The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

Saastr 011: 4 Questions To Determine Whether You Have Product Market Fit with Ajay Agarwal @ Bain Capital Ventures

Apr 8, 2016

Ajay Agarwal from Bain Capital Ventures discusses the difference between SaaS and Enterprise Software, the impact of cloud software on sales cycles, how startups can know when to release their MVP, achieving product-market fit, the importance of customer success in SaaS, and the future of zenefits. Explore the $10bn opportunity in marketing and the significance of a system of record for building a billion-dollar company.

21:57

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Episode guests

Ajay Agarwal

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

SaaS offers easier implementation processes and cost-effective solutions compared to enterprise software.

Startups should focus on achieving product-market fit by delivering value quickly and gathering feedback.

Deep dives

RJ Agarwal's Background in SaaS Investing and Impact on Companies

RJ Agarwal, the managing director of Bain Capital Ventures, focuses on early-stage application software and SaaS investing. With investments in companies like Optimizely, SendGrid, and Gainsite, RJ's experience includes growing annual revenue at Trilogy to $300 million. He transitioned to Bain Capital Ventures in 2003 and has since concentrated on early-stage software and SaaS investments, witnessing the industry's positive changes.

Introduction

2min

Revolution of SaaS in the Software Industry

8min

Achieving Product-Market Fit through Early Releases

7min

Importance of System of Record and Marketing Potential in SaaS Companies

2min

Exploring the Customer-Centric Approach in Sales and Marketing

4min

I am thrilled to welcome, Ajay Agarwal, Managing Director @ Bain Capital Ventures, where he focuses on early stage application software and SaaS investing. Included in his immense portfolio are the likes of Optimizely, SendGrid and GainSight, just to name a few and prior to crushing the world of investments, Ajay was an early employee at Trilogy, where as Head of Sales and Marketing he was instrumental in growing their annual revenue to $300m.

Discussed In Today's Show:

What is the difference between SaaS and Enterprise Software? (there is one!)
How does the introduction of cloud software affect the sales cycle for startups?
How can startups know when is the right time to release their MVP without having significant issues with churn?
What does product market fit really look like for SaaS startups?
Once product market fit is achieved, is it merely a case off during money into the machine?
Why has customer success become such an integral part of SaaS and what can startups do to optimise customer success?

In a round we call the 60 Second Saastr, we also hear:

Why is the system of record the easiest way to build a $bn company?
The $10bn opportunity in marketing?
The future of zenefits?

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The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

Saastr 011: 4 Questions To Determine Whether You Have Product Market Fit with Ajay Agarwal @ Bain Capital Ventures

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

RJ Agarwal's Background in SaaS Investing and Impact on Companies

Distinction Between Enterprise Software and SaaS

Achieving Product-Market Fit in SaaS Startups

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts