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The SaaS CFO

Entrepreneurship

Ben Murray, The SaaS CFO, talks all things SaaS.

Location:

United States

Description:

Ben Murray, The SaaS CFO, talks all things SaaS.

Language:

English


Episodes
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€2M Seed Round to Calculate and Align Incentive Compensation for B2B Companies

5/21/2024
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! I'm your host, Ben, and today we have an exciting episode lined up for you. Joining us is Sergio Gonzalez, the co-founder and CEO of Remuner—a groundbreaking SaaS platform aimed at optimizing remuneration for sales and customer success teams. With a rich background in business management consulting and entrepreneurship, Sergio has already founded and successfully exited multiple companies across diverse sectors, including fintech, food delivery, and digital signature services. In this episode, Sergio shares his journey from consulting to launching his fifth venture, the vibrant startup scene in Barcelona, and how Remuner helps companies streamline their variable compensation processes through a no-code, cloud-based platform. We'll delve into Remuner's focus on customer-facing teams, their diverse customer base, fundraising insights, and the company's future. Whether you're a burgeoning SaaS founder or interested in innovative compensation solutions, this episode is packed with valuable insights you're going to love. So, let's get started! Show Notes: 00:00 Optimizing remuneration for growth with SaaS platform. 04:58 We connect with customer systems using out-of-the-box connections. 08:44 Complicated B2B SaaS business teams' compensation. 11:56 Started 5 months ago, pleased with traction. 15:53 September launch showed early traction, changed fundraising strategy. 18:53 Currently focused on user adoption and engagement. 20:02 Focus on executing, engaging customers, iterating efficiently. Links: SaaS Fundraisng Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/remuner-raises-2-million-in-pre-seed-round Sergio Gonzalez’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergiogonzalezgaspar/ Remuner’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remuner/ Remuner’s Website: https://remuner.com/en/ 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

Duration:00:21:24

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€3.75M Seed Round to Bring Product Management Methodology to Internal Data

5/16/2024
Welcome to this special episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we're delving into the cutting-edge world of data product management with Nadiem von Heydebrand, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Mindfuel. In today’s conversation, Nadiem shares his fascinating journey from working as a data scientist and consultant to leading a pioneering company that’s transforming how businesses manage and value their data initiatives. We'll explore the origins of Mindfuel, sparked by a crucial conversation about the necessity for a product mindset in the data industry. Nadiem will discuss the unique challenges and strategies in building Mindfuel’s groundbreaking SaaS application, which aligns data management with business opportunities and distinctly quantifies efforts in dollar values. Join us as we unpack the significance of UI/UX in their product Delight, learn about their recent fundraising success, and get insights into their ambitious expansion into the US market. Whether you're a manager, business professional, or just a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating the intricate landscape of SaaS and data product management. Show Notes: 00:00 Customer meeting triggered need to justify investment. 04:06 Friend became successful product manager; shared secret. 06:59 Data product management solves data management problems. 11:50 Discovered in 2020, invested in research. 15:23 Research, feedback, rejection, problem discovery, product development. 16:55 Second reason: tailored services for major enterprises. 21:02 Bootstrapped company with professional services, raised funding. 24:59 Understanding and justifying key performance indicators is crucial. 27:46 Excited for US market entry with support. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/mindfuel-closes-3-75-million-in-seed-round Nadiem von Heydebrand’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiemvh/ Mindfuel’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindfuelai/ Mindfuel’s Website: https://www.mindfuel.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

Duration:00:29:52

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$10M Raised to Help B2B SaaS Companies with Subscription Management

5/14/2024
Welcome back to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have an insightful conversation with Niclas Lilja, the founder and CEO of Younium. Niclas takes us on a journey through his extensive background in the SaaS and software industries, from his roots in Sweden to founding Younium, a company dedicated to subscription management and billing specifically for B2B SaaS and software companies. He delves into the niche needs of complex enterprise deals, the evolution of Younium, and shares expert insights into the challenges of fundraising, metrics that matter, and strategic growth. Stay tuned as Niclas gives us a peek into the future plans for Younium and his seasoned perspective on steering a SaaS company in today's competitive landscape. Show Notes: 00:00 Improved systems; created flexible enterprise solutions quickly. 03:49 Managing customer relationships, revenue processes, integration. 08:59 Maturing approach to software, more professional perspective. 12:11 B2B SaaS helps companies with external requirements. 15:22 Outbound and inbound marketing, events, customer focus. 19:12 Timing for fundraising, despite challenges. 23:14 Key metric: contracted ARR, expenses, cash flow. 25:09 CFO discusses contracted ARR, cash burn, runway. 27:38 Main channels for outreach: LinkedIn and website. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/younium-secures-2-76-million-in-funding Niclas Lilja’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niclas-lilja/ Younium’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/younium/ Younium’s Website: https://www.younium.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

Duration:00:28:20

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500K Euros Raised to Moderate Hateful Comments on Social Media

5/9/2024
Welcome to this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today’s insightful discussion, we are thrilled to have Jakob Šuster, the CEO and co-founder of Elv AI, join us. Jakob shares his fascinating journey into the world of SaaS, which began quite unexpectedly from a background in economics and political science. He delves into how Elv AI evolved from a CSR initiative in response to the increase in toxic online comments during the Ukraine crisis of 2022. We’ll explore Elv AI’s unique approach that combines artificial intelligence with human moderation to manage and filter online content, making digital spaces safer and more respectful. Jakob also discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting and scaling a tech business in Central Europe, touching on funding, customer acquisition, and future expansions. Whether you’re interested in the intricacies of content moderation, SaaS business strategies, or startup growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Join us as we uncover how Elv AI is tackling one of the internet's most pressing issues through innovative technology and strategic market approaches. Show Notes: 00:00 Media and public institutions struggled with toxic comments. Solution was to hire people, but not scalable. 04:09 Flexible content moderation integrates AI and human moderators. 07:28 Expanding tech company focused on smaller countries. 10:53 EU Digital Services Act mandates online content moderation. 14:03 Focus on real problem to build product. 16:59 Expressing gratitude and requests for future engagement. Links: Jakub Šuster’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakub-suster/ Elv.AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elv-ai/ Elv.AI’s Website: https://elv.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

Duration:00:17:31

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Lawyer Turned Founder Raises $6M to Improve Procurement in the Construction Industry

5/7/2024
Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we explore the journeys of innovative founders in the tech world. Today, we're thrilled to have Alastair Blenkin, CEO and founder of Procure Pro, join us. Alastair, a former lawyer turned tech entrepreneur, shares his transition from law to launching his own SaaS company. We dive into the challenges and pivots along his journey, especially how his first startup adapted and evolved into Procure Pro during the unpredictable waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tune in as Alastair discusses the nuances of building a procurement software aimed at revolutionizing the construction industry, their strategic funding rounds, and the road ahead for Procure Pro. Show Notes: 00:00 Former real estate lawyer launched software platform. 03:18 Managing complex construction projects through specialized software. 08:22 Construction industry embraces practical solutions, sees opportunities. 11:20 Focus on mid to enterprise market, not mega. 15:00 Heavy R&D, enterprise product, angel investment, strategic growth. 18:35 Prepare market sizing and pricing model early. 19:23 Prioritize growth rate for billion-dollar business success. 22:27 Strategic focus on building a successful business. Links: Alastair Blenkin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastairblenkin/ Procure Pro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procurepro/ Procure Pro’s Website: https://procurepro.co/ 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

Duration:00:24:38

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$2.5M Seed Round to Bring Social Video Intelligence to Big Brands

5/2/2024
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today’s episode, we delve into the intriguing world of video analytics with our guest Chelsie Hall, CEO of Viral Moment. With a rich background in tech and product management, Chelsie brings a wealth of experience to the fore, having worked with the Department of Defense and Department of State before venturing into entrepreneurship. Today, she’s here to discuss how Viral Moment, a B2B SaaS platform, leverages cutting-edge AI to decode the complexities of video content on social media platforms, offering brands unprecedented insights into viral trends and the effectiveness of their digital marketing strategies. Join us as we explore the challenges and breakthroughs in video analytics and what the future holds for digital content visibility. Show Notes: 00:00 Tech career, product management, own companies, video understanding. 05:24 Paradigm shift in social media entertainment. 07:45 Rapid changes in market create revenue opportunities. 11:34 Focus on product, customers, solve real problem. 13:56 Exciting time for AI and social video. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/viralmoment-raises-2-5-million-in-seed-round Chelsie Hall’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsie-hall/ ViralMoment’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viralmoment/ 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

Duration:00:15:34

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$34M Raised to Build Integrations Faster for B2B Software Companies

4/30/2024
Welcome to this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, where today we're thrilled to have Michael Zuercher, CEO and co-founder of Prismatic, join us. Michael will share his journey from running a successful software startup for 16 years and encountering numerous integration challenges, to founding Prismatic, a company focused on simplifying integrations for other software companies. Today, Prismatic is distinguishing itself in the SaaS space by offering an embedded integration platform that enhances software interoperability. Michael will discuss the evolution of Prismatic, its services, the unique challenges of the SaaS integration landscape, and insights from their recent funding rounds. We'll dive deep into the strategic approaches Prismatic is using to scale their operations and their plans for future growth. Join us for an enlightening conversation that promises to shed light on the complexities and innovations within the SaaS integration sector. Show Notes: 00:00 Prismatic helps SaaS companies with product integration. 03:20 SaaS integration aims to reduce non-unique work. 09:13 Prismatic raised Series B earlier than expected. 10:29 Current environment may bring success with adaptability. 14:54 Two pricing components: subscription and usage-based fees. 16:18 Exciting growth, new category, product announcements ahead. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/prismatic-raises-22-million-in-series-b Michael Zuercher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-zuercher/ Prismatic’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prismatic-io/ Prismatic’s Website: https://prismatic.io/ 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

Duration:00:17:26

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3x Revenue Growth Creating Business and Personal Images with AI

4/25/2024
Welcome to this exciting episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we dive into the groundbreaking world of AI-driven photography with William Wu, the innovative CEO of Artisse. Today, William will share his journey from a finance professional at McKinsey to spearheading a tech startup that's revolutionizing how we think about and use photographs. With Artisse’s cutting-edge technology, users can generate hyper-realistic photos of themselves in myriad scenarios with just a few clicks. Whether it’s for personal use on social media or professional deployment in fashion, tourism, or online dating platforms, Artisse is setting new standards in the image-centric digital landscape. Join us as we explore the business model, the fascinating technology behind it, and the ambitious growth plans that are setting Artisse apart in the booming AI industry. Show Notes: 00:00 Studied finance, worked at McKinsey and Oaktree. 03:48 AI makes photo creation easy for users. 09:50 Top 1% user spends $1000, retention and revenue high. 12:45 App Store fee not a major factor. 17:00 Seek experienced and convicted industry leaders. 19:03 Focused on scaling business in various markets. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/artisse-ai-secures-6-7-million-in-seed-round William Wu’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-wu/ Artisse AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artisseai/ Artisse AI’s Website: https://artisse.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

Duration:00:20:27

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$9M Raised to Improve the Healthcare Ecosystem

4/23/2024
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast, everyone! Today's episode features a fascinating conversation with our special guest Ramesh Rajentheran, CEO and founder of Miya Health. With an impressive background that spans from practicing medicine to investment banking, Ramesh has navigated an extraordinary path leading to the inception of his company. After leaving a promising career to become a stay-at-home dad following personal tragedy, he was inspired to fix critical issues in patient care and health insurance which led to the birth of Miya Health. Ramesh shares how his platform not only connects patients to the right doctors at the right time but also strives to improve the efficiency of health insurers alike. Despite starting his company just before COVID, Ramesh has secured nearly $10 million in fundraising and has set his sights on impacting the health insurance of 100 million people. Tune in to learn about Miya Health's journey, their challenges in the health tech industry, and the vision that drives their expansion and innovation. Show Notes: 00:00 Left high-flying job to build healthcare solution. 04:05 Big insurance core systems handle data distribution. 09:51 Efficient company strategy in challenging funding environment. 13:23 Bootstrapping not feasible, needed capital for fundraising. 14:40 Validating technology, seeking investors across industries, mission-focused. 19:31 Expanding market, funding, R&D, talent focus. 21:15 Appreciate Miya health, connect with Ramesh. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/miyahealth-raises-pre-series-a-extension Ramesh Rajentheran’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramesh-rajentheran-723248/ Miya Health’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miya-health/ 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

Duration:00:21:31

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2.5M Pre-seed Round to Accelerate the Top of Funnel for SaaS Companies

4/18/2024
Welcome to a new episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to sit down with Steven Nelemans, the innovative founder and CEO of Luna AI. In a candid conversation, Steven walks us through his personal journey from a young electrical engineering student in the Netherlands to dropping out at 19 and venturing into entrepreneurship. With insights into his first startup and the transition from technical roles to CEO duties, Steven sets the scene for the inception of Luna AI. Luna AI enters the market as a game-changer with its all-in-one B2B sales platform specializing in top-of-funnel sales processes. Steven shares how their AI-driven solution not only sources leads but crafts compelling, personalized sales copy to empower SDRs and AEs with efficiency and improved performance. Amid robust growth plans, Steven reveals Luna AI's strategic focus on the unique challenges of SaaS companies, touching on the pivotal role of Luna's technology in the quick-scaling phase when companies bring in their first sales hires. With an international footprint and a multi-lingual platform, Luna AI's vision for the future is compelling, and Steven discusses their fresh approach to raising capital, delivering value, and expanding reach. Get ready for an episode packed with valuable takeaways on product-led growth, the drive for innovation in sales strategy, and the importance of keeping customers at the core of all endeavors. It’s an illuminating peek behind the curtain of Luna AI, right here on The SaaS CFO Podcast! Show Notes: 00:00 Ideal customer for growing SaaS companies. 05:03 Jamco forecasts are open to non-SaaS companies. 09:22 Dynamic AI market challenges early revenue generation. 12:30 Small companies buy software; sales hire crucial. 15:12 Raised precede round to buy time and focus. 17:35 Efficient fundraising strategy yields better investor deals. 20:02 Planning and building for future growth and success. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/luna-ai-secures-2-5-million-in-pre-seed-round Steven Neleman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-nelemans/ Luna AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getluna-ai/ Luna AI’s Website: https://luna.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

Duration:00:21:38

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4.3M Seed Round to Automate Enterprise Application Testing

4/16/2024
Welcome to another insightful episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast where we dive deep into the world of test automation and intent automation with a rising star in the tech industry. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Jonas Menesklou, the CEO and co-founder of Ask UI, a company at the forefront of leveraging machine learning to simplify and enhance software testing. Jonas will share his journey from university in Karlsruhe, Germany, directly into entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that led to the birth of Ask UI with his computer scientist co-founder. You'll hear about their unique approach to solving the perennial challenges of test automation in large enterprises and how Ask UI is changing the game by allowing software tests that sound good to be just as good when automated. Jonas will discuss the company's current trajectory, their focus on large enterprise customers, particularly those dealing with Windows software, and how usage metrics drive their business decisions. Moreover, Jonas opens up about the fundraising landscape, their successful seed round of €4.3 million, and the strategic importance of preparing for investment opportunities. As Ask UI gears up for an exciting 2024, they're not only enhancing their product but also expanding their sales team, with Jonas transitioning from founder-led sales to building a sales engine that can operate independently. Join us as we unpack the exciting journey of Ask UI, explore the challenges they've overcome, and the milestones they're chasing. Whether you're a SaaS enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the developments in test automation, this is an episode you don't want to miss! Show Notes: 00:00 Automating testing process and raising initial funds. 03:10 Test automation for enterprise software applications. 09:17 Evaluating software, targeting customers, confident in progress. 11:10 Prepare thoroughly for a successful fundraise. 13:40 Striving for repeatable revenue through efficient sales.’ Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/askui-raises-4-3-million-in-seed-round Jonas Menesklou’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menesklou/ Ask UI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/askui/ Ask UI’s Website: https://www.askui.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

Duration:00:14:58

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Investment Banker Turned Founder is Revolutionizing the Individual Credit Score Space

4/11/2024
Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we dive into the fascinating story of Deepak Shrivastava, the founder and CEO of Sunrise AI. In this episode, we'll unravel Deepak's journey from the world of investment banking to becoming a CFO and entrepreneur. He shares his profound insights into the appeal of SaaS revenue models, steering through the complexities of the tech industry, and his experiences in steering a travel tech company during the uncharted territories of the pandemic. Deepak gives us an inside look into his latest venture, Sunrise AI, an innovative company that's shaking up the fintech space with AI-powered credit and due diligence services. Listen in as he discusses the challenges outdated credit assessment methods present and how his company aims to revolutionize this space with technology that's more inclusive and fits the modern economic realities. Join us as Deepak opens up about the early stages of building Sunrise AI, from securing initial funding to navigating go-to-market strategies. His perspective on the importance of storytelling in fundraising and the strategic emphasis on validating his product in the market offers invaluable lessons for any startup founder. As we probe into the operational side of a new venture, Deepak also discusses team dynamics, pricing strategies, the power in targeting a niche initially but keeping options open for adjacent markets, and the critical metrics he's using to steer Sunrise AI towards success. Don't miss out as we explore Deepak's vision for a fairer credit system—one that breaks free from traditional bias and strives for inclusivity. So tune in, as we unpack the story of a SaaS entrepreneur set on making a significant impact in the fintech world. Show Notes: 00:00 CFO with background in investment banking, tech, SaaS. 05:41 Credit reporting for landlords beyond traditional methods. 07:05 Corporations as individuals, assessing credit risk, SMBs. 10:20 Seeking mid-market property owners for prop tech. 15:13 Study collected data, predicted rent payment accuracy. 17:07 Struggles with capital, storytelling, and investor alignment. 19:17 Metrics and marquee brands validate market receptivity. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sunrise-ai-secures-pre-seed-funding-round Deepak Shrivastava’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-shrivastava-3baa12/ Sunrise AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunrise-ai/ Sunrise AI’s Website: https://www.sunrise.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

Duration:00:22:27

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$276M Raised to Democratize Rebate Management in the Supply Chain

4/9/2024
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we're sitting down with Andrew Butt, the co-founder and CEO at Enable, a revolutionary B2B SaaS platform designed to streamline rebate management in the supply chain. Andrew's journey from building custom software for businesses to spearheading a category-defining platform offers a treasure trove of insights. With a background that marries application development with an acute understanding of business mechanics, Andrew is a seasoned entrepreneur now leading his third company. In a candid conversation with our very own Ben, Andrew delves into the intricate world of rebates — a space he both dominates and continuously innovates within. He shares the compelling growth story of Enable, which has expanded rapidly to a robust size of over 600 team members and a remarkable multi-fold increase in ARR year-over-year. The duo also tackles the ever-important topic of fundraising, with Enable having recently completed a significant round that puts them well on the track towards an ambitious public offering. Andrew's practical wisdom on achieving product-market fit, honing in on vital go-to-market strategies, and balancing growth with efficiency makes this episode a must-listen. Are you ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of revolutionizing rebate management and building a SaaS platform that scales? Join us as we explore the enablement journey through Andrew's exceptional leadership at Enable. Show Notes: 00:00 Creating new market, already market leader. 04:46 Creating custom software for clients' unique needs. 08:33 CFO crucial in managing company's finances effectively. 11:14 Consistent growth, strong retention, huge market potential. 14:39 Achieved product-market fit, successful revenue growth. 17:17 Transitioned from launch to focus and scale. 20:30 Focus on growth, efficiency, and customer success. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/enable-raises-120-million-in-series-d Andrew Butt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awbutt/ Enable’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enable-software/ 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

Duration:00:21:39

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$6M Raised to Bring Family Office Technology to the Private Investor

4/4/2024
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast, and in this episode, we're thrilled to host Litan Yahav, the insightful co-founder and CEO advisor who brings his vast experience into the spotlight. From his roots in the Israeli Navy to his entrepreneurial venture in the diamond industry and his passive investment endeavors, Litan has a multifaceted background that is sure to captivate our listeners. Today, we'll delve into his latest venture with Vyzer, a groundbreaking SaaS platform designed to automate and streamline the wealth management process for those with enough complexity but not enough to warrant a family office. Litan will unveil the unique challenges and solutions of managing private investments, the evolution of Visor's ideal customer profile, and their go-to-market strategies. We'll also get an insider perspective on their recent fundraising efforts, the transition from beta to launch, and what the future holds for Vyzer in their quest to democratize financial management. So, buckle up for a deep dive into a world where technology meets personal finance, and learn how Litan and his team are reshaping the way we manage our wealth. Show Notes: 00:00 Automating financial management for high net worth individuals. 05:14 ICP target expanded to diverse wealth levels. 08:47 Beta testing, iterating, launch with client feedback. 11:16 Online acquisition from various platforms, affiliate marketing, partners. 15:33 Raising money can be tough, but learn. 17:10 Focus on financial metrics for business growth Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vyzer-raises-6-3-million-in-seed-round Litan Yahav’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/litanyahav/ Vyzer Finance’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vyzerfinance/ Vyzer’s Website: https://vyzer.co/ 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

Duration:00:20:03

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VC Turned SaaS Founder Raises $6M for Legaltech Startup

4/2/2024
In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we sit down with Tanguy Chau, co-founder and CEO of Paxton AI. Tanguy shares his journey from being a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley to founding his own company. He discusses Paxton's generative AI legal and regulatory assistant, its target customers, go-to-market strategy, the challenges of selling to law firms, and the significance of generative AI technologies in the legal industry. Tanguy also shares insights about raising $6 million in seed funding and offers valuable advice for early-stage founders. Stay tuned to hear about the future of Paxton and the transformational impact of generative AI in the legal industry. Show Notes: 00:00 Paxton: AI legal assistant streamlines legal research. 06:21 Law firms adopting technology due to efficiency. 08:30 Focused on US statutes, rules, regulations, court rulings. 12:58 Early revenue shows need and repeatability achieved. 14:39 Adopt product growth strategy; focus on content. 20:51 Emphasizes finding unique, in-demand value. 23:53 Paxton's skills will shape future legal industry. 25:53 Learn more about Tanguy at Paxton AI. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/paxton-raises-6-million-in-seed-round Tanguy Chau’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanguychau/ Paxton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paxtonai/ 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

Duration:00:26:11

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College Dropout to 7M Followers to SaaS Founder

3/28/2024
Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, the essential listen for anyone captivated by the synergy of technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. Today's episode is an inspiring foray into the world of AI-powered content creation with a young visionary at its helm - Cole Gonzales, CEO of Ossa.AI. Join us as we chart Cole's remarkable journey from social media sensation to tech startup pioneer. With Ossa.AI, he's challenging the norms of content creation, supporting individuals to craft compelling stories with ease through advanced AI. We'll dive into the successes and struggles of launching and nurturing a technology startup, from early-stage beta testing to managing the growing pains of a promising new SaaS business. Buckle in for a deep dive with the minds behind Ossa.AI. We’ll peel back the layers on bootstrapping a business, engaging communities, and the strategic foresight needed to propel a SaaS company forward. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a SaaS aficionado, or someone fascinated by the potential of AI, this episode with Cole is sure to enrich your understanding of the cutting edge of content creation. Show Notes: 00:00 Started on social media, gained huge following. 03:11 School not for everyone; seeks self-guided education. 06:56 Started community on social media, grew large. 12:51 Iterative development of short form video product. 14:51 Product tested with beta group, achieved success. 17:37 Proving product works, gaining feedback, refining product. 21:48 Delay raising funds, focus on bootstrapping strategy. 24:51 Analyzing subscriptions, expenses, risks, and QuickBooks. 28:01 Focus on retention through understanding user demographics. 30:32 Versatile usage for diverse content creators explained. 33:42 Emphasizing front-end features for predictable output. Links: Cole Gonzales’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-gonzales/ Ossa.ai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ossa-ai/ Website: https://ossa.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

Duration:00:35:50

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$1.5M Seed Round to Automate Sales Prospect Meeting Notes and Action Items

3/26/2024
In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben welcomes Eric Xiao, founder and CEO of Laxis, to share insights about his background and the innovative AI copilot service provided by Laxis. Eric discusses his extensive experience in the software industry, including his transition from a venture investor to founding Laxis in 2020. He explains how Laxis offers AI-powered meeting note-taking, automatic email generation, CRM integration, and a chatbot for sales teams. Eric emphasizes that Laxis targets small to medium-sized businesses due to its affordability and essential functionality for automating sales processes. The conversation delves into Laxis' pricing model, market strategy, and the remote work dynamics of the Laxis team. Eric also provides valuable insights into his recent fundraising journey, the challenges faced during the capital raising process, and the shifting landscape of investor expectations for early-stage startups. Lastly, he shares a glimpse into the future of Laxis, highlighting the development of an AI agent. Tune in to discover more about Eric's journey with Laxis and the exciting developments on the horizon for this innovative AI-powered solution. Show Notes: 00:00 Fifteen years in software industry, including MBA. 04:09 Lexus software offers essential sales functionality, affordable. 09:40 Challenging year for oil entrepreneurs, strong growth. 12:21 SaaS fundraising expectations and standards are shifting. 13:39 Emphasizing user acquisition and retention for Laxis. Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/laxis-raises-1-5-million-in-seed-round Eric Xiao’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuai-xiao/ Laxis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laxis-tech/ Laxis’ Website: https://www.laxis.com/ Eric Xiao’s Email: eric at laxis.tech 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

Duration:00:15:03

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$6M Raised to Keep Your Programmatic API Keys Safe

3/23/2024
In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben speaks with Itzik Alvas, the co-founder and CEO of Entro Security. Itzik shares his extensive background in cybersecurity, including his experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity roles at the IDF and Microsoft. He provides valuable insights into the challenges companies face with securing and managing programmatic access keys, also known as secrets, and how Entro Security offers a complete solution to address this critical issue. Itzik discusses the target market for their solution, their sales cycle, and the lessons learned from their successful seed funding round. Listeners will gain valuable insight into the world of cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and the exciting future plans for Entro Security. Show Notes: 00:00 IBM and Verizon report on costly cyberattacks. 03:31 Regenerating keys is essential for security. 07:10 Co-founder experienced breaches, led to founding security company. 11:11 Easy SaaS integrations, quick findings and reports. 16:38 Validate, learn, improve, and go for it. 17:49 Mainly focused on ARR and CAC metrics. Links: Itzik Alvas’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itzik-alvas/ Nirit Icekson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirit-icekson-09999a/ Entro Security’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entro-security/ Entro Security’s Website: https://entro.security/ 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

Duration:00:19:22

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$10M Raised to Automate User Testing of ERP’s

3/21/2024
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

Duration:00:19:34

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1M Pre-seed Round to Revolutionize the Embedded Insurance Infrastructure

3/19/2024
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

Duration:00:19:30