The SaaS CFO

Welcome to this exciting episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, where we dive into the groundbreaking world of AI-driven photography with William Wu, the innovative CEO of Artisse. Today, William will share his journey from a finance professional at McKinsey to spearheading a tech startup that's revolutionizing how we think about and use photographs.   With Artisse’s cutting-edge technology, users can generate hyper-realistic photos of themselves in myriad scenarios with just a few clicks. Whether it’s for personal use on social media or professional deployment in fashion, tourism, or online dating platforms, Artisse is setting new standards in the image-centric digital landscape.   Join us as we explore the business model, the fascinating technology behind it, and the ambitious growth plans that are setting Artisse apart in the booming AI industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Studied finance, worked at McKinsey and Oaktree.  03:48 AI makes photo creation easy for users.  09:50 Top 1% user spends $1000, retention and revenue high.  12:45 App Store fee not a major factor.  17:00 Seek experienced and convicted industry leaders.  19:03 Focused on scaling business in various markets.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/artisse-ai-secures-6-7-million-in-seed-round  William Wu’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-wu/  Artisse AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artisseai/  Artisse AI’s Website: https://artisse.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 back to The SaaS CFO Podcast, everyone! Today's episode features a fascinating conversation with our special guest Ramesh Rajentheran, CEO and founder of Miya Health. With an impressive background that spans from practicing medicine to investment banking, Ramesh has navigated an extraordinary path leading to the inception of his company.   After leaving a promising career to become a stay-at-home dad following personal tragedy, he was inspired to fix critical issues in patient care and health insurance which led to the birth of Miya Health. Ramesh shares how his platform not only connects patients to the right doctors at the right time but also strives to improve the efficiency of health insurers alike.   Despite starting his company just before COVID, Ramesh has secured nearly $10 million in fundraising and has set his sights on impacting the health insurance of 100 million people. Tune in to learn about Miya Health's journey, their challenges in the health tech industry, and the vision that drives their expansion and innovation.  Show Notes:   00:00 Left high-flying job to build healthcare solution.  04:05 Big insurance core systems handle data distribution.  09:51 Efficient company strategy in challenging funding environment.  13:23 Bootstrapping not feasible, needed capital for fundraising.  14:40 Validating technology, seeking investors across industries, mission-focused.  19:31 Expanding market, funding, R&D, talent focus.  21:15 Appreciate Miya health, connect with Ramesh.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/miyahealth-raises-pre-series-a-extension  Ramesh Rajentheran’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramesh-rajentheran-723248/  Miya Health’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miya-health/  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 a new episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to sit down with Steven Nelemans, the innovative founder and CEO of Luna AI. In a candid conversation, Steven walks us through his personal journey from a young electrical engineering student in the Netherlands to dropping out at 19 and venturing into entrepreneurship. With insights into his first startup and the transition from technical roles to CEO duties, Steven sets the scene for the inception of Luna AI.  Luna AI enters the market as a game-changer with its all-in-one B2B sales platform specializing in top-of-funnel sales processes. Steven shares how their AI-driven solution not only sources leads but crafts compelling, personalized sales copy to empower SDRs and AEs with efficiency and improved performance.  Amid robust growth plans, Steven reveals Luna AI's strategic focus on the unique challenges of SaaS companies, touching on the pivotal role of Luna's technology in the quick-scaling phase when companies bring in their first sales hires. With an international footprint and a multi-lingual platform, Luna AI's vision for the future is compelling, and Steven discusses their fresh approach to raising capital, delivering value, and expanding reach.  Get ready for an episode packed with valuable takeaways on product-led growth, the drive for innovation in sales strategy, and the importance of keeping customers at the core of all endeavors. It’s an illuminating peek behind the curtain of Luna AI, right here on The SaaS CFO Podcast!  Show Notes:   00:00 Ideal customer for growing SaaS companies.  05:03 Jamco forecasts are open to non-SaaS companies.  09:22 Dynamic AI market challenges early revenue generation.  12:30 Small companies buy software; sales hire crucial.  15:12 Raised precede round to buy time and focus.  17:35 Efficient fundraising strategy yields better investor deals.  20:02 Planning and building for future growth and success.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/luna-ai-secures-2-5-million-in-pre-seed-round  Steven Neleman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-nelemans/  Luna AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getluna-ai/  Luna AI’s Website: https://luna.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 insightful episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast where we dive deep into the world of test automation and intent automation with a rising star in the tech industry. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Jonas Menesklou, the CEO and co-founder of Ask UI, a company at the forefront of leveraging machine learning to simplify and enhance software testing. Jonas will share his journey from university in Karlsruhe, Germany, directly into entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that led to the birth of Ask UI with his computer scientist co-founder.  You'll hear about their unique approach to solving the perennial challenges of test automation in large enterprises and how Ask UI is changing the game by allowing software tests that sound good to be just as good when automated. Jonas will discuss the company's current trajectory, their focus on large enterprise customers, particularly those dealing with Windows software, and how usage metrics drive their business decisions.  Moreover, Jonas opens up about the fundraising landscape, their successful seed round of €4.3 million, and the strategic importance of preparing for investment opportunities. As Ask UI gears up for an exciting 2024, they're not only enhancing their product but also expanding their sales team, with Jonas transitioning from founder-led sales to building a sales engine that can operate independently.  Join us as we unpack the exciting journey of Ask UI, explore the challenges they've overcome, and the milestones they're chasing. Whether you're a SaaS enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about the developments in test automation, this is an episode you don't want to miss!  Show Notes:  00:00 Automating testing process and raising initial funds.  03:10 Test automation for enterprise software applications.  09:17 Evaluating software, targeting customers, confident in progress.  11:10 Prepare thoroughly for a successful fundraise.  13:40 Striving for repeatable revenue through efficient sales.’  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/askui-raises-4-3-million-in-seed-round  Jonas Menesklou’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menesklou/  Ask UI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/askui/  Ask UI’s Website: https://www.askui.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 episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we dive into the fascinating story of Deepak Shrivastava, the founder and CEO of Sunrise AI. In this episode, we'll unravel Deepak's journey from the world of investment banking to becoming a CFO and entrepreneur. He shares his profound insights into the appeal of SaaS revenue models, steering through the complexities of the tech industry, and his experiences in steering a travel tech company during the uncharted territories of the pandemic.  Deepak gives us an inside look into his latest venture, Sunrise AI, an innovative company that's shaking up the fintech space with AI-powered credit and due diligence services. Listen in as he discusses the challenges outdated credit assessment methods present and how his company aims to revolutionize this space with technology that's more inclusive and fits the modern economic realities.  Join us as Deepak opens up about the early stages of building Sunrise AI, from securing initial funding to navigating go-to-market strategies. His perspective on the importance of storytelling in fundraising and the strategic emphasis on validating his product in the market offers invaluable lessons for any startup founder.  As we probe into the operational side of a new venture, Deepak also discusses team dynamics, pricing strategies, the power in targeting a niche initially but keeping options open for adjacent markets, and the critical metrics he's using to steer Sunrise AI towards success.  Don't miss out as we explore Deepak's vision for a fairer credit system—one that breaks free from traditional bias and strives for inclusivity. So tune in, as we unpack the story of a SaaS entrepreneur set on making a significant impact in the fintech world.  Show Notes:   00:00 CFO with background in investment banking, tech, SaaS.  05:41 Credit reporting for landlords beyond traditional methods.  07:05 Corporations as individuals, assessing credit risk, SMBs.  10:20 Seeking mid-market property owners for prop tech.  15:13 Study collected data, predicted rent payment accuracy.  17:07 Struggles with capital, storytelling, and investor alignment.  19:17 Metrics and marquee brands validate market receptivity.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/sunrise-ai-secures-pre-seed-funding-round  Deepak Shrivastava’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-shrivastava-3baa12/  Sunrise AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunrise-ai/  Sunrise AI’s Website: https://www.sunrise.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 back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we're sitting down with Andrew Butt, the co-founder and CEO at Enable, a revolutionary B2B SaaS platform designed to streamline rebate management in the supply chain. Andrew's journey from building custom software for businesses to spearheading a category-defining platform offers a treasure trove of insights. With a background that marries application development with an acute understanding of business mechanics, Andrew is a seasoned entrepreneur now leading his third company.  In a candid conversation with our very own Ben, Andrew delves into the intricate world of rebates — a space he both dominates and continuously innovates within. He shares the compelling growth story of Enable, which has expanded rapidly to a robust size of over 600 team members and a remarkable multi-fold increase in ARR year-over-year. The duo also tackles the ever-important topic of fundraising, with Enable having recently completed a significant round that puts them well on the track towards an ambitious public offering.  Andrew's practical wisdom on achieving product-market fit, honing in on vital go-to-market strategies, and balancing growth with efficiency makes this episode a must-listen. Are you ready to dive into the nuts and bolts of revolutionizing rebate management and building a SaaS platform that scales? Join us as we explore the enablement journey through Andrew's exceptional leadership at Enable.  Show Notes:  00:00 Creating new market, already market leader.  04:46 Creating custom software for clients' unique needs.  08:33 CFO crucial in managing company's finances effectively.  11:14 Consistent growth, strong retention, huge market potential.  14:39 Achieved product-market fit, successful revenue growth.  17:17 Transitioned from launch to focus and scale.  20:30 Focus on growth, efficiency, and customer success.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/enable-raises-120-million-in-series-d  Andrew Butt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/awbutt/  Enable’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enable-software/  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 back to The SaaS CFO Podcast, and in this episode, we're thrilled to host Litan Yahav, the insightful co-founder and CEO advisor who brings his vast experience into the spotlight. From his roots in the Israeli Navy to his entrepreneurial venture in the diamond industry and his passive investment endeavors, Litan has a multifaceted background that is sure to captivate our listeners.   Today, we'll delve into his latest venture with Vyzer, a groundbreaking SaaS platform designed to automate and streamline the wealth management process for those with enough complexity but not enough to warrant a family office. Litan will unveil the unique challenges and solutions of managing private investments, the evolution of Visor's ideal customer profile, and their go-to-market strategies.   We'll also get an insider perspective on their recent fundraising efforts, the transition from beta to launch, and what the future holds for Vyzer in their quest to democratize financial management. So, buckle up for a deep dive into a world where technology meets personal finance, and learn how Litan and his team are reshaping the way we manage our wealth.  Show Notes:  00:00 Automating financial management for high net worth individuals.  05:14 ICP target expanded to diverse wealth levels.  08:47 Beta testing, iterating, launch with client feedback.  11:16 Online acquisition from various platforms, affiliate marketing, partners.  15:33 Raising money can be tough, but learn.  17:10 Focus on financial metrics for business growth  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vyzer-raises-6-3-million-in-seed-round  Litan Yahav’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/litanyahav/  Vyzer Finance’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vyzerfinance/  Vyzer’s Website: https://vyzer.co/  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 sit down with Tanguy Chau, co-founder and CEO of Paxton AI. Tanguy shares his journey from being a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley to founding his own company.   He discusses Paxton's generative AI legal and regulatory assistant, its target customers, go-to-market strategy, the challenges of selling to law firms, and the significance of generative AI technologies in the legal industry. Tanguy also shares insights about raising $6 million in seed funding and offers valuable advice for early-stage founders.   Stay tuned to hear about the future of Paxton and the transformational impact of generative AI in the legal industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Paxton: AI legal assistant streamlines legal research.  06:21 Law firms adopting technology due to efficiency.  08:30 Focused on US statutes, rules, regulations, court rulings.  12:58 Early revenue shows need and repeatability achieved.  14:39 Adopt product growth strategy; focus on content.  20:51 Emphasizes finding unique, in-demand value.  23:53 Paxton's skills will shape future legal industry.  25:53 Learn more about Tanguy at Paxton AI.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/paxton-raises-6-million-in-seed-round  Tanguy Chau’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanguychau/  Paxton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paxtonai/  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 episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, the essential listen for anyone captivated by the synergy of technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. Today's episode is an inspiring foray into the world of AI-powered content creation with a young visionary at its helm - Cole Gonzales, CEO of Ossa.AI.  Join us as we chart Cole's remarkable journey from social media sensation to tech startup pioneer. With Ossa.AI, he's challenging the norms of content creation, supporting individuals to craft compelling stories with ease through advanced AI. We'll dive into the successes and struggles of launching and nurturing a technology startup, from early-stage beta testing to managing the growing pains of a promising new SaaS business.  Buckle in for a deep dive with the minds behind Ossa.AI. We’ll peel back the layers on bootstrapping a business, engaging communities, and the strategic foresight needed to propel a SaaS company forward. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a SaaS aficionado, or someone fascinated by the potential of AI, this episode with Cole is sure to enrich your understanding of the cutting edge of content creation.  Show Notes:  00:00 Started on social media, gained huge following.  03:11 School not for everyone; seeks self-guided education.  06:56 Started community on social media, grew large.  12:51 Iterative development of short form video product.  14:51 Product tested with beta group, achieved success.  17:37 Proving product works, gaining feedback, refining product.  21:48 Delay raising funds, focus on bootstrapping strategy.  24:51 Analyzing subscriptions, expenses, risks, and QuickBooks.  28:01 Focus on retention through understanding user demographics.  30:32 Versatile usage for diverse content creators explained.  33:42 Emphasizing front-end features for predictable output.  Links:  Cole Gonzales’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-gonzales/  Ossa.ai’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ossa-ai/  Website: https://ossa.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

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, our host Ben welcomes Eric Xiao, founder and CEO of Laxis, to share insights about his background and the innovative AI copilot service provided by Laxis. Eric discusses his extensive experience in the software industry, including his transition from a venture investor to founding Laxis in 2020.   He explains how Laxis offers AI-powered meeting note-taking, automatic email generation, CRM integration, and a chatbot for sales teams. Eric emphasizes that Laxis targets small to medium-sized businesses due to its affordability and essential functionality for automating sales processes. The conversation delves into Laxis' pricing model, market strategy, and the remote work dynamics of the Laxis team. Eric also provides valuable insights into his recent fundraising journey, the challenges faced during the capital raising process, and the shifting landscape of investor expectations for early-stage startups.   Lastly, he shares a glimpse into the future of Laxis, highlighting the development of an AI agent. Tune in to discover more about Eric's journey with Laxis and the exciting developments on the horizon for this innovative AI-powered solution.  Show Notes:  00:00 Fifteen years in software industry, including MBA.  04:09 Lexus software offers essential sales functionality, affordable.  09:40 Challenging year for oil entrepreneurs, strong growth.  12:21 SaaS fundraising expectations and standards are shifting.  13:39 Emphasizing user acquisition and retention for Laxis.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/laxis-raises-1-5-million-in-seed-round  Eric Xiao’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shuai-xiao/  Laxis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laxis-tech/  Laxis’ Website: https://www.laxis.com/  Eric Xiao’s Email: eric at laxis.tech  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