Startups For the Rest of Us
Episode 766 | Close.com's Amazing Run to $40M ARR (with Steli Efti)
Mar 18, 2025
In this conversation, Steli Efti, co-founder of Close.com, shares insights from his impressive journey to achieving over $40 million in annual recurring revenue. He highlights the significance of strong co-founder relationships and emotional resilience in facing crises. Steli also discusses a recent pricing shift aimed at making their product more accessible, emphasizing the balance of hard work and smart strategies in the SaaS landscape. With over 12 years of experience, he reflects on lessons learned and the importance of consistently showing up.
37:13
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Quick takeaways
- Strong co-founder relationships and open communication have been crucial for Close.com in navigating crises and sustaining success over 12 years.
- The recent introduction of a lower-priced entry-level plan reflects Close.com's strategic response to customer feedback and aims to enhance acquisition and retention.
Deep dives
Growth Journey of Close.com
Close.com has achieved significant success with a remarkable growth trajectory, reaching over $40 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) while primarily being bootstrapped. The company has effectively grown from its launch in 2013 to now employing 110 people and maintaining its fully remote operational structure. The co-founders credit their consistent progress not only to their strategic decisions but also to their long-term commitment to the vision of their company. This journey reflects the challenges and milestones that come with building a sustainable SaaS business over more than a decade.
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