The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

Wade Foster, co-founder and CEO of Zapier, shares insights on leading an AI-driven automation company. He discusses Zapier's evolution from basic workflows to advanced agentic systems. Foster highlights the importance of AI fluency for new hires and the cultural shift at Zapier towards innovation. He also offers tips for companies on hiring and upskilling for an AI-first future. The conversation dives into practical AI applications, including voice technologies and automated renewals, making it a must-listen for AI enthusiasts and business leaders alike.

Explore the fascinating world of vibe coding, where you can build apps without a developer. Dive into personal stories of success and setbacks, highlighting technical limitations and security challenges. Discover why the allure of creating an app in 20 minutes can be misleading. Learn about the essential strategies for platform selection and ongoing maintenance for B2B applications. This journey offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of no-code and low-code development.

Sydney Sloan, CMO of G2, is a marketing leader with experience at SalesLoft and Adobe. This conversation dives into how AI is transforming marketing and buyer behavior. They discuss the new dynamics in software purchasing, emphasizing AI's impact on building brand trust. Sydney provides practical advice on harnessing AI tools for content creation and enhanced productivity. The discussion also highlights the importance of AI orchestration in strategic planning for marketers aiming to adapt to rapid technological changes.

Talia Goldberg, a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, Jacob Jackson from Cursor, and Gorkem Yurtseven, the CTO of FAL, dive into the dynamic AI landscape. They discuss how AI companies are redefining key metrics and the challenges of scaling, including evolving pricing strategies and the impact of operational costs. The trio shares insights on user-centric product development, the shift to flexible sales quotas, and collaborative practices that drive innovation in generative media. Their expertise offers an intriguing look into the future of AI in business.

Prepare for a deep dive into the shifting landscape of SaaS as AI takes charge! Discover why 80% of B2B investors are pivoting towards AI deals and what it means for existing firms. Learn about the newly essential multi-product strategy for companies at just $10M in revenue. Uncover the challenges of fundraising for non-AI-first startups and why traditional growth models are fading fast. Plus, hear insights on enhancing customer experiences with AI and the shifting dynamics of brand marketing in a tech-dominated world!

Tope Awotona, CEO and founder of Calendly, shares his journey in the product-led growth space. He discusses the balance between self-serve and enterprise sales strategies while navigating user engagement and customer acquisition costs. Tope highlights how Calendly is perceived in IT departments, managing the stigma of being a 'rogue app'. The conversation also touches on how AI innovations are set to enhance productivity in scheduling, promising exciting developments for future users. It's a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the SaaS landscape!

Jacob Effron, Managing Director at Redpoint Ventures, sheds light on the rapidly evolving world of AI investments. He discusses how decreasing model costs are revolutionizing applications in coding, voice, and customer support. Effron introduces a three-part framework for identifying promising AI ventures and shares success stories from companies like Abridge and Lara. He emphasizes the essential role of brand building and quick product development in gaining a competitive edge. The conversation wraps up with insights on navigating the AI investment landscape and the importance of staying ahead.

Maggie Hott, GTM Leader at OpenAI with a rich background at Eventbrite, Slack, and Webflow, shares insights on building top-performing sales organizations. She emphasizes hiring exceptional talent and avoiding common pitfalls. Maggie discusses the art of delegation to nurture growth and the importance of flexible sales structures in the age of AI. Additionally, she unveils lessons from Slack's experiences with enterprise clients and the value of developing strong customer profiles to enhance sales strategies. A treasure trove of practical advice for leaders!

Ross Biestman, CRO of ServiceTitan, shares insights on transforming a small company into an $11 billion vertical SaaS leader. He discusses the company’s mission to support tradespeople and the pivotal role of customer interactions in their success. Ross recounts a memorable sales meeting that resulted in a significant investment and reflects on the innovative use of AI to enhance customer service. The conversation highlights the balance of operational discipline and growth, offering valuable lessons for aspiring SaaS leaders.

Join Amelia Lerutte, SVP and GM of SaaStr, as she explores the transformative role of AI in sales workflows. Discover how to effectively integrate AI tools to enhance outbound strategies and nurture client relationships. Amelia shares real-world examples that reveal the importance of human oversight alongside AI, ensuring high-quality interactions. She emphasizes the need for data preparation and continuous optimization, shedding light on the balance between automation and the crucial human element that drives successful sales outcomes.