The SaaS CFO

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m excited to sit down with Adam Chrigström, founder and CEO of Big Audience Machine (BAM). Adam’s journey has taken him from studying economics to a successful run in brand marketing and research, leading to the launch and acquisition of Play Pilot—a streaming guide that reached over six million monthly users.  After serving as Head of AI at the acquiring fund, Adam launched Big Audience Machine, a cutting-edge content marketing platform designed to help companies turn strategy and deep brand understanding into effective, multi-channel content. Adam shares what inspired him to build BAM, lessons he’s learned from pivoting in the creative and SaaS industries, and practical advice for founders navigating early-stage growth, team building, and fundraising in today’s AI-driven market.  We’ll talk about how BAM is helping both agencies and in-house teams, what they’ve learned from working closely with pilot customers, and what’s coming next as they prepare for an exciting public launch. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or just looking to glimpse the future of content and branding, tune in for Adam Chrigström’s story and insights!  Show Notes:  00:00 Pivot from Pre-Production Platform  05:46 "BAM: Streamlined Content Marketing Platform"  07:35 Effective AI-Driven Content Strategy  11:10 AI's Limitations in Brand Intuition  14:57 "Early-Stage Branding Strategy Development"  20:40 Early-Stage Product and Customer Engagement  21:54 "Data Challenges and Future Plans"  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/big-audience-machine-raises-350k-in-funding  Adam Chrigström’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-chrigstr%C3%B6m/  Big Audience Machine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-audience-machine/  Big Audience Machine’s Website: https://www.bigaudiencemachine.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we welcome Yana Lapitskaya, the CEO and co-founder of YAI, an innovative platform designed to enhance the quality of AI-generated marketing content. With over 15 years in marketing and a successful agency exit under her belt, Yana shares her journey from agency founder to SaaS startup leader, and how her hands-on experience shaped her vision for YAI.  Yana discusses the challenges marketers face with AI-produced content and explains how YAI’s tools improve brand voice, clarity, SEO, and prepare businesses for the changing landscape of AI-enabled search. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at building her team, refining the product, and developing go-to-market strategies that resonate with both agencies and enterprise brands.  Tune in to hear valuable lessons on early-stage SaaS fundraising, product activation metrics, and the drive it takes to launch and grow a tech company. Whether you're a marketer, founder, or SaaS enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration from a leader at the forefront of marketing technology.  Show Notes:   00:00 Marketing Expert in Tech Innovation  05:48 "Multi-Brand Marketing Efficiency"  09:46 Dual Approach Market Strategy  11:58 "Challenges of Bootstrapping and Scaling"  16:07 Key Metric: Activation Rate  17:31 Startup Focus: User Value & AI Integration  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/yai-secures-250-000-in-seis-funding  Yana Lapitskaya’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanalapitskaya/  YAi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yai-digital/  YAi’s Website: https://yai.digital/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, I’m joined by Anna Berger, founder and CEO of Trayd—a game-changing construction payroll and compliance software. Anna shares how her career in marketing and personal roots in the construction industry inspired her to tackle the toughest back-office challenges specialty contractors face, from HR and scheduling to payroll and compliance.  We dive into Anna’s journey from working at top ad agencies and Marriott International to becoming a two-time founder and YC alum. She opens up about the challenges and wins of building Trayd, raising $4.5 million in seed funding, and the importance of customer retention and consistent branding in SaaS growth.  If you’re passionate about SaaS, vertical solutions, or just love a good founder story, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tune in to learn how Anna and her team are streamlining complex operations for contractors and driving rapid growth in an industry that’s overdue for innovation!  Show Notes:   00:00 Diverse Founder Background Advantage  03:31 Unified Construction Software Solution  06:38 Family-Driven Construction Insight  10:56 Startup Fundraising Journey  14:39 CEO Focus: Retention and Growth Metrics  16:37 "Dogfooding to Improve Customer Experience"  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/trayd-raises-4-5-million-in-seed-round  Anna Berger’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annajberger/  Trayd’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traydinc/  Trayd’s Website: https://www.buildtrayd.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Amira Nakouri, co-founder and CEO of Klaimy, to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. With a strong background in strategy consulting for major European insurers, Amira reveals how her drive for innovation—and a spark from the rise of generative AI—led her to launch Klaimy in Paris.  Klaimy is redefining the insurance industry by using AI to streamline the complex and time-consuming medical underwriting process. Amira explains how their technology helps insurance companies process medical records with incredible speed and accuracy, cutting decision times from days to just minutes. She also discusses the company’s go-to-market strategies, working with mid-sized MGAs, and their hybrid SaaS pricing model.  Tune in as Amira shares candid insights about building a startup team, navigating challenges with enterprise sales cycles, and raising pre-seed capital during uncertain times in Europe. Whether you’re interested in SaaS, AI, or the future of insurtech, this episode offers valuable lessons for founders and innovators alike.  Show Notes:  00:00 From Consultant to Entrepreneur in AI  05:12 Streamlining Complex Insurance Tasks  09:22 Expanding Insurance with AI-Powered Models  12:21 Startup Formation and Partnership Milestones  14:54 Small, Strategic Startup Team  17:49 "Insurance Industry Adoption Challenges"  22:46 Amsterdam Insurance Forum 2024  23:59 Targeted VC Strategy Yields Success  27:13 Explore KLAIMY.com Today  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/klaimy-raises-1-2m-in-pre-seed-round  Amira Nakouri’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amira-nakouri-1b729248/  Klaimy’s Website: https://www.getklaimy.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Ibrahim Ashqar, the co-founder and CEO of Lumi AI. Ibrahim shares his impressive background in data science and AI, including his time at Deloitte and the supply chain tech unicorn Stord, before diving into why he launched Lumi. The conversation highlights the challenges companies face with traditional business intelligence tools, and how Lumi is revolutionizing data access for brands, retailers, and supply chain operators through agentic workflows and conversational analytics.  Ben and Ibrahim discuss Lumi's focused go-to-market strategy, their partnerships with industry giants like Deloitte and BCG, and how they’re working with mid-market to Fortune 10 enterprises. Listeners will also hear about Lumi’s journey through fundraising, lessons learned in scaling an early-stage SaaS company, and the key product metrics that guide their growth.  Whether you’re interested in AI, enterprise analytics, or the inner workings of a fast-growing SaaS startup, this episode is packed with actionable insights and firsthand advice from the front lines of innovation.  Show Notes:   00:00 Supply Chain Analytics Software Focus  04:54 Strategic Supply Chain Planning Overview  09:13 Educational Analytics Approach Success  11:28 Consultant Challenges: Navigating Clearances  15:36 Complementary Tool, Not Replacement  18:36 Unexpected Visibility During Stealth Mode  21:34 Effective Investor Pitch Strategy  24:34 "Optimizing Intuitive AI Workflows"  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/lumi-ai-raises-3-7-million-in-seed-round  Ibrahim Ashqar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimashqar/  Lumi AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumi-ai  Lumi Ai’s Website: https://www.lumi-ai.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray sits down with Gus Neate, the co-founder and CEO of Wilson AI. Gus shares his unique journey from engineering and law to entrepreneurship, explaining how his experience in top law firms and in-house legal teams inspired the creation of Wilson AI—the world’s first AI-powered paralegal. Together, they delve into how Wilson AI is helping in-house legal teams automate repetitive contract workflows, extract key terms from documents, and enable seamless legal Q&A within organizations.  Gus discusses the ideal customer profile, ROI for clients, and the tiered pricing model that powers their early traction. He also opens about their recent $1.7 million pre-seed raise, lessons learned through fundraising, and the importance of product adoption and user retention in these early stages. From data security concerns to global expansion ambitions, Gus offers insights for founders, legal ops leaders, and SaaS CFOs alike who are interested in leveraging AI to streamline their legal operations. Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at scaling an early-stage SaaS company right at the intersection of law and technology.  Show  Notes:  00:00 AI Paralegal by Wilson for Contracts  06:22 Tiered Pricing Structure Insights  09:38 Targeted Content for Legal Teams  11:43 Accelerator-Driven Entrepreneurial Growth  15:01 Streamlining Customer Experience Setup  17:02 AI-Enhanced Document Analysis Tools  19:41 "Explore GetWilson AI"  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/wilsonai-raises-1-7-million-in-funding  Gus Neate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-neate/  Wilson AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilsonai-company/  Wilson AI’s Website: https://www.getwilson.ai/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

Welcome to another thrilling episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast on YouTube, where we unravel the latest innovations at the crossroads of finance and technology! This time, we've got Erez Agmon, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Vayu, sharing his remarkable journey from venture capitalist to tech entrepreneur. With a decade in the startup ecosystem, Erez now turns his focus to revolutionizing the financial landscape through AI-driven solutions.  At Vayu, they're not just keeping pace with the change—they're leading it. Discover how Vayu acts as the "winds of change" for finance, as Erez puts it, automating the most complex billing and contract-to-cash processes with unprecedented ease. From AI-enhanced metering tools to real-time revenue insights, Vayu is empowering B2B companies to innovate pricing models and streamline operations without the engineering headache.  Join us as we delve into Erez's unique vision and the strategies propelling Vayu to the forefront of the fintech revolution. Whether you're a CFO looking for cutting-edge tools, a tech enthusiast, or someone fascinated by the mechanics of business finance, this episode has something for you. Stay tuned and get ready to be inspired by the future of financial technology!  Show Notes:  00:00 Vayu: Revolutionizing B2B Billing Solutions  03:39 Real-Time Contract Management Solution  06:27 B2B Pricing and Implementation Solutions  10:36 Flexible Pricing Solution Achieved  14:50 Strategic Growth Through Lessons Learned  18:52 Retention Strategies in CFO Space  20:40 Optimizing B2B Pricing with AI  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vayu-raises-7-million-in-seed-round  Erez Agmon’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erez-agmon-66017012a/  Vayu’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/withvayu/  Vayu’s Website: https://www.withvayu.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast YouTube channel! In this episode, we're thrilled to present a conversation with Apurv Bansal, the co-founder and CEO of Zenskar. Apurv journeys us through his intriguing career path, starting from selling his first company to gaining insightful experiences at Google, which ultimately led to the inception of Zenskar. His story is a testament to how industry experience and recognizing universal pain points can catalyze groundbreaking business ideas.  Zenskar is revolutionizing the revenue automation landscape with its innovative order-to-cash platform. Apurv delves into the unique offerings of Zenskar, which handles everything from billing and collection to revenue recognition and SaaS metrics reporting. With the platform's ability to simplify complex pricing models and usage tracking, Zenskar is setting itself apart from legacy vendors, offering unparalleled value to businesses with intricate billing requirements. Apurv shares how Zenskar's solutions cater to both burgeoning startups and established companies looking to streamline their revenue operations.  Join us as we unpack Zenskar's journey of innovation and growth. We'll explore how this platform addresses the challenges of subscription management and the critical role of having an efficiently automated system in place. Apurv's insights provide actionable strategies for scaling a SaaS business, understanding the competitive landscape, and honing a successful go-to-market approach. Whether you're a SaaS enthusiast or a finance professional, this episode is sure to broaden your perspective on contemporary revenue management solutions.  Show Notes:   00:00 Second Startup Driven by Billing Gap  03:38 Pricing Complexity in B2B SaaS Models  09:51 Pricing Depends on Module and Complexity  10:53 Seamless Data Warehouse Integration  15:22 Believe and Communicate Your Advantage  18:57 Scaling and Evaluating Market Channels  20:50 Automation's Benefits Beyond Cost Savings  Links:  Apruv Bansal’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bansalapurv/  Zenskar’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenskar/  Zenskar’s Website: https://www.zenskar.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we are excited to have Ali Rizvi, the innovative CEO and founder of TrueRev, as our guest. Ali's journey from being a CPA with a solid background in finance and audit to becoming the driving force behind TrueRev, offers a wealth of insights. He draws on his extensive experience as a CFO for early-stage tech firms to highlight the persistent financial challenges SaaS companies face, ultimately leading him to develop TrueRev as a solution for subscription and revenue management issues.  TrueRev is dedicated to streamlining operations for small to medium-sized businesses dealing with recurring revenue complexities. Ali elaborates on how the platform addresses these challenges by focusing on revenue recognition, subscription management, and financial reporting, providing SaaS companies with a cohesive solution. With a mission to solve the financial chaos that arises in tech-driven companies, TrueRev aims to ensure accurate and seamless financial operations, especially for businesses lacking the resources to address these problems with existing systems or headcount.  In addition to sharing the vision behind TrueRev, Ali provides a glimpse into the strategic roadmap for growth and the essential role of clean data in financial operations. He offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of subscription management and where the industry is headed. Whether you're an entrepreneur in the SaaS space or a finance professional seeking to optimize financial processes, Ali’s discussion is full of actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies. Tune in to explore how TrueRev is changing the game in SaaS financial management and what it means for your business.  Show Notes:   00:00 Revenue Recognition Challenges  05:34 Target Market: Growing Companies' Recurring Revenue  09:09 Side Project to Startup Launch  11:28 Inbound Strategy Focused on Conversion  13:32 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding Pressure  18:49 Holistic Subscription Management Challenges  20:34 Complexity of Contract Management  23:08 "Explore TrueRev with Ali"  Links:  Ali Rizvi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rizvial/  TrueRev’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/true-rev/  TrueRev’s Website: https://truerev.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray 

Welcome to another thrilling episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Juha Riipi, the brilliant CEO of Quanscient. With a career that spans software development to consulting, Juha has now ventured into the realm of cutting-edge multiphysics simulations, and he’s here to share how Quanscient is changing the game. 🚀 From transforming digital designs into prototypes efficiently to offering groundbreaking solutions for industries like semiconductors and aerospace, Quanscient is truly redefining the product design workflow.  🌟 In this conversation, Juha takes us through his incredible journey, highlighting how his multifaceted background in engineering and business laid the foundation for Quanscient's success. We dive deep into the exciting world of niche markets such as nuclear fusion energy and medical ultrasound devices, where Quanscient’s innovative technology is making waves. Juha’s insights into the strategic growth of his SaaS model, his approach to deep tech investment, and his ambitions for enterprise-focused solutions make for a captivating discussion that is sure to inspire and inform. 💡  🔍 So, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of pioneering quantum computing applications and the future of industrial simulations on a global scale. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration, and it's one you won't want to miss. Hit play and join Ben Murray and Juha Riipi on this exhilarating journey of innovation and discovery. 🎧📈  Show Notes:  00:00 Advanced Multiphysics Simulation Platform  03:30 Co-Founding Quantum Computing Startup  07:45 Targeting Enterprises for Sales Growth  11:53 Expanding Investor Network Effectively  13:41 "Key SaaS Metrics and Strategies"  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/quanscient-secures-5-2-million-in-funding  Juha Riipi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhariippi/  Quanscient’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quanscient/?originalSubdomain=fi  Quanscient’s Website: https://quanscient.com/  To learn more about Ben check out the links below:  Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe  Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page  SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/  Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout  Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray