This Week in Startups

David Sacks and Ethan Ruby on launching SaaSGrid | E1803

Sep 6, 2023

53:21

Snipd AI

SaaSGrid co-founders Ethan Ruby and David Sacks join Jason to demo SaaSGrid, discussing its solution for founders. They cover the software recession, AI's impact on SaaS, and more. Topics include burn multiple and startup efficiency, determining target customers, and challenges in the SaaS industry.

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Quick takeaways

Having a clear distribution strategy is crucial for long-term success in SaaS companies.

Top SaaS companies prioritize strategic allocation of resources to maximize efficiency.

Continuous innovation and quick product shipping are key priorities for successful SaaS companies.

Deep dives

Distribution Strategy as a Key Advantage

Successful SaaS companies have a distribution strategy that works exceptionally well, giving them a competitive edge. This could be a product that perfectly meets a specific need or a highly effective bottom-up approach. Having a clear advantage in distribution is crucial for long-term success.

The Importance of Net Dollar Retention and Proper Instrumentation for Startups

01:21

The Role of Coding and AI in Various Areas of the Company

02:32

Milestones and Challenges in Scaling ARR

01:21

Understanding Burn Multiple and Startup Efficiency

00:41

Introduction

2min

Introducing SaaS Grid: A New Type of Business Intelligence Tool for SaaS Companies

7min

Importance of Tracking Growth and Sponsorship Ad for House of Macadamius

2min

Understanding the Burn Multiple

13min

Scaling Marketing Programs and Addressing Headwinds in the SaaS Industry

5min

Challenges and Contraction in the SaaS Industry

4min

Efficient Set Up of Salesforce and Exploring Per Seat Pricing Model in SaaS Tools

5min

Efficiency, AI, and the Impact on Companies

16min

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Today’s show:

SaaSGrid Co-Founders Ethan Ruby and David Sacks join Jason to demo SaaSGrid and break down the solution it provides for founders (3:12). They also cover the software recession (26;18), AI’s impact on SaaS (36:41), and much more!

Time stamps:

(0:00) David Sacks and Ethan Ruby join Jason

(3:12) The solution SaaSGrid provides for founders

(7:02) Ethan demos SaaSGrid

(9:25) House of Macadamias - Get 20% off and a free box of Namibian Sea Salted Macadamia Nuts at https://houseofmacadamias.com/twist by using code TWIST20

(10:45) Burn multiple and startup efficiency

(16:27) Fixed cost of a SaaS business today and major roadblocks in SaaS

(20:40) Determining target customers and when outbound makes sense

(25:10) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(26:18) Headwinds against SaaS and the software recession

(30:12) The MRR chart and analyzing contraction and churn

(35:13) Fitbod - Get 25% off at https://fitbod.me/twist

(36:41) AI’s impact on SaaS companies

(41:47) The ZIRP/COVID-19 bubble and founders skipping funding rounds

(44:37) The 3 MOST important things for SaaS companies to pay attention to

Check out SaaSGrid: https://www.saasgrid.com/

FOLLOW Ethan: https://twitter.com/ethanjruby