CEO of Light. With an impressive background that includes working in finance and co-founding successful startups like Pleo and Junie, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to the table. We dive into Jonathan’s journey from the finance world in London to founding multiple startups, culminating in his latest venture, Light—a smart financial platform designed to simplify and modernize global finance operations for tech-driven, multinational companies. Jonathan shares insightful details about what sets Light apart, including its modern database architecture on AWS, its intuitive user interface, and seamless integrations with major platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot. Join us as we explore the challenges and innovations in the accounting software space, the importance of clean data during month-end closes, and the exciting future prospects for Light, including an ambitious goal of achieving one-hour month-end closes and the upcoming launch of their Light Command Interface. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, controller, or interested in the evolution of financial technology, you won’t want to miss this episode! Show Notes: 00:00 Modern, cloud-hosted, simplified, fast, accounting ledger platform. 07:14 Fast, scalable AI-driven general ledger for clean data. 11:05 Partner for bookkeeping and scaling multinational finance functions. 14:54 Identifying companies transitioning to multinational operations. 17:18 Raised $13M to create scalable accounting products. 20:08 Partner with experts, plan indirectly, prove concepts, learn. 24:05 AI-driven automation for seamless operations and strategy. 25:59 Natural language simplifies complex accounting transactions. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/light-raises-13-million-in-funding Jonathan Sanders’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-sanders/ Light’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uselightinc/ Light’s Website: https://light.inc/ 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 | |||
| $8M Raised to Help 300K Freight Forwarders Digitize Their Workflow | 20 Jul 2023 | 00:17:25 | |
Wisor AI, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based advanced freight booking software solution, raised an $8 million seed round led by Team8. I interviewed Raz Ronen, Co-founder and CEO Wisor. Raz served in the Israeli Air Force special forces and then jumped right into startup life. Wizor is changing the way global freight is moving around the world by helping freight forwarders automate route planning, pricing, booking, payments, and more. Other investors who participated in the round included Ocean Azul and Hico Investment Group, as well as pre-seed investors fresh.fund, Atooro Fund, The Dock, Seed IL Ventures, and Izaki Ventures. The funding will expedite Wisor’s mission to digitize the global supply chain industry and empower freight forwarders to plan, price, and book a shipment in seconds instead of hours or days.
Raz Ronen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raz-ronen/ Wisor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wisorai/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/wisor-ai-raises-8-million-in-seed-round Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| $8M Raised to Help Revenue Operations Expand Existing Customers | 15 Jul 2023 | 00:19:01 | |
Coho AI, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based product-led revenue platform raised $8.5 million in seed funding. Coho AI is a product-led revenue platform that enables companies to maximize the revenue potential of their user base. I interviewed Itamar Falcon, co-founder and CEO at Coho AI. Itamar was born raised in Israel and has experience in product management and engineering. Coho AI helps established companies that have reached product-market fit evolve into product insight-driven businesses. Coho AI shows companies that a product-led growth (PLG) methodology can be applied to a wide range of SaaS companies and at different stages of the customer lifecycle. The round was led by Eight Roads, TechAviv, and a select group of angel investors, including company co-founder Ariel Maislos, Shlomo Kremer, Natan Linder, and other high-profile founders. With this funding, Coho AI allows to further build its platform that accelerates growth for B2B SaaS companies by effectively “lifting the hood” on their customer usage data.
Itamar Falcon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itamar-falcon/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/coho-ai-secures-8-5-million-in-seed-round Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| $6M Raised to Help Digital First Teams Understand How They Leverage Their Technology and Time | 08 Jul 2023 | 00:27:32 | |
Produce8, a Vancouver, BC, Canada-based SaaS startup that provides distributed and digital-first teams real-time visibility into the work getting done across all their business apps, raised $6 million in funding. I interviewed Joel Abramson, CEO and co-founder at Produce8. Joel has a strong background in IT managed services and more recently as a partner at Top Down Ventures. Produce8 is a digital work analytics platform. It helps teams understand how they leverage their technology and time to improve performance and protect employee wellbeing. Produce8 plans to launch into the IT services market at the start of 2023 with expectations to expand across other industry verticals in quick succession.
Joel Abramson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelabramson/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/produce8-raises-6-million-in-funding Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| £250K Pre-seed Round to Drive Conversion Rates Up in Fashion Ecommerce | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:16:30 | |
Vestico, a London, UK-based fashion tech startup that uses AI to help online shoppers find the perfect sizes and shades while buying a product, secured £250,000 in funding. I interviewed Maddie Forman, co-founder and CCO at Vestico. She is a first-time founder with a strong sales background at Diageo. She met one of her co-founders, Maia Sasania, while getting her MBA. Vestico is an all-in-one content, sizing, and personalization platform for fashion and beauty eCommerce. Type in your body measurements to see how fashion fits your body type. They are doing the same thing for the beauty industry. The investment came from the early-stage-focused London-based venture capital firm Jenson Funding Partners. The funds will be used to develop its technology further and transform the next generation of e-commerce. The company has already partnered with the Spanish fashion label Desigual and plans to expand its service to include more international brands over the next year.
Maddie Forman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-forman/ Vestico’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vestico-co/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vestico-raises-250-000-in-funding Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben Murray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| $70M Raised to Help Companies Nail Partner Channel Management | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:29:27 | |
Zift Solutions, a Cary, NC-based provider of Partner Relationship Management (PRM) and Through-Channel Marketing Automation (TCMA) software, recently announced that it raised $70 million in funding. I interviewed Gordon Rapkin, CEO of Zift Solutions. Gordon is a serial CEO, and it shows in his knowledge, experience, and insight. He is a 5X CEO. The round was led by Investcorp Technology Partners (“ITP”) with participation from existing institutional investors Arrowroot, Oxx, SSM, and AshGrove Capital. Zift will use the $70M to invest in its go-to-market engine, marketing awareness, new geographies, and in innovation. It takes twice as long as you think to raise capital according to Gordon, but he saw improving SaaS metrics, win rates, and a repeatable sales process.
Gordon Rapkin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordonrapkin/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/zift-solutions-raises-70-million-in-funding Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| €1M Raised to Protect Your Ecommerce Revenue Operations | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:29:38 | |
Revend, an Antwerp, Belgium-based company that provides a SaaS e-commerce tool to defend your e-commerce revenue, raised €1 million in seed funding. Revend protects risks posed against your revenue. The round was led by Pitchdrive, with participation from Seeder Fund and business angel Pieter Casneuf. I interviewed Peter Wellens, co-founder and CEO at Revend. Peter is a commercial engineer by trade. He’s founded several companies in the solar and social network spaces. Peter wanted to raise from a position of strength. He landed trial customers that potential investors could speak to. The funds will be used to hire additional engineering talent and prepare for a full release to the broader market. The company also received a grant from the federal government that supports the development of AI and innovative technology.
Peter Wellen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterwellens/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/revend-raises-1-million-in-seed-round Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| SaaS Founder Wants 3 Warm Leads Per Investor to Hit 3M ARR | 03 Jun 2023 | 00:17:39 | |
KYP is a risk intelligence platform that delivers continuous, real-time partner monitoring and holistic intelligence. It recently announced an £800,000 pre-seed round. KYP is based in London. The investment was from US-based 1414 Ventures, BH Ventures, and some leading UK angel investors. I interviewed Alan Nagle, founder and CEO at KYP. Alan is originally from Dublin and has a long history in fraud prevention. KYP, or Know Your Partner, monitors supplier risk continuously rather than on a periodic basis. Alan states that investors have opened a bunch of doors for new prospects. Get the leads and then attack with a repeatable founder-led sales model.
Alan Nagle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-nagle-9524941/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/kyp-raises-800-000-in-pre-seed-round Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page | |||
| $2.5M Raised to Help Digital Publishers Monetize Better | 13 May 2023 | 00:27:59 | |
Spiny creates software and solutions specifically designed for digital publishing businesses. They streamline business data, provide insights, and optimize revenue. I interviewed Nana Nyantekyi, Founder at Spiny.ai. Nana discusses his experience in the digital media startup industry and CBS Interactive, and how those experiences led him to create Spiny.ai. Spiny.ai facilitates easier data manipulation for publishers and allows them to use data to power their digital media businesses more effectively.
Nana Nyantekyi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nana-b-nyantekyi-3740aa103/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/spiny-ai-raises-2-5-million-in-funding Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray | |||
| $2.5M Pre-seed Round to Make Weather Forecasts More Accurate | 04 May 2023 | 00:21:35 | |
Jua's weather prediction model will provide a global one-kilometer square's worth of coverage every five minutes and can predict more than fifteen different weather-based parameters, including precipitation, air pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. I interviewed Andreas Brenner, Co-founder and CEO of Jua. He’s had a previous exit in fleet management software to Battery Ventures. Now, he’s tackling weather. Jua plans to provide startups, companies, government institutions, and researchers with the ability to create purpose-built weather models in a matter of hours. Jua is pre-revenue and experimenting with its ideal customer profile.
Andreas Brenner’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasbrenner/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/jua-raises-2-5-million-in-pre-seed-round Join my SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray | |||
| Triple Your Sales Rep Productivity with Digital Labor | 01 May 2023 | 00:20:39 | |
Saile, a Kansas City, MO-based startup that developed patent-pending AI technology that creates personality-driven sales robots known as “sailebots”, raised $1.35 million in seed funding. I interviewed Nick Smith, CEO and Founder at Saile. He’s leveraging his sales background to help sales reps triple their productivity. His current ideal customer profile is Fortune 1000 companies. Saile’s technology learns deeply about individual sales reps to boost their productivity. The round was led by Atlanta-based Valor Ventures, with participation by the KCRise Fund, a Kansas City-based venture capital firm.
Nick Smith's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nixmith/ Saile's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saile/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/saile-raises-1-35-million-in-seed-round Join my SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray | |||
| $2.5M Seed Round to Qualify High Lead Volumes in Telecom | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:35:14 | |
Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we dive deep into the financial strategies and innovations within the SaaS industry. In today's episode, our host Ben sits down with Paul Kleen, the founder of Pitchit, a pioneering company in the lead qualification space powered by AI. Since its inception in August 2022, Pitchit has transformed the way sales teams handle and prioritize leads, particularly in the telecommunications sector. Paul shares insights into the fully remote structure of Pitchit, their unique pricing model that moves away from traditional SaaS frameworks, and the company's impressive revenue metrics, ranging from hundreds of millions to billions annually. You'll hear about the innovative lead scoring system, the challenges and successes in fundraising, and the strategic go-to-market approaches that set Pitch It apart. This episode is a treasure trove of information for anyone navigating the SaaS landscape, providing a glimpse into how AI is disrupting traditional sales processes and the future of remote work. So grab your headphones and tune in to this enlightening conversation with Paul Kleen on The SaaS CFO Podcast. Show Notes: 00:00 AI agent qualifies leads and books meetings efficiently 03:57 We target telecommunications dealers selling to consumers. 09:28 Selling AI-based lead qualification service, not features. 11:24 Spam filtered, engagement evaluated, scored cold, warm, hot. 15:49 Human interaction in customer service remains indispensable. 18:29 Keynotes attract influencers, driving effective customer acquisition. 21:05 Niche-specific expos more valuable than broad ones. 23:48 Raised funds minimally to avoid potential pivots. 28:59 Product market fit measured by qualified leads. 32:55 Selected niche clients before publicly raising funding. 33:51 Start stealthily, refine product before advertising broadly. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/pitchit-raises-2-5-million-in-seed-round Paul Kleen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkleen/ Pitchit’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pitchitai/ Pitchit’s Website: https://www.pitchit.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 | |||
| $100M Raised to Automate Vendor Risk Management for B2B SaaS | 20 Apr 2023 | 00:21:04 | |
Laika (now Thoropass) provides a SaaS platform for companies to establish compliance practices to meet requirements from regulators and enterprise customers. The platform combines automated infosec workflows, audits, monitoring, and vendor diligence while subject matter experts support customers at every step of the compliance process. I interviewed Austin Ogilvie, the Co-CEO and Founder of Laika. He also founded YHAT, a machine learning infrastructure product, and worked at OnDeck Capital. Austin is self-taught in technical skills, primarily using Python, and his latest company is aimed at B2B software companies of all sizes. Austin shares his insights on the importance of understanding compliance requirements and implementing the right controls in a robust manner.
[00:00:22] Information security and compliance. [00:03:31] Vendor risk in enterprise customers. [00:07:23] Compliance in B2B SaaS. [00:13:51] Company's funding history. [00:14:48] SaaS fundraising lessons. [00:18:11] New information security standards. Austin Ogilvie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinogilvie/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/laika-raises-50-million-in-series-c Join my SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray | |||
| Spring Software M&A Update with Jim Williams | 18 Apr 2023 | 00:28:10 | |
I have a special edition of the show today. I recently attended a great software event co-hosted by GLC Advisors and a private equity firm. They provided the latest insights into what’s happening on the front lines of software M&A. I want to share these insights with my SaaS community, so I invited Jim Williams with GLC Advisors onto the show for a Spring M&A Update. We cover the following and more.
Jim Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-williams-5754953/ Join my SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray | |||
| $40M Raised to Make Developers Lives Easier | 13 Apr 2023 | 00:25:59 | |
Airplane, a San Francisco, CA-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) development platform, closed a $32 million Series B funding round led by Thrive Capital with participation from Benchmark, bringing the startup’s total raised to $40.5 million. I interviewed Ravi Parikh, Co-Founder at Airplane. He is also the former co-founder of Heap. Ravi is on a mission to automate the harder part of admin tools in applications. This is the behind-the-scenes code necessary to run your applications. Airplane has a sales and PLG led motion. His former founder background helped with current capital raises. Segment co-founder Calvin French-Owen, Confluent co-founder Neha Narkhede, former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman, Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch, Airtable co-founders Howie Liu and Andrew Ofstad, Allison Pickens from The New Normal Fund, Behance founder Scott Belsky, Jaren Glover, Gokul Rajaram, Liu Jiang, Comma Capital, and several others also participated in the round. The funds will be put toward growing Airplane’s team while expanding its product to new markets.
Ravi Parikh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raviparikh2/ SaaS Fundraising Story: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/airplane-raises-32-million-in-series-b Join my SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray | |||