Podcasts about saas metrics

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, Ben sits down with Rohit Bhadange, co-founder and CEO of Zamp—the operating system for sales tax compliance that's bringing much-needed visibility and automation to a traditionally complex space. From his roots in investment banking and private equity to launching Zamp in 2022, Rohit Bhadange shares how his team is reshaping compliance for the entire digital economy, serving everyone from early-stage SaaS founders to enterprises approaching $500 million in revenue. Learn how Zamp leverages AI and data transparency to drive operational leverage and win trust from both customers and accounting partners, resulting in rapid fundraising traction and a business growing 5–6x since their Series A. We'll discuss Zamp's approach to pricing, global expansion, customer acquisition strategies, and hear Rohit Bhadange's insight on SaaS growth metrics, operating leverage, and what sets a modern compliance platform apart. Whether you're a SaaS founder, CFO, or just fascinated by the evolving intersection of AI and finance, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Show Notes: 00:00 Targeting mid-sized enterprise customers 03:20 Expanding international market reach 09:26 Building in Stealth Mode 11:03 Choosing the Right Investors 14:01 Improving AI with Transparent Workflows 17:48 Outcome-based pricing strategy 21:27 Growth and efficiency improvements 23:30 Where to find Rohit online Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/zamp-bags-30m-in-total-funding Rohit Bhandage's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohitbhadange/ Zamp's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zamptax/ Zamp's Website: https://zamp.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

Join Ben Murray on The SaaS CFO Podcast as he welcomes Pac O'Shea, CEO and co-founder of Round Treasury. In this episode, Pac O'Shea shares his journey from fintech consulting to launching a SaaS company focused on automating finance operations for growing businesses. Discover how Round Treasury is using AI and automation to streamline cash management, accounts payable, and reporting, empowering CFOs and founders to save time and make smarter financial decisions. Pac O'Shea talks about building secure agentic workflows, the realities of raising capital in today's AI-driven market, and why transparency in pricing matters. Whether you're a finance leader or startup founder, you'll get practical insights into the future of back office automation, the challenges of scaling a SaaS company, and strategies for engaging with CFOs in a rapidly changing tech landscape. Show Notes: 00:00 Early treasury product for businesses 04:48 Building AI for Stable Coin Payments 07:38 Testing AI for banking tasks 13:13 Customer referrals and word-of-mouth 14:36 Discussing the pricing model update 17:40 Hiring focus and enterprise projects Links: Pac O'Shea's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pac-o-shea/ Round Treasury's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roundtreasury Round Treasury's Website: https://www.roundtreasury.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

Send us Fan MailWhat separates a strong operator from a true leader—and how do you scale success across multiple companies?In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, Joey Pinz sits down with seasoned tech executive Jim Lippie to break down decades of experience across MSPs, SaaS companies, and multiple successful exits. From early days in the MSP space to leading SaaS growth and navigating acquisitions, Jim shares practical insights on leadership, metrics that matter, and what most operators overlook.

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, Ben Murray welcomes Laina Chan, CEO and founder of MiAI Law, to discuss the intersection of legal expertise and cutting-edge AI. With a three-decade career as a construction law barrister and a background in mathematics, Laina Chan shares how her experiences led to building a platform that transforms legal research and risk management. Laina Chan explains how MiAI Law stands apart by replicating the way barristers think, offering precise, first-principles of legal analysis and verification—features now attracting judges, large law firms, and in-house counsel. She dives into the challenges of bringing AI into traditional legal workflows, recent fundraising wins, and the company's approach to value-based pricing given the high demands of AI inference. Looking ahead, Laina Chan talks about MiAI Law's rapid growth, its entry into the US market, and ambitious plans to reach $1 million in annual recurring revenue. Listen in for exclusive insights on building and scaling an AI-driven SaaS business in the evolving legal tech landscape. Show Notes: 00:00 Unexpected markets for legal tech 05:38 Legal document analysis tools 06:34 Legal risk management system overview 10:27 Testing error validation with a judge 13:58 Subscription pricing and package features 19:17 Microsoft partnership and Azure listing 20:40 Potential UK firm subscription 23:26 Crafting detailed reports Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/miai-law-secures-aud-2-million-in-funding Laina Chan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lainachanbarrister/ MiAI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miai-law/ MiAI's Website: https://miai.law/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray catches up with Anna Berger, founder and CEO of Trayd, to discuss the company's impressive journey from a $4.5 million seed round to a $10 million Series A in just a year. Anna Berger shares how Trayd sharpened its focus on serving union and prevailing wage contractors, leading to 600% revenue growth and a team expansion from 14 to 35 employees. She dives into the challenges of hiring, the evolution of their leadership team, and the company-wide embrace of AI tools to boost productivity. Listen in as Anna Berger discusses refining Trayd's go-to-market strategy, the metrics that matter most, and what it truly takes to scale a SaaS company in the construction tech space. Show Notes: 00:00 The Series A growth stage 06:08 Challenges of hiring staff 07:05 Teamwide AI tool integration 12:33 Understanding investor expectations 15:32 Organizing unstructured company data 17:56 Managing seasonal workforce needs 19:26 Staying resilient in tough times Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/trayd-raises-4-5-million-in-seed-round Anna Berger's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annajberger/ Trayd's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traydinc/ Trayd's Website: https://www.buildtrayd.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

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In today's episode, Ben sits down with Spiros Xanthos, founder and CEO of Resolve AI. With a robust background in developer tools and successful exits—including acquisitions by VMware and Splunk—Spiros Xanthos brings decades of insight from both startup and corporate environments. Now leading Resolve AI, he's pioneering agentic AI solutions designed to transform how enterprises maintain and operate production software. Spiros Xanthos shares candid lessons learned from building fast-growth, VC-backed companies, insights on fundraising strategy ($150M+ raised across Seed and Series A), and how the speed of AI innovation is reshaping company culture, product development, and go-to-market approaches. If you're curious about the latest in SaaS, AI-driven incident response, scaling a technical team, or outcome-based pricing, this conversation delivers practical wisdom for founders and finance leaders navigating today's rapid AI evolution. Show Notes: 00:00 Building developer tools and acquisitions 05:44 Challenges with data overload 07:06 Challenges in managing complex systems 11:00 Early self-funding decisions 13:23 Lessons from experience in startups 17:53 Building a Strong Brand 19:33 Expanding customer support team 24:19 Defining success metrics in AI tasks 26:42 Maintaining culture while scaling 29:48 Innovating with Multi-Agent Systems Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/resolve-ai-raises-125m-series-a-at-1b-valuation https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/resolve-ai-secures-35-million-in-seed-round Spiros Xanthos' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spiros/ Resolve AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/resolveai/ Resolve AI's Website: https://resolve.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

Send us Fan MailGuest: Anthony Nitsos, Founder of SaaS GurusA SaaS company doesn't become fundable because it's growing—it becomes fundable when the financial engine underneath that growth can withstand scrutiny.In this episode of SaaS Backwards, Anthony Nitsos, founder of SaaS Gurus, joins us to discuss what actually makes a SaaS company fundable. Revenue, customer growth, and cash in the bank are all important signals, but they do not always reveal whether the business is healthy, scalable, or ready for diligence.Anthony breaks down the difference between accounting and strategic finance, why ARR and NRR are often misunderstood, and how metrics like cash flow, CAC, and gross margin can give founders a clearer view of their company's health.Key takeaways:Why finance is forward-looking while accounting is backward-lookingThe five SaaS metrics every founder should understandHow ARR can be overstated through discounts, services, or transaction revenueWhy NRR is becoming more important to investors and acquirersHow strong financial infrastructure can improve fundability and valuation---Stalled pipeline? Lost deals? Diagnose your GTM gaps with a free, actionable checkup. 

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, Ben Murray sits down with Ankur Goyal, CEO and founder of Fibr AI, to explore the cutting edge of AI-powered web experiences in the B2B tech landscape. Ankur Goyal shares his journey from engineering and early roles at Nestle and startups, through an MBA at Stanford, to launching and exiting his first venture before starting Fibr AI. We'll dive into how Fibr AI transforms static websites into intelligent, campaign-driven experiences, helping heavily regulated industries like banking and healthcare boost conversion and personalize customer journeys. Ankur Goyal also opens up about raising $7.5 million in funding, lessons learned from multiple startups, and why clear alignment with investors is crucial in early rounds. Expect insights on enterprise SaaS go-to-market strategies, the realities of pricing complex AI products, and the operational metrics driving growth at Fibr AI. Whether you're a SaaS founder, finance leader, or just AI-curious, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and inspiration. Show Notes: 00:00 How Fiber AI started 03:41 Ensuring consistent web messaging 07:09 Entering B2B with banking clients 10:11 Raising funds with angel investors 15:30 Challenges with investor feedback 18:44 Explaining the pricing model 22:49 Tracking sales cycle duration 25:23 Focusing on internal scalability 26:46 Ending and show notes info Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fibr-ai-raises-7-5-million-seed-round Ankur Goyal's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurgoyal22/ Fibr AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fibrai/ Fibr AI's Website: https://fibr.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, Ben Murray sits down with Bobby Ocampo, Managing Partner at Blueprint Equity, for a candid conversation that flips the script—from founder journeys to the investor's perspective. Bobby Ocampo shares his path from physics major to private equity leader, and together they dive into what he calls the “missing middle” of growth equity investing. This discussion explores how the SaaS landscape is being redefined by AI, what investors now look for in SaaS and AI-driven businesses, and how founders can build defensible, vertical software companies in today's competitive market. If you've ever wondered how investment criteria are evolving—and what metrics, strategies, and AI trends matter most when raising capital—this episode offers actionable insights straight from the dealmaking front lines. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Growth Equity 05:30 Adopting AI in SaaS products 09:53 Building trust and community 10:27 Trust and support in software business 14:15 Early growth equity challenges 18:23 Challenges with AI Monetization 22:53 Valuation for legacy SaaS companies 25:10 Importance of AI in investments 29:47 What makes an investment attractive 31:02 Thinking about raising funds 34:43 Understanding venture capital returns 37:07 Discussing future growth strategies Links: Bobby Ocampo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bocampo/ Blueprint Equity's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blueprint-equity/ Blueprint Equity's Website: https://www.onblueprint.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

Today, we're joined by Dan Balcauski, Founder and Chief Pricing Officer of Product Tranquility, a consulting firm that helps high-volume B2B SaaS CEOs define pricing and packaging for new products. We talk about:How adding AI doesn't always increase valueThe growing importance of discerning what you should buildWhy you should expect to get the pricing of AI capabilities wrong out of the gateWhy charging per tokens is pouring sand in the gas tank of your GTM engine How it's also showing your customers your underpantsCommon bad pricing decisionsThis is Dan's second appearance on SaaS Scaled. You can watch his first episode, “Pricing is Simple, But Not Easy. Dan Balcauski Answers Hard Questions.

This is an Impact Pricing Blog published on February 23, 2026, turned into an audio podcast so you can listen on the go. Read Full Article Here: https://impactpricing.com/blog/why-ai-is-making-saas-metrics-grow-up/ If you have any feedback, definitely send it. You can reach us at mark@impactpricing.com.  Now, go make an impact.   Connect with Mark Stiving: Email: mark@impactpricing.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stiving/  

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! This episode features Agastya Samat, co-founder and CEO of Zeya Health, who shares his unique journey from leaving corporate law to launching a SaaS company focused on AI-powered solutions for outpatient clinics in Asia. Ben Murray and Agastya Samat dive into how Zeya is tackling the technical challenge of delivering customized patient engagement tools at scale, and how founder-led sales, strategic partnerships, and early revenue have fueled their rapid growth. The conversation covers key lessons from participating in the Antler startup residency program and sheds light on choosing the right pricing model, experimenting with product-market fit, and identifying the operational metrics that drive success. Agastya Samat also discusses building and scaling an engineering team, leveraging AI in both product development and business operations, and Zeya's ambitions for international expansion. If you're interested in SaaS, digital health, or startup growth, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh perspective. Show Notes: 00:00 Bringing AI to healthcare in Asia 03:35 Building outpatient clinic solutions 08:01 Changes in residency program approach 10:25 Experiences in the Antler program 16:45 Finding the right North Star metric 18:57 Using new models for marketing 20:50 Where to learn about Zeah Health Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/zeya-health-raises-575k-pre-seed Agastya Samat's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agastya-samat/ Zeya Health's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeya-health/ Zeya Health's Website: https://zeya.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

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Ryan Wenger, CEO and founder of In House, to discuss his fascinating journey from practicing law to building and selling a SaaS travel startup, and now, creating an AI-driven legal tech company. Ryan Wenger reveals how his experiences shaped In House's mission to make legal services affordable and accessible for small businesses. Ryan Wenger shares candid lessons about pivoting business models, the challenges of fundraising in today's SaaS landscape, and what it takes to reach product-market fit. He explains how In House leverages both AI and a network of legal experts to deliver smarter, safer legal solutions for SMBs and what operational metrics are driving their impressive growth. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, or interested in how SaaS and AI are reshaping traditional industries, you'll find this episode packed with practical insights. Tune in for a front-row view of the evolving world of SaaS, AI innovation, and startup growth strategies! Show Notes: 00:00 Starting a travel discovery app 05:29 Realizing the need for accessible legal help 06:53 Challenges with DIY legal solutions 10:28 Improving document requests with AI 16:03 Navigating VC fundraising challenges 18:04 Finding success in GPT Marketplace 21:00 Understanding users' legal needs 24:34 Using in-house AI Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/inhouse-raises-5-million-in-seed-round Ryan Wenger's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-wenger-2122a0a/ Inhouse's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inhouseai/ Inhouse's Website: https://www.inhouse.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

Join Ben Murray on The SaaS CFO Podcast as he interviews George Nichkov, CEO and founder of TaxNova. Hear how George Nichkov's journey from consulting and tech inspired him to solve R&D tax credit challenges for SaaS companies. George Nichkov shares how TaxNova uses AI to automate finance operations—streamlining tax claims, connecting with tools like JIRA and GitHub, and simplifying compliance across global markets. Say goodbye to spreadsheets and manual processes. If you're a SaaS founder or finance leader curious about leveraging global tax credits and AI-powered FinOps, this episode is full of insights you won't want to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 Considering a career change 03:50 Translating projects for accounting 07:24 Easy data integration for companies 12:14 Choosing venture capital for growth 14:04 Building early brand trust 16:57 Discussing data-driven tiered pricing 22:49 Building Pack Snow from scratch 26:05 Integrating JIRA with global offices 26:53 Promoting TaxNova resources online Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/taxnova-raises-1-million-in-funding George Nichkov's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichkov/ Taxnova's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taxnova-ai/ Taxnova's Website: https://taxnova.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

Kristen Beck, CEO and co-founder of Elly, shares her career path from being Trello's first revenue hire through leadership roles at Atlassian, Shogun, and Typeform, and explains why she returned to startups to build an AI-native recruiting platform. Elly focuses on capturing and learning from unstructured conversational data across hiring—from kickoff through interviews and debriefs—to help teams make better decisions, reduce time spent, and reveal patterns in successful hires. Beck outlines Elly's two main customer segments: high-volume employers (including manufacturing and home healthcare) and fast-growing startups, and describes how AI enables insights beyond basic efficiency gains. She discusses Elly's founding timeline, seed fundraising to $8M (Atomic incubation and Sorenson-led round), PLG-led growth via word of mouth, a free ATS with paid AI features using subscription-plus-usage pricing, and key metrics like K-factor and module adoption, with Elly headquartered in New York and a 10-person team. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome and Intro 00:08 Kristen Beck Career Path 02:07 What Ellie Does 03:01 Why Build Ellie 04:44 Ideal Customer Profiles 06:08 How AI Changes Recruiting 08:57 Founding Story and MVP 09:41 Seed Round and Investors 10:35 Why Raise vs Bootstrap 11:49 Fundraising Lessons in Crowded Markets 14:20 Go To Market and PLG 18:42 Pricing and Usage Model 20:39 Key Metrics and Virality 22:19 Team and 2026 Priorities 23:56 AI Makes Distribution Matter 25:31 Where to Learn More Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/elly-raises-8-million-in-funding Kristen Habacht's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-habacht-80288780/ Elly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellyai/ Elly's Website: https://www.elly.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, Ben Murray sits down with Ruth Bosse, founder and CEO of Ark Climate, a Munich-based SaaS company transforming how cities tackle climate action. With a background in politics, mathematics, computer science, and significant experience at McKinsey, Ruth Bosse brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology, climate, and government. We'll hear about the inspiration for Ark Climate, how the company rapidly built traction in the German market, the challenges and opportunities of selling SaaS to government entities, and their approach to fundraising and growth. Ruth Bosse also shares key lessons learned from launching a govtech startup, the importance of realistic sales forecasting, and her vision to expand Ark Climate into a broader government operating platform. Whether you're a SaaS founder, govtech enthusiast, or simply interested in the evolving world of climate solutions, this conversation is packed with candid insights on metrics, go-to-market strategies, and scaling impact-driven technology. Show Notes: 00:00 Starting a climate-focused company 06:29 Internal and external climate tools 08:04 Bootstrapping and pre-seed funding 12:02 Starting with cold calling 14:16 Why we stopped doing fairs 18:56 Expanding beyond climate tools 20:38 Closing remarks and future goals Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/ark-climate-raises-2-1m-pre-seed Ruth Bosse's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthbosse/ Ark Climate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ark-climate-technologies/?originalSubdomain=de Ark Climate's Website: https://www.ark-climate.de/en/homepage To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Hiren Hasmukh, founder of Teqtivity, an IT asset management platform serving organizations from startups to global enterprises. Hiren Hasmukh shares his journey from web and graphic design through custom software builds to leading a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS company with a global reach. Tune in as they discuss Teqtivity's product evolution, the deliberate decision to avoid fundraising, lean operations, go-to-market strategies, and what it takes to retain big-name customers—all while maintaining a laser focus on customer support and product excellence. If you're interested in SaaS growth, profitability, and scaling without external capital, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 Career path to Techtivity 03:20 Origin of the smart locker idea 08:40 Driving growth through word of mouth 11:35 Focusing on retention and value 14:50 Staying flexible with marketing Links: Hiren Hasmukh's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiren-teq/ Teqtivity's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teqtivity/ Teqtivity's Website: https://www.teqtivity.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

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, Ben Murray sits down with Yogi Goel, co-founder and CEO of Maxima AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the accounting function for scaling SaaS companies. With two decades of experience in finance—from auditing at Ernst & Young to leading through multiple SaaS IPOs—Yogi Goel brings deep operational insights into the struggle for accurate, timely, and efficient financial closes. We'll dig into the founding story of Maxima AI, the challenges of automating record-to-report processes, and the future of agentic platforms that seamlessly integrate into established ERPs like NetSuite, Dynamics, and Oracle. Yogi Goel also reveals Maxima's journey through fundraising, their rapid growth, and his perspective on SaaS financial metrics in the era of AI. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, controller, or founder curious about leveraging AI to ease regulatory pressure, reduce errors, and eliminate late nights for your accounting team, this episode is packed with practical insights and candid advice from the front lines of fintech innovation. Show Notes: 00:00 Identifying accounting challenges at scale 04:52 When Maxima is the right fit 08:10 Streamlining accounting processes 11:30 Improving product accuracy and scalability 13:29 Why investors believed in us 19:33 Building awareness for AI finance 23:03 Focusing on customer satisfaction 24:35 Focusing on weekly active users 27:56 Where to learn about Maxima Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/maxima-raises-41-million-in-funding Yogi Goel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yogi-goel/ Maxima's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maximaai/ Maxima's Website: https://www.maxima.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we sit down with Dana Rochman, CEO and co-founder of Legato, an innovative company building an AI-powered app creation layer for SaaS platforms. With deep roots in product management and technology leadership, Dana shares how Legato is on a mission to empower non-technical business users — like CFOs — to build custom tools, dashboards, and workflows directly inside their existing B2B applications, eliminating the need for lengthy and costly customizations. We explore Legato's journey from inception in 2025, their $7 million seed round, and the importance of clear narrative and validation in fundraising. Dana also opens up about go-to-market strategies, pricing models in the age of AI, and how the platform aims to help SaaS vendors win the AI race by unlocking new revenue streams. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how Legato is bringing the power of app creation to the hands of business users everywhere. Show Notes: 00:00 Building AI tools for non-engineers 03:44 Customizable tools and workflows explained 09:14 Starting fundraising with strong validation 10:51 Why investors believed in us 14:47 Vendors monetizing dashboards and customizations 17:19 Maintaining and improving the app 20:06 Closing remarks and AI vision Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/legato-raises-7-million-seed-round Dana Rochman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarochman/ Legato AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legato-ai/ Legato AI's Website: https://www.legato.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

Join host Ben as he sits down with Alex Novozhenov, CEO and co-founder of Nodu, on this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast. Alex Novozhenov shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, from building and selling companies in the gaming and fintech space, to launching Nodu—a startup transforming cross-border payments for SaaS and fintech companies. Discover how Nodu leverages stablecoin technology to enable faster, seamless money transfers across borders, eliminating traditional banking barriers. Alex Novozhenov breaks down what stablecoins are, Nodu's API-driven approach, and why global commerce needs new solutions for moving money. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, founder, or fintech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on startup fundraising, adoption of cutting-edge financial tools, and the shift from bootstrapping to venture-backed growth. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the future of payments and entrepreneurship! Show Notes: 00:00 "API-Driven Fintech & Stablecoins" 03:51 "Stablecoin Payments for Businesses" 09:28 "Funding Goals for Founders" 10:31 "Bootstrapping vs. Funded Startups" 15:10 "Hybrid Teams, Global Offices" 16:58 2026 Goals and Revenue Check Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/nodu-raises-1-45-million-pre-seed-funding Alex Novozhenov's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/novozhenov/ Nodu's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nodufi/ Nodu's Website: https://nodu.fi/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Matthieu Hafemeister, co-founder and CEO of Concourse. Matthieu shares his journey from growing up in Paris to launching a fast-scaling AI startup in New York, drawing on his experiences in venture capital at Andreessen Horowitz and operational roles at Jeeves. Together, they dive deep into how Concourse leverages agentic AI to revolutionize finance teams—from automating workflows across complex data sources to increasing team capacity and strategic output. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at Concourse's rapid growth, its recent $12 million Series A raise, and the evolving landscape of AI for enterprise finance. Matthieu also offers insights on the challenges of founder-led sales, best practices for scaling go-to-market, and why staying lean is a key part of their strategy. Whether you're a SaaS founder, finance leader, or simply curious about the future of agentic AI, this conversation is packed with practical lessons and fresh perspectives. Don't miss it! Show Notes: 00:00 "Startup Growth and Complexity Insights" 06:03 Data Integration for Workflow Efficiency 07:36 AI Adoption Accelerates Across Industries 10:59 "AI Automating Workflows, Not Tools" 13:40 "AI Startup's Breakout Journey" 19:47 Evolving Pricing with Token Model 23:26 "AI Impact on Margins" 25:53 Streamlining Finance Team Workflows 27:31 "Custom AI for Enterprise Success" 30:41 "Proof of Concepts Drive Success" 34:38 "Concourse.ai: AI Insights Hub" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/concourse-raises-12-million-in-series-a Matthieu Hafemeister's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthafemeister/ Concourse's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concourseai/ Concourse's Website: https://www.concourse.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

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Rishi Grover, co-founder and Chief Solutions Architect at Vena Solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the FP&A technology space, Rishi Grover shares his journey—starting from his early days as an electrical engineer to founding one of the industry's leading financial planning platforms. Together, they dive into the evolution of the FP&A landscape, the growing role of AI in financial planning, and how Vena's unique approach integrates Excel with enterprise applications. Rishi Grover also opens up about Vena's fundraising story, insights on scaling a SaaS company to thousands of customers, and their recent strategic acquisition to accelerate growth. Whether you're curious about SaaS fundraising, go-to-market strategies, or how AI is reshaping finance, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways for founders, CFOs, and finance leaders. Let's jump in! Show Notes: 00:00 "Comprehensive Enterprise Planning Integration" 04:55 "Navigating Uncertainty with Strategic Planning" 06:43 AI Trust and Practical Applications 12:48 Startup Growth and M&A Strategy 14:20 "Microsoft-Centric Enterprise Expansion" 16:52 "Unified Approach Across Businesses" 23:01 Driving Growth and Software Adoption 25:59 "Aligning Teams for AI Strategy" 27:57 "Accelerating Clean Data Needs" Links: Rishi Grover's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishi-grover-64480314/ Vena Solutions' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vena-solutions Vena Solutions' Website: https://www.venasolutions.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

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, Ben Murray welcomes Santiago Nestares, co-founder of Dual Entry, to discuss the rapid rise of their AI-powered ERP built for the modern mid-market company. Santiago Nestares shares the inspiration behind Dual Entry, which emerged from firsthand frustrations with legacy accounting systems during his journey scaling a previous startup to $100 million in revenue. The conversation digs into what sets Dual Entry apart—an ERP designed from the ground up with AI, offering next-day migration, seamless integrations, and advanced agentic features for faster, more insightful closes. Together, Ben Murray and Santiago Nestares explore the company's approach to building a product that adapts as businesses grow, the challenges (and solutions) around complex ERP migrations, and why user happiness and rapid go-lives are among Dual Entry's top success metrics. They also dive into Dual Entry's impressive fundraising journey, ambitious go-to-market strategies, and why they believe ERP trauma shouldn't hold finance teams back from modern solutions. If you're curious about the next wave of finance tech for CFOs—or want to hear how Dual Entry is changing the game for SaaS and beyond—this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 "Scaling Challenges with ERP Systems" 05:05 "Mid-Market Business Growth Strategy" 09:03 AI Tools for Business Automation 12:04 "Building Fast, Customer-Focused Teams" 14:56 "Strong Software & Migration Insights" 17:24 "Customer-Focused Go-to-Market Strategy" 22:11 Overcoming ERP Implementation Barriers 25:17 "Launching Agents, SaaS Expansion" 26:17 Dual Entry Resources & Community Link: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/dualentry-raises-90-million-in-series-a Santiago Nestares' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiago-nestares/ DualEntry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dualentry/ DualEntry's Website: https://www.dualentry.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

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray sits down with Ben Stein, co-founder and CEO at Double, to dive into the world of SaaS finance, automation, and the evolving tech landscape for accounting teams. Ben Stein shares his journey from his early days as a CFO at an AR startup, to launching Double—a cutting-edge month-end close management platform that automates everything from transaction categorization to flux analysis. The conversation covers Double's rapid growth, including its $13 million in capital raised, the strategic importance of AI in their platform, and the lessons learned from their Series A fundraising. Ben Stein also opens up about the challenges and learnings around company rebranding, finding the right investor–founder fit, and the metrics he relies on to steer the business. Whether you're part of an outsourced accounting team or building the finance function inside a high-growth SaaS business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on scaling finance operations, go-to-market strategies, and the future of accounting tech. Tune in to hear why listening to customers, focusing on the right product, and getting your metrics right can make all the difference in building and scaling a SaaS company. Show Notes: 00:00 Month-End Close Automation Tool 06:00 "AI Unlocks Growth Opportunities" 06:56 "Choosing Board Members Wisely" 10:36 "Client-Based Pricing Explained" 12:57 Finance Insights: Prioritize Simplicity Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/double-raises-6-5-million-series-a Ben Stein's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benfstein/ Double's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doublehq/ Double's Website: https://doublehq.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

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, hosts Ben Murray and Matt Perrott sit down with Dan Beck, CEO and co-founder of 401GO, to dive into the world of SaaS-driven financial services and the unique challenges facing founders and small businesses when it comes to retirement plans. Dan Beck shares his entrepreneurial journey, including the story behind launching 401GO with his brother, the company's mission to simplify and automate 401(k) plans for smaller organizations, and how modern technology is transforming retirement solutions. From tackling outdated industry systems to enabling instant, automated plan set-ups, Dan reveals why 401GO stands out in a space dominated by complexity and legacy platforms. We also explore Dan's experience transitioning from bootstrapping businesses to raising over $48 million in venture capital, including the differences, stresses, and rewards between these two worlds. Whether you're a CFO, founder, or anyone curious about scalable SaaS solutions and startup growth, Dan's insights on unit economics, partner channels, and operational metrics will leave you inspired and informed. Tune in for actionable advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and fresh perspectives on building a SaaS business that's reimagining financial wellness for employees everywhere. Show Notes: 00:00 "Challenges of Offering 401(k)s" 05:40 "Outdated 401(k) Systems Persist" 07:11 Modular Custodial Tech Enhancements 12:15 "Bootstrapping to Venture Funding" 14:19 "Understanding Different Investor Roles" 20:01 SaaS-Based 401(k) Pricing Model 21:19 "Growth, Revenue, and Retention Dynamics" 24:54 "Enterprise Layer Technology Solution" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/401go-secures-33-million-series-b Dan Beck's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgbeck/ 401GO's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/401go/ 401GO's Website: https://401go.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

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, Ben Murray sits down with Nir Weingarten, co-founder and CEO of Eikona, to dive into the intersection of AI, lifecycle marketing, and the SaaS startup journey. Nir Weingarten shares his fascinating background in academia, AI research, and software development, and how that technical expertise fueled the birth of Eikona—a company aimed at transforming post-acquisition marketing through generative AI. You'll hear about the early days of Eikona, from ideation with his co-founder to securing $5.1 million in seed funding and finding that crucial product-market fit. Nir Weingarten breaks down how reinforcement learning and GenAI can disrupt traditional, manual approaches to email and SMS marketing, creating real ROI for brands with large customer bases. Whether you're interested in go-to-market strategies, startup fundraising lessons, or the future of AI adoption in SaaS, this conversation is packed with insights. Tune in to discover how Eikona is helping marketers unlock new value beyond customer acquisition and what's top of mind for building the next wave of AI-powered growth. Show Notes: 00:00 Lifecycle Marketing Revolution Explained 05:48 Social Media AI Disrupts Marketing 07:21 Mid-Market B2C Targeting Strategy 10:33 "GenAI Startup Journey" 14:00 "Fuzzy Autonomy in Marketing" 20:05 "The Right Kind of Stubborn" 23:17 "Building a Scalable Sales Funnel" 25:28 "Client Happiness Drives Success" 27:38 "AI Founder Insights & Metrics" 31:24 "Eikona.io: AI Resources & Networking" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/eikona-raises-5-million-seed-round Nir Weingarten's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nir-zvi-weingarten/ Eikona's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eikonaio/ Eikona's Website: https://www.eikona.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

Welcome to another episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, host Ben Murray sits down with Helen Hastings, founder and CEO of Quanta, an AI-powered accounting service and finance platform designed specifically for software and SaaS companies. In this conversation, Helen Hastings shares her unique journey from software engineer to founder, recounting her transition into the world of finance automation after building internal accounting systems at Affirm. She pulls back the curtain on Quanta's innovative blend of both product and service, walking us through how her team leverages in-house technology and automation to offer full-service accounting and reporting for early-stage and growth-stage companies. We delve into what sets Quanta apart—its proprietary general ledger, instant onboarding for startups, and a vision for real-time, intelligent financial insights without the typical growing pains of legacy systems. Ben Murray and Helen Hastings also talk candidly about fundraising lessons, the importance of storytelling in venture capital, and what's ahead as Quanta gears up to launch a standalone software product. If you're a founder, a SaaS finance leader, or just fascinated by the future of accounting tech, this episode is packed with firsthand insights you won't want to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 Engineers and Accountants: Kindred Spirits 03:28 Automated Accounting & Reporting Solution 08:18 "Growing with Our Customers" 10:28 Business Setup Time Variability 15:13 "The Power of Storytelling" 19:27 Flat-Rate AI Subscription Model 20:40 "Product Usage & NRR Focus" 23:26 "Find Helen at UseQuanta" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/quanta-raises-4-7-million-in-seed-round Helen Hastings' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbhastings/ Quanta's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/usequanta/ Quanta's Website: https://www.usequanta.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

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Luca Cartechini, co-founder and CEO of Shop Circle. With deep roots in equity research and venture capital across the European tech landscape, Luca Cartechini shares how his experiences led to the creation of Shop Circle—an innovative, long-term holding company that acquires and grows mission-critical, profitable SaaS businesses outside the traditional VC and PE model. Listeners will get insider perspectives on the realities of scaling software companies in fragmented European markets, the metrics that matter most when evaluating SaaS acquisitions, and the evolving role of AI in operational excellence. Whether you're a founder considering your next move or simply passionate about SaaS, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom on building, buying, and holding vertical software companies for the long haul. Show Notes: 00:00 "Challenges Scaling European Companies" 03:34 "ShopCircle: AI-Powered Software Platform" 08:51 "AI in Software Acquisitions" 12:06 AI's Role in Business Strategy 14:09 "Pricing, AI, and Value Strategy" 16:58 "Key Metrics for Business Acquisition" 22:28 "Operator-Focused, Long-Term Investment Approach" 25:13 Founder Missteps in Acquisition Process 29:28 Recurring vs. Usage-Based Revenue Analysis 31:51 "SaaS Revenue Analysis for ROI" 36:39 AI-Driven Efficiency and Expansion Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/shop-circle-raises-60-million-in-series-b https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/shop-circle-extends-series-b-to-100-million Luca Cartechini's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-cartechini/ Shop Circle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shop-circle/ Shop Circle's Website: https://shopcircle.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

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Ben Winter, co-founder and COO at Stuut. Ben Winter brings a dynamic background in management consulting, design agencies, and executive leadership roles within scaling SaaS companies. He shares the story behind founding Stuut—an AI-powered platform designed to transform the order-to-cash process for businesses where working capital and collection efficiency are essential. Ben Winter reveals how Stuut's AI agents streamline everything from invoice communication to payment collection, targeting verticals like manufacturing, logistics, and medical devices that rely on fast cash cycles. The discussion delves into Stuut's journey—from early customer pain points to rapid fundraising, the importance of founder–investor alignment, and their innovative approach to go-to-market and brand differentiation in the crowded finance technology space. Listen in for actionable insights on SaaS metrics, building AI-driven solutions, and lessons learned in scaling an operationally efficient company—straight from a COO who's at the forefront of fintech innovation. Show Notes: 00:00 "Automating AR with AI" 05:19 "Optimizing Cash Flow for Growth" 07:11 Evolving CFO Strategies for Collections 12:34 "Delivering Value to Customers" 16:25 In-Person Impact and Clear Value 19:14 "Non-Traditional Marketing Strategies" 21:16 "Digital Coworkers for Collections Teams" 24:09 "AP & AR Strategy Insights" 29:57 "Scaling Efficiently with AI" 31:28 "Rethinking Team Structures Efficiently" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/stuut-technologies-raises-29-5m-series-a Ben Winter's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengwinter/ Stuut's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stuut/ Stuut's Website: https://www.stuut.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

Calculating SaaS metrics sounds straightforward—until you actually try to do it. In episode #353, Ben Murray breaks down why SaaS metrics are so difficult to calculate at scale, why spreadsheets eventually break, and what it really takes to produce CFO-grade metrics that stand up in the Boardroom and in due diligence. Drawing on insights from the 7th Annual SaaS Tech Stack Survey, Ben explains why 58% of companies still rely on spreadsheets and highlights the growing mix of tools aimed at solving the SaaS metrics challenge. At the core of the issue? SaaS metrics require clean, structured data from four distinct systems—and most companies don't have that foundation in place. Resources Mentioned 7th Annual SaaS Tech Stack Survey: https://mailchi.mp/thesaascfo.com/its-here-the-2026-saas-finance-ops-tech-stack-report Waitlist for Ben's SaaS Metrics app: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMMKm1N6g0PifGBNhFacivqA-lqePH9id93dCGKxNeBOWbFw/viewform?usp=dialog SaaS Metrics Foundation Course with App: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation What You'll Learn The four key SaaS finance data sources required to calculate accurate metrics Why SaaS metrics are difficult to automate (and why most companies struggle) Why spreadsheets are the default starting point—and why they don't scale The most common tools companies use today to calculate SaaS metrics Why understanding the manual process is critical before implementing software What “CFO-grade SaaS metrics” actually means Why It Matters Without structured financial data, your metrics won't stand up to board or investor scrutiny Disconnected systems create inconsistencies that undermine trust in your numbers Spreadsheet-based processes break as transaction volume and complexity grow Accurate SaaS metrics require integrating financial, bookings, HR, and customer revenue data If your data foundation isn't solid, automation tools won't fix the problem

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Vadim Rogovskiy, CEO and co-founder of Eve, an AI-powered sales enablement tool designed specifically for founders and small business owners. Vadim Rogovskiy shares his unique journey as a serial entrepreneur—from selling and exiting previous startups to launching Eve after discovering the challenges small businesses face managing leads without traditional CRMs. Together, Ben Murray and Vadim Rogovskiy dive into Eve's early days, its customer-first approach, the founding story, and how AI is transforming sales for SMBs. You'll hear insights on fundraising in today's fast-moving AI market, lessons learned across multiple ventures, and how grassroots, founder-led marketing is key in cutting through industry noise. Whether you're scaling your SaaS startup or curious about AI's impact on modern sales and revenue models, this episode is packed with real-world advice and thoughtful analysis on building and growing a successful tech company. Let's jump into the conversation! Show Notes: 00:00 "Building EVE from Event Insights" 03:09 "Startup CRM Challenges and Demand" 08:59 "Sustainable Growth Over Hype" 10:46 "Prioritize IRL and Founder-Led Growth" 14:27 "Founder Discusses Early Fundraising Journey" 18:10 "Qualitative KPIs and User Growth" 20:53 "Achieving Product Market Fit" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/eve-raises-2-million-in-pre-seed-round Vadim Rogovskiy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadim-rogovskiy/ Eve AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joineveai/ Eve AI's Website: https://joineve.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, Ben Murray sits down with Tony Petrilli, CEO of ViewTrade, to uncover the journey behind building a global fintech platform that's redefining cross-border financial services. From writing code on early PCs to leading innovation at major institutions like Morgan Stanley and Citibank, Tony Petrilli shares how ViewTrade evolved from a brokerage into a full-stack SaaS provider serving 300 firms worldwide. You'll hear candid insights about bootstrapping a complex product, the realities of scaling and global expansion, and the reasoning behind a customer-led, composable solution instead of a rigid, product-led approach. Plus, he reveals how ViewTrade balances profitability, growth, and innovation—including the strategic use of AI—and what's next on the horizon as they target nine-digit growth. Whether you're a SaaS founder, finance exec, or just curious about how technology is transforming financial services, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, operational metrics, and entrepreneurial wisdom. Let's dive in! Show Notes: 00:00 "Turnkey Cross-Border Financial Solutions" 03:57 "Modernizing Investment with Embedded Solutions" 07:07 Revolutionizing Financial Firms' Efficiency 12:15 "Customer-Led Solutions Drive Inbound" 15:15 "Fintech Sustainability and Responsibility" 18:35 "Starting Small, Scaling Strategically" 19:47 "CEO's Profit Margin Focus" 22:33 "Building Leaders and Expanding Globally" 25:38 Global Expansion and Wealth Ventures Links: Tony Petrilli's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-tony-petrilli-a2b59825/ ViewTrade's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viewtrade-holding/ ViewTrade's Website: https://www.viewtrade.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

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, Ben Murray welcomes Nick Holzherr, serial tech founder and the driving force behind GitLaw—an innovative AI-powered legal platform. Nick Holzherr shares his entrepreneurial journey, from exiting previous ventures like Whisk and Air HR, to launching GitLaw earlier this year with $3 million in backing. The conversation goes deep into the frustrations of traditional legal services, how GitLaw leverages trusted templates and advanced AI orchestration for SMBs, and what sets their product apart from simply using ChatGPT for contracts. You'll hear about go-to-market growth loops, the challenges of scaling in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and Nick Holzherr's focus on building a product that customers love and trust. Whether you're interested in SaaS metrics, team dynamics, or the future of AI in legal tech, this episode is packed with insights from a founder who's in the thick of it. Show Notes: 00:00 "Revolutionizing Legal Services with AI" 04:09 "Contract Review and Market Standards" 09:10 "Building Success with Trusted Team" 11:45 AI-Powered Legal Document Collaboration 15:19 "Startup Uncertainty Amid Rapid Growth" 18:35 "Challenges in Marketing Metrics Transparency" 21:24 Retention and User Feedback Focus 22:51 "Balancing SaaS Margins and Costs" 26:33 "Making AI Trustworthy and Useful" 29:03 Git.law Service Overview Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/gitlaw-raises-3-million-in-funding Nick Holzherr's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickholzherr/ GitLaw's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gitlawco/ GitLaw's Website: https://git.law/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below:Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we're excited to welcome Nicolas Christiaen, CEO and co-founder of Donna, the AI assistant revolutionizing the lives of field sales teams. Ben Murray sits down with Nicolas Christiaen (introduced as Nicolas in the episode) to dive into Donna's journey from inception in late 2023 to its rapid growth and latest $5 million seed round. You'll hear how Donna leverages AI to boost sales rep productivity, seamlessly integrates with CRMs, and is gaining traction across verticals like medical devices, CPG, manufacturing, and insurance. Nicolas Christiaen reveals their data-driven approach to finding ideal customer segments, lessons learned from fast-paced fundraising, and why partnerships with global consulting firms like Deloitte and PwC are fueling their go-to-market strategy. If you're keen to learn about what's driving growth for AI-powered SaaS, how to balance vertical focus, and why healthy SaaS margins are still possible with AI, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Tune in to find out how Donna is scaling up in 2026 and what's next for this ambitious SaaS startup! Show Notes: 00:00 "Sales, Efficiency, and Acquisition" 05:05 "Adapting AI for Industry Needs" 06:45 "24/7 AI Assistant Support" 10:14 "Global Launch Leads to Growth" 14:59 "Early Success with Partners" 19:18 "Outbound Strategy with Multi-Channel Approach" 22:08 AI Costs Will Decrease Over Time 23:50 AI Companies Will Streamline Operations Links: Nicolas Christiaen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaschristiaen/ Donna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/donna-by-dealside Donna's Website: https://www.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

In episode #347 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray explores the lesser-discussed nuances behind ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) disclosures. Building on the prior two episodes on ARR definitions and common disclosure mistakes, this discussion dives into the assumptions and gray areas that often underlie headline ARR numbers. Drawing on extensive research across public tech company filings, Ben explains how assumptions about renewals, timing, and grace periods can materially affect how ARR is interpreted by boards, investors, and acquirers. Resources Mentioned Blog post: In-depth analysis of ARR definitions and disclosure practices: https://www.thesaascfo.com/cfos-guide-to-disclosing-headline-arr-numbers/ SaaS Metrics course: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation What You'll Learn Why most ARR definitions assume full renewal of existing contracts How ARR disclosures typically avoid assumptions around expansion, contraction, or churn Why ARR is almost always a point-in-time metric rather than a forecast Common disclaimers used to separate ARR from GAAP revenue and financial guidance How grace periods for contract renewals can materially affect reported ARR—and how some public companies quantify that risk Why It Matters ARR assumptions directly influence how investors assess revenue durability Poorly explained ARR nuances can create confusion during due diligence Grace periods can inflate perceived recurring revenue if not disclosed properly Transparent ARR disclosures strengthen credibility with boards and potential buyers A defensible ARR definition supports better financial strategy and valuation discussions

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray sits down with Nitin Mahajan, founder of Quick Ads. With an impressive background spanning engineering, strategy, and consulting at firms like McKinsey and Accenture, Nitin Mahajan shares the story behind Quick Ads—a platform set to revolutionize advertising for small and medium businesses using AI and proprietary data. The conversation dives into the challenges these businesses face, the evolution of ad tech, and Quick Ads' unique approach of combining software and services with an outcome-based pricing model. Nitin Mahajan also opens up about the company's capital-efficient journey, fundraising, and their mission to create a visual system of record for marketing teams, all while keeping growth and profitability in sharp focus. Whether you're a SaaS founder or just fascinated by the future of digital marketing, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 Ad Inefficiency and Modern Challenges 06:12 "Choosing Your Business Growth Path" 07:56 "Data-Driven AI, Not Software" 11:10 "Future of Software in AI" 13:33 "Quick Ads Info and Insights" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/quickads-raises-1-7-million-seed-round Nitin Mahajan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinmahajan2/ QuickAds' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quickads-ai/ QuickAds' Website: https://www.quickads.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

Defining ARR is getting harder—not easier—as SaaS, AI, usage-based pricing, and hybrid business models evolve. In episode #345 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray breaks down the five critical questions every ARR definition must answer to hold up with Boards, investors, and during due diligence. Drawing on extensive research into how public tech companies disclose ARR in press releases and SEC filings, Ben explains why ARR is not “dead” but why vague or inconsistent ARR definitions undermine credibility, comparability, and company valuation. This episode provides a practical framework to help SaaS leaders, CFOs, and founders clearly define ARR in a way that supports accurate metrics, financial modeling, and investor trust. Resources Mentioned Blog post on ARR definitions and disclosure best practices: https://www.thesaascfo.com/cfos-guide-to-disclosing-headline-arr-numbers/ Ben's SaaS Metrics training: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation You'll Learn The five questions every ARR definition must answer to be investor-ready Which revenue types belong in ARR—and which should be excluded The difference between revenue-based, contract-based, and hybrid ARR calculations How public SaaS and AI companies annualize subscription and usage-based revenue Common approaches for handling variable, consumption, and usage revenue in ARR Why vague ARR definitions create confusion in fundraising and due diligence Why It Matters Clear ARR definitions improve credibility with investors and business leaders Poorly defined ARR can negatively impact company valuation Consistent ARR logic enables better KPI tracking and benchmarking Transparent ARR disclosures reduce friction during fundraising and M&A Accurate ARR supports stronger financial strategy and forecasting Well-defined revenue categories improve accounting and financial systems

Welcome to this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, Ben Murray sits down with Michael Babineau, co-founder of Turnstile, to unpack the journey from software engineer to successful second-time founder. Michael Babineau shares how his engineering background and the exit of his first company, Second Measure, to Bloomberg helped shape the vision for Turnstile—a next-gen, AI-native quote-to-cash platform designed to handle the complex challenges of sales-led, recurring revenue businesses. In this candid conversation, Michael Babineau dives into lessons learned from scaling and selling a company, the difficulties of automating revenue processes for custom deals, and why building a truly integrated, flexible system is crucial for SaaS companies looking to grow. You'll also hear insights into Turnstile's go-to-market strategy, their unique pricing approach, and what it's really like to raise capital as a second-time founder. Whether you're a SaaS operator, CFO, or founder plotting your next move, this episode is packed with operational tips, market observations, and behind-the-scenes stories that you won't want to miss! Show Notes: 00:00 "Founders Ready to Start Again" 03:05 "Turnstile: Unified Revenue Management Platform" 07:12 Turnstile: CRM-ERP Integration Simplified 11:38 "Finding True Revenue Ground Truth" 13:15 "Venture Growth Through Mid-Market" 17:29 "Scalable Growth for Enterprise Success" 22:09 "M&A Process: All-Consuming Commitment" 24:08 Flexible Dealmaking for Company Growth 27:47 "Shifting to Marketing-Led Growth" 31:35 "Self-Serve Enterprise Software Simplified" 33:00 "Driving Growth for B2B Startups" 36:34 "Turnstile AI Discussion" Links: Michael Babineau's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbabineau/ Turnstile's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/turnstile-co/ Turnstile's Website: https://turnstile.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

In episode #343 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray demystifies SaaS revenue by breaking down the core revenue types that software, SaaS, and AI companies should be modeling on their P&L. Rather than focusing on labels, Ben explains why pricing models and revenue streams are the real drivers of financial clarity. He walks through the most common revenue categories—subscriptions, variable usage-based revenue, professional services, managed services, hardware, and other emerging models—and shows how proper revenue segmentation becomes the foundation for accurate retention metrics, forecasting, unit economics, and due diligence readiness. Resources Mentioned SaaS Metrics School framework: https://www.thesaascfo.com/scaling-with-confidence-the-ultimate-saas-metrics-playbook/ Concepts covered in Ben's SaaS Metrics course: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation MRR schedules & MRR waterfalls: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/rJhZ6VdM/checkout What You'll Learn The core revenue categories every SaaS, software, and AI company should track How subscription and usage-based revenue differ financially Why overages must be separated from subscription revenue How revenue segmentation enables accurate MRR schedules and waterfalls Why retention should be calculated separately by revenue stream How revenue structure impacts forecasting accuracy How different revenue streams change CAC payback and LTV to CAC calculations Why clean revenue categorization simplifies due diligence Why It Matters Revenue segmentation is the foundation of accurate SaaS metrics MRR schedules and retention calculations depend on clean revenue data Forecasts are more reliable when built from revenue waterfalls Mixed revenue streams require adjusted CAC payback calculations Clear revenue structure improves investor and acquirer confidence Proper setup reduces friction during fundraising and exits

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Rafael Broshi, co-founder and CEO of Notch, to explore the journey from early startup ideas through pivotal transformations in the world of SaaS and AI. Rafael Broshi shares his unique career path—from years in the Israeli army to product management, hedge funds, and now leading a cutting-edge AI company revolutionizing customer experience in the insurance industry. You'll hear firsthand how Notch evolved from an insurance-focused MGA into a powerful AI agent platform for customer support, what drove their bold pivot, and why focusing on outcome-based pricing and measurable ROI is making waves for their global clients. Rafael Broshi offers invaluable insights on making hard decisions, raising capital, and what it takes to stand out in an ultra-competitive AI-driven SaaS market. If you're a SaaS founder, operator, or just fascinated by the future of AI in business, this episode is packed with lessons, metrics, and real-world advice you can't afford to miss. Show Notes: 00:00 Startup Challenges and Strategic Decisions 03:55 AI Platform for Customer Support Automation 09:05 AI Deployment in Insurance Industry 11:42 "Pivoting, Frugality, and Profitability" 15:17 "AI, Pivots, and New Beginnings" 17:26 "Strategic Focus on Market Verticals" 21:04 Outcome-Based Pricing Strategy 26:47 "Future of AI Pricing" 27:55 Automated Conversations Drive Growth Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/notch-cx-raises-7-million-in-seed-round Rafael Broshi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-broshi-435a77105/ Notch's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/notchapp/ Notch's Website: https://www.notch.cx/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this special end-of-year episode, host Ben Murray is joined for the third time by Jim Williams, Managing Director at GLC Advisors, for an in-depth update on the state of the software M&A and capital markets. Ben Murray and Jim Williams dive into what's really happening in SaaS dealmaking, cutting through the social media noise to explore trends in deal volume, valuations, and what truly makes a quality asset in today's market. They discuss why 2025 felt “steady but not spectacular,” how founders can position their businesses for attractive outcomes, and the continued importance of the fundamentals—think retention, growth, and profitability. Jim Williams shares what buyers are looking for, why clean financials and clear revenue models are deal breakers, and what to expect if you're planning to sell in the near future. Plus, they touch on timely topics like the shifting impact of AI, earnouts, deal structures, and preparing for due diligence. Whether you're a SaaS founder, CFO, or simply want a no-nonsense perspective on the M&A environment, this episode is packed with actionable insights and predictions for 2026—straight from the front lines of the software dealmaking world. Let's jump in! Show Notes: 00:00 "2025: Steady Market Trends" 03:33 "Deferred Deals and Future Growth" 08:38 "Evaluating Business Revenue Models" 10:55 Evaluating Recurring Revenue Quality 15:55 "Contextualizing Seasonal Business Metrics" 19:10 Renewal Rate and Visibility Challenges 20:50 "Clarity in Business Value Proposition" 23:17 "Misaligned Business Metrics Unveiled" 28:33 "Platform vs. Add-On Trends" 32:46 "Fair Earnouts and Deal Terms" 35:55 Equity Rollover and Founder Involvement 39:19 "Deal Delays and Due Diligence" 41:53 "Preparing Financials for SaaS Market" 45:45 Strategic vs. Sponsor Buyer Perspectives 50:25 "Achieving Product-Market Fit Fundamentals" 51:41 "Early-Stage Funding Uncertainty" 55:25 "Open, Accessible, and Supportive" Links: Jim Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-williams-5754953/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Aviv Frenkel, Co-Founder and CEO of Moonshot AI, to explore the fascinating journey from Israeli media personality to leading an innovative SaaS startup. Aviv Frenkel shares how his background as a radio DJ and television journalist ultimately inspired him to dive into the world of tech entrepreneurship. You'll hear the inside story behind Moonshot AI—a generative AI platform that transforms e-commerce websites into self-optimizing “living organisms,” helping online brands boost their conversion rates without massive teams or endless guesswork. Aviv Frenkel walks us through the company's rapid trajectory, including their recent $10 million funding round, the importance of building with strong design partners, and what it takes to achieve real product-market fit in a crowded space. The conversation covers the realities of founder-led sales, why Moonshot AI chose a straightforward subscription model, and the key operational metrics driving their growth. If you're interested in SaaS metrics, startup fundraising, or the future of AI in e-commerce, this episode is full of actionable insights and candid startup wisdom. Tune in to learn more about Moonshot AI's global journey and discover opportunities to join their growing team! Show Notes: 00:00 "AI-Powered Ecommerce Optimization" 03:47 "Muncho: End-to-End Website Optimization" 07:53 "Scaling Fast from MVP to Funding" 12:21 Key Business Metrics Discussion 15:06 Evolving CEO Roles and Priorities 16:49 "Join Our AI-Driven Team" Links: Aviv Frenkel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aviv-frenkel/ Moonshot AI's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moon-shot-ai/ Moonshot AI's Website: https://moonshot-ai.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

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, Ben Murray sits down with Michael Salorio, founder and CEO of Solentrex, an ambitious new player in the solar industry bringing an all-in-one, AI-driven ERP platform to residential solar companies. Michael Salorio shares his journey from a finance and wealth management background to building a cutting-edge SaaS product and highlights how Solentrex is streamlining operations for both solar installers and sales teams. Tune in as we explore the evolving solar market, dive into Solentrex's product launch roadmap—including a soft launch and a major industry conference debut—and discuss the challenges and lessons learned from fundraising and onboarding early customers. If you're interested in vertical SaaS, ERP innovation, or the future of solar tech, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! Show Notes: 00:00 "Philantrix: Team-Driven Success" 04:11 "Streamlining Solar Sales Workflow" 08:30 Delaying Launch for Accuracy 11:37 Solar Growth Through Relationships 13:50 Key Metrics for Growth Focus 17:24 "Streamlining Polar Industry Operations" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/solentrex-secures-strategic-investment Michael Salorio's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-salorio-a55204108/ Solentrex's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solentrex/about/ Solentrex's Website: https://solentrex.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In episode #337 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben breaks down why software revenue categorization is a foundational requirement for strong finance, accounting, and SaaS metrics. He explains the core revenue types every SaaS, AI, or software company should separate on their P&L—and why commingling revenue creates downstream issues in MRR tracking, retention metrics, forecasting, and company valuation. Ben walks through the major recurring and non-recurring revenue categories, then shows how clean revenue segmentation enables accurate MRR schedules, retention analysis, cash flow forecasting, and smoother due diligence with investors and acquirers. What You'll Learn The core revenue categories every SaaS or AI company should clearly define The difference between subscription, usage, overage, services, managed services, and hardware revenue Why overages must be separated at both the SKU and general ledger level How revenue categorization feeds directly into MRR schedules and waterfalls Why recurring and variable revenue must be forecasted differently How clean revenue data improves retention metrics and go-to-market efficiency analysis Why investors and acquirers expect revenue clarity during fundraising and due diligence Why It Matters Accurate MRR and ARR tracking depends on clearly defined revenue streams Retention metrics (GRR and NRR) break when revenue types are mixed together Revenue forecasting and financial modeling require different assumptions by revenue type Cash flow forecasting becomes unreliable without segmented recurring revenue data Company valuation is directly impacted by the perceived quality of recurring revenue Investors and acquirers expect detailed revenue schedules during fundraising and due diligence Strong financial systems and accounting discipline reduce friction in audits and exits Resources Mentioned Ben's SaaS revenue hierarchy framework: https://www.thesaascfo.com/the-saas-revenue-hierarchy-why-defining-your-revenue-streams-matter/ SaaS Metrics course at The SaaS Academy: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, host Ben Murray welcomes John Glasgow, founder and CEO of Campfire—a fast-growing, AI-powered ERP solution built for modern finance teams. John Glasgow shares his background, from early days in finance at Adobe to leading partnerships at Invoice2Go and the inspiration behind starting Campfire. Together, they explore the challenges of building a next-generation ERP, the role of AI in streamlining finance workflows, and Campfire's rapid rise—including raising $100 million and landing marquee customers in just two years. You'll hear insights on current trends in CFO tech stacks, best practices for disciplined growth, and why accounting is becoming more strategic than ever. Whether you're a SaaS founder, CFO, or just curious about the future of finance software, this episode is packed with honest lessons, actionable insights, and a look at what's next for Campfire and the industry at large. Show Notes: 00:00 "From Finance to Founding Campfire" 03:22 "Building the Modern ERP" 09:58 "Accelerating Growth in ERP Space" 11:44 "AI Growth and Rapid Funding" 14:37 "New Logo ARR Growth Focus" 17:21 "Building ERP: Focus and Conviction" 23:31 Capacity Planning and Growth Strategy 27:23 Finance Software Revolution Insights 28:54 "Ember AI: Agentic Workflows Evolution" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/campfire-raises-3-5-million-in-seed-round https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/campfire-secures-35-million-in-series-a https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/campfire-raises-65-million-in-series-b John Glasgow's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/ Campfire's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetcampfire/ Campfire's Website: https://campfire.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, Ben Murray sits down with Kelby Zorgdrager, CEO and founder of Tritami, and Dave Murphy, go-to-market expert, to dive into the rapidly evolving world of corporate and technical training. With decades of experience in EdTech and a track record of building and exiting successful businesses, Kelby Zorgdrager shares his journey from leading Develop Intelligence to reimagining instructor-led training with Tritami. Dave Murphy brings his expertise in enterprise sales and AI marketplaces to the conversation, highlighting the industry's shift towards live, customizable, expert-led experiences. Together, they discuss how Tritami is leveraging AI and automation to streamline training logistics, empower engineering teams, and connect organizations directly with top-tier instructors—moving away from outdated, fragmented models. The conversation covers everything from their fundraising journey and building the initial MVP, to the importance of user-driven development, transparent pricing, and the growing demand for personalized learning in fast-paced tech environments. Whether you're a SaaS leader, an engineering manager, or simply curious about the future of EdTech, this episode offers an insightful look behind the scenes at an innovative startup working to redefine corporate training. Show Notes: 00:00 Disrupting Corporate Training Market 06:03 AI Tools Adoption Challenges 09:38 Rapid Feedback-Driven Product Iteration 13:06 "AI-Driven Training Automation Platform" 17:24 Flexible AI Training Models 21:11 Focus on User-Driven Development 22:16 "Testing Ads for January Launch" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/tami-software-raises-400k-in-pre-seed-round Kelby Zorgdrager's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelbyzorgdrager/ Dave Murphy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemurf/ TryTami's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/try-tami/ TryTami's Website: https://www.trytami.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In episode #333, Ben answers a foundational SaaS metrics question: Should expansion revenue be included in your Lifetime Value (LTV) calculation? Ben walks through the correct LTV formula and highlights how misalignment between LTV and CAC can distort your LTV:CAC ratio. He also covers when expansion should be included. The episode provides a practical framework for SaaS founders, CFOs, and operators to ensure they calculate LTV accurately, compare it properly to CAC, and model unit economics using consistent, reliable inputs. Key Topics Covered The correct LTV formula using average new-customer MRR × subscription gross margin Why the churn input should align with dollar-based metrics using 1 – Gross Revenue Retention (GRR) Why expansion revenue is deliberately excluded from LTV in most SaaS models How including expansion artificially inflates the LTV:CAC ratio The cost mismatch between acquiring new customers (CAC) and generating expansion revenue When PLG motions justify including limited, time-bound expansion revenue in LTV How organic upgrades differ from sales-assisted expansion How SaaS+ businesses must adjust their LTV formula to account for usage revenue The role of gross margin in determining true unit economics The importance of aligning metric definitions when evaluating customer profitability Why This Matters This episode is essential for: SaaS founders calculating LTV for budgeting, pricing, and forecasting CFOs, controllers, and FP&A leaders managing unit economics and CAC payback Finance teams modelling customer profitability and revenue expansion Operators working in PLG environments assessing organic expansion patterns Investors reviewing LTV:CAC ratios in diligence and portfolio monitoring Anyone building SaaS Plus (subscription + usage) revenue models Resources Mentioned Ben's deep dive on SaaS+ LTV: https://www.thesaascfo.com/how-to-calculate-ltv-with-variable-revenue/ SaaS Metrics course: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, Ben Murray welcomes Duncan Barrigan, founder and CEO of Lunos, to share his story and expertise. Drawing on a decade of fintech experience—including scaling GoCardless into a multi-billion dollar company—Duncan Barrigan discusses his journey from consulting to launching his own venture. Tune in to hear how Lunos is tackling the longstanding challenges of B2B payments and receivables. Duncan Barrigan explains how AI workers are reshaping the manual processes of accounts receivable, making it easier for businesses to get paid with less effort and greater speed. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, finance professional, or startup founder, you'll gain practical insights into fundraising, go-to-market strategy, and lessons learned from the trenches of building a fintech startup. Don't miss this energizing conversation packed with actionable advice and real-world experience! Show Notes: 00:00 GoCardless Growth Journey 06:09 "Swinging Big with Venture Capital" 10:06 "Similar Questions, Divergent Answers" 13:07 "Direct Motion and SaaS Solutions" 15:56 "Two-Model Service Approach" 17:12 "Optimizing Onboarding and Efficiency" 20:20 Instant Value via AR Scanning Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/lunos-ai-secures-5-million-pre-seed-round Duncan Barrigan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbarrigan/ Lunos AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lunos-ai/ Lunos AI's Website: https://www.lunos.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

“SaaS metrics are dead.” You've probably seen that post on LinkedIn or X lately. In episode #325, Ben Murray cuts through the noise to explain why SaaS metrics aren't broken — they're just evolving to match modern recurring revenue business models. Whether you're running a SaaS, AI, software, or managed services company, the same financial principles apply. The key is understanding your revenue types — subscription, usage, consumption, or transaction — and applying the right metrics framework for each. What You'll Learn Why SaaS metrics still work — and why the confusion exists. The difference between SaaS as a delivery model and recurring revenue as a financial model. Why the most important question isn't “Are you SaaS?” but “What are your revenue types?” How financial systems and P&L design should reflect these revenue categories for accurate unit economics and valuation. Why It Matters For Operators: The framework for recurring revenue metrics applies whether you sell software, data, or AI services. For Finance Teams: You can't manage what you don't measure — ensure your financial modeling captures all recurring components. For Investors: Strong recurring revenue visibility (ARR, NRR, margins) still drives valuation multiples — regardless of your label. For Founders: Stop worrying about the buzz — focus on measuring what matters for your business model. Key Takeaways SaaS metrics = recurring revenue metrics. Focus on revenue types, not just labels like “SaaS” or “AI.” A clear chart of accounts and a well-designed financial system enable accurate SaaS metrics. The fundamentals of finance, accounting, and valuation haven't changed — only the packaging has. Resources Mentioned

Raising a Series A? Your story matters—but your SaaS metrics may close the deal. In episode #322, Ben outlines the investor-ready metrics founders must prepare. You'll learn what each metric signals to investors, how it ties to valuation, and where founders slip on accounting and financial systems. Why It Matters (Investor Lens) Investor metrics translate your story and traction into company valuation (multiples tied to growth + retention quality). Clean financial modeling depends on accurate accounting (COGS vs OPEX), solid financial systems, and reliable unit economics. Segmented metrics (by ACV/product/segment) de-risk assumptions and speed due diligence. Resources Mentioned Blog: Essential Series A Metrics (+ deep dives for each metric): https://www.thesaascfo.com/essential-saas-metrics-for-a-series-a-fundraise/ Course: SaaS Metrics Foundation: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation Quote from Ben “In Series A, the story still matters—but the metrics support the story that investors underwrite.”