In this SaaS Buyers' Club Episode 37, your host, Software as a Service (SaaS) mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyer Omeed Tabiei from Optimist Legal interviews Simon Leroux, a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits who is now seeking to transform the M&A industry with new startup, Optionality.ai.

Simon recounts his intriguing journey spanning over 25 years, beginning in the telco industry and eventually leading to his first entrepreneurial venture, a boutique consulting firm specializing in direct investment attraction. 

Discover Simon's experiences in scaling businesses, the failures, and pivotal learnings that shaped his path, including an in-depth look at his SaaS company, Gazelle AI, which leveraged AI to predict corporate global expansions. 

As they delve into the intricacies of acquiring and selling businesses, Simon shares his valuable insights on overcoming growing pains, optimizing for growth, and his new venture, ‘Optionality’, designed to help business owners prepare for a successful exit. 

Learn his insider tips on navigating acquisition processes, the importance of aligning with partners, and actionable strategies to boost your SaaS company’s valuation. 

Tune in to gain firsthand knowledge and practical advice from an industry veteran.

00:00 Introduction to SaaS Buyers Club
00:40 Simon's Entrepreneurial Journey
01:30 First Entrepreneurial Experience
03:14 The Birth of Gazelle AI
04:29 Navigating the Pandemic
05:17 The Decision to Sell
06:44 Founding Optionality
18:37 Challenges and Growth Pains
19:48 The Sale to KKR
25:32 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding
29:19 Challenges of Scaling a Niche SaaS Product
30:23 Valuation and Market Potential
31:10 Building a Growth Story for Acquisition
33:41 The Acquisition Process: Lessons Learned
37:48 Navigating the LOI to Close
45:09 Introducing Optionality: Solving the Exit Problem
48:38 How Optionality Works
57:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow the Guest: Simon Leroux

► https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerouxs

Follow the Host: Omeed Tabiei 

► https://www.linkedin.com/in/Omeed-Tabiei

► https://www.facebook.com/omeedt

►https://www.instagram.com/saasbizlawyer

How to reach Optimist Legal about your SaaS M&A transaction to explore working with us

► https://www.optimistlegal.com

►Omeed@OptimistLegal.com

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About Optimist Legal:

Optimist Legal is a SaaS corporate and business focused law firm with extensive experience in M&A. When you work with Optimist Legal for your next SaaS M&A transaction, you can rest assured that you're working with diligent experts that are going to get you the best deal possible.