The SaaS CFO

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

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben speaks with Itzik Alvas, the co-founder and CEO of Entro Security. Itzik shares his extensive background in cybersecurity, including his experience in offensive and defensive cybersecurity roles at the IDF and Microsoft.   He provides valuable insights into the challenges companies face with securing and managing programmatic access keys, also known as secrets, and how Entro Security offers a complete solution to address this critical issue. Itzik discusses the target market for their solution, their sales cycle, and the lessons learned from their successful seed funding round.  Listeners will gain valuable insight into the world of cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and the exciting future plans for Entro Security.  Show Notes:  00:00 IBM and Verizon report on costly cyberattacks.  03:31 Regenerating keys is essential for security.  07:10 Co-founder experienced breaches, led to founding security company.  11:11 Easy SaaS integrations, quick findings and reports.  16:38 Validate, learn, improve, and go for it.  17:49 Mainly focused on ARR and CAC metrics.  Links:   Itzik Alvas’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itzik-alvas/  Nirit Icekson’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirit-icekson-09999a/  Entro Security’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entro-security/  Entro Security’s Website: https://entro.security/  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! In this episode, our host Ben talks to Jeff Handy, CEO and co-founder of Qualiti AI. Jeff shares how he and his team developed an AI tool to automate the testing process for software development, aiming to revolutionize the way companies approach quality assurance.   He discusses the background of Qualiti AI, its target market, team size, funding, and future plans. Jeff also provides valuable insights and lessons learned from raising capital and finding the right investors.   Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating intersection between AI and software testing and to learn more about the journey of Qualiti AI.  Show Notes:   00:00 AI simplifies test code generation and management.  05:13 Ben can sell our lightweight JavaScript tag.  08:28 Location in Lehigh, Utah, but distributed teams.  10:50 Prepare for market, secure capital, lead competition.  12:33 Venture world: empathy, rejection, finding resonance.  17:38 Pricing model encourages platform usage and testing.  19:03 Connect with Jeff Handy on LinkedIn for conversation.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/qualiti-ai-closes-6-5-million-in-seed-round  Jeff Handy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-handy-3363a347/  Qualiti AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qualiti/?viewAsMember=true  Qualiti AI’s Website: https://qualiti.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 The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Paul Prendergast, CEO and co-founder of Kayna, a tech start-up specializing in insurance technology.   Throughout their conversation, Paul discusses his extensive experience in tech startups and the unique approach Kayna is taking to revolutionize the insurance industry. He shares insights on Kayna's focus on vertical SaaS platforms, its go-to-market strategy, and its journey from inception to raising funds.   Join us as we delve into the innovative world of insurance technology with Paul Prendergast.  Show Notes:  00:00 Early stage Insurtech SaaS for vertical platforms.  04:30 Platform drives revenue by offering personalized products.  07:29 18 months ago, started, became regulated entity, funding.  10:53 Focused vertical SaaS, providing valuable content.  15:05 Focus on credibility and differentiation as small business.  17:23 Maximizing value through targeted outreach and collaboration.  Links:  Paul Prendergast’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulincork/  Kayna Innovation’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kayna-innovation/  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 Anshul Shrivastava, the co-founder and CEO of Vodex AI. Anshul shares his fascinating journey from being an engineer in India to founding Vodex AI, a company specializing in voicebot technology for phone call automation.   They discussed the company's innovative products and services, its growth and funding journey, and the importance of focusing on one value proposition for success. Anshul also provides a glimpse into the future of Vodex with exciting developments in multilingual capabilities and cognitive ability.   Tune in to learn more about Vodex AI and the exciting advancements in AI technology.  Show Notes:  00:00 Interest in voicebots led to freelance work.  04:39 Bot frustration resolved, improved response accuracy achieved.  08:00 Instantly receive answers with integrated website API.  11:57 Global funding challenges, but opportunities in AI.  15:15 Key lessons: Revenue, technology, team, focus, scale.  17:05 Vodax offers voicebot with 100+ language capabilities.  19:25 Ensure country code, YouTube channel, Discord connection.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vodex-raises-320-000-in-pre-seed-round  Anshul Shrivastava’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anshul-shrivastava/  Vodex AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vodexai/  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 sits down with John Mizzi, founder and CEO of Vero Technologies. John shares his journey from the world of financial services to launching his fintech company.   Vero Technologies offers a platform for wholesale inventory financing, catering to dealers of various manufactured goods. John discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in this space, including the company's pricing model and go-to-market strategy.  He also dives into the company's recent series A raise and future plans for growth and organizational development. Tune in to hear an insightful conversation about innovation and growth within the world of fintech.  Show Notes:  00:00 Platform provides financing for dealers' high-value inventory.  04:39 SaaS platform streams lenders' day-to-day operations.  08:16 Platform created new opportunities for banks and manufacturers.  10:45 Validating milestone: banks signed up for platform.  13:23 Segmenting market approach for new banking landscape.  17:27 Focusing on scaling organization, evolving niche opportunities.  20:02 Grateful for insights on company growth strategy.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/vero-technologies-closes-8-5-million-in-series-a  John Mizzi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfmizzi/  Vero Technologies’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vero-technologies/  John Mizzi’s Email: john@vero-technologies.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, where we bring you insightful conversations with SaaS industry leaders. In this episode, our host Ben sits down with Ivan Cossu, the founder and CEO of Deskbird, a B2B SaaS company providing a software solution for managing the complexity of hybrid workplaces.   Ivan shares his entrepreneurial journey, from pivoting from a B2C coworking model to the current B2B SaaS platform. He talks about the challenges and successes of raising capital, the company's growth strategies, and the future of workplace management with AI.   Join us as we dive into Ivan's insights and experiences in scaling a SaaS business and revolutionizing the workplace experience.  Show Notes:  00:00 Deskbird: Software for managing hybrid workplace complexity.  03:46 Pivoted from Airbnb for coworking spaces model.  09:13 Diversified channels including Google for inbound marketing.  13:12 Efficiency and unit economics crucial for investors.  16:01 Expect few term sheets, be authentic as founder.  17:43 OKR meeting: ARR and burn multiple discussed.  21:06 AI can improve workplace management using data.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/deskbird-closes-5-million-in-pre-series-a  https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/deskbird-secures-13-million-in-series-a  Ivan Cossu’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivancossu/  Deskbird’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deskbird/  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 guest Derek Osgood, founder and CEO of Ignition, shares valuable insights into the world of product marketing and go-to-market strategy. Derek discusses his background in running products and marketing teams, as well as the inception and offerings of Ignition, a platform that assists in creating and launching products, features, and campaigns.  He delves into the industries Ignition serves, the target audience within organizations, and the effectiveness of its product. Derek also reveals key aspects of their go-to-market strategy, including channel partnerships and the lessons he learned from the fundraising process.  Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the metrics and pricing model used by Ignition, as well as the future innovations and advancements planned for the company. So join us as Derek Osgood provides a comprehensive look into the world of product development and commercialization in the SaaS industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Platform manages launch process, competitive analysis, roadmapping, go-to-market.  05:03 Product and product marketing drive app usage.  09:47 Channel partners incentivized with recurring revenue and involvement.  12:22 Seed raise focused on usage and value.  14:56 Dipping toe in fundraising process led to regret.  18:06 Excited for AI in sales enablement growth.  20:50 Mark's gone. Thanks, check out havignition.com.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/ignition-raises-8-million-in-seed-round  Derek Osgood’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekosgood3/  Ignition’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haveignition/  Ignition’s Website: https://www.haveignition.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 hear from Jacob Bank, the CEO and founder of Relay. Jacob shares his background, including his journey from AI research at Stanford to founding Relay.app.   He discusses the transition from being a founder to being acquired by a larger company, and the challenges and opportunities that came with it. Jacob also delves into the details of Relay, a workflow automation tool that helps people connect multiple products and create streamlined workflows.   He sheds light on the target customers, go-to-market strategy, fundraising journey, and the key metric guiding the business. Tune in to hear about Jacob's insights, strategies, and what's coming up next for Relay.  Show Notes:  00:00 Acquired by Google; led product for Gmail.  04:32 Challenges of team alignment and scaling at Google.  08:46 People find and use Relay for specific needs.  10:56 Shared automation, cross-team workflows, and adaptation.  15:33 Startup secured funding, developed product in timeline.  17:42 Seize investment opportunity, extend runway, minimize dilution.  20:54 Plan ahead for low runway, secure capital strategically.  25:32 Creating targeted how-to guides for automating tasks.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/relay-app-raises-3-1-million-in-funding  Jacob Bank’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobbank/  Relay’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tryrelayapp/  To know 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, I'm your host, Ben, and today we're diving into the financial heartbeat of SaaS companies with a very special guest, Vipul Shah, the co-founder and CEO/CFO at SaaS Works. In this episode, Vipul will share his unique insights into guiding metrics that are crucial for any recurring revenue business such MRR, ARR, customer retention, and dollar retention, and why these metrics are pivotal for evaluating capital efficiency, customer satisfaction, and product-market fit.  We'll also explore how Vipul's background in technology and finance has shaped the services offered by SaaSWorks, a company dedicated to enhancing the office of the CFO through data-driven decision-making and automation. Get ready to learn about their innovative approach to quality of revenue, their successful funding rounds, and the lessons they've learned along the way, not to mention the importance of community and customer-led growth.  Whether you're a CFO, a SaaS entrepreneur, or an investor, this conversation will give you a comprehensive outlook on the value drivers in the SaaS world and the evolving role of finance in the success of a SaaS business. Remember to check out more about SaasWorks at www.saasworks.com. So, let’s buckle up and get ready for a journey into the metrics that matter, the funding that fuels growth, and the strategies that sustain success in the SaaS industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Transitioned from tech to investing, worked extensively.  06:00 Utilizing digital workers to automate finance tasks.  07:28 Quality of revenue impacts SaaS business value.  12:15 Patient investors, proven product, successful growth strategies.  14:00 CFO board support, strategic investors, $6M rounds.  16:45 30-year renewal, testimonial, case studies, reaching CFOs, expanding volume.  23:12 Guidance for fundraising: be balanced and transparent.  25:30 Efficiency, team quality, growth, and customer retention.  28:38 Embedding AI, ML, RPA and more into platform for users.  Links:  Vipul Shah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vpshah/  SaaSWorks’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saasworksinc/  To know 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