The SaaS CFO

Join us in this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast as we welcome Dov Gertz, CEO and co-founder of Converge Bio. With an impressive background in computer science and bioinformatics, Dov has contributed groundbreaking research in genome editing alongside Nobel Prize laureate Professor Jennifer Doudna. Currently, he leads Converge Bio, innovating at the crossroads of AI and biotech to enhance pharmaceutical R&D.  Converge Bio is revolutionizing the biotech and pharma landscape with advanced AI solutions designed to expedite research and development processes. Dov shares insights into the company's focus on optimizing antibody design and protein manufacturing, as well as their tailored pricing models that cater to both large pharmas and smaller biotech firms. Discover how Converge Bio's early product market fit is driving demand and shaping the future of drug development.  In this episode, Dov also sheds light on the company's strategic journey from inception in 2024 to raising $6 million in seed funding. He emphasizes the importance of a strong team and customer validation in building a successful startup. Tune in to explore the transformative potential of AI in life sciences and Converge Bio's mission to deliver better medications to patients worldwide.  Show Notes:   00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Biotech  04:29 Pharma Belief Divide  09:11 Building a Successful Startup Team  09:51 Early Stage Startups: Team Focus Importance  13:18 Exploring Converged Bio's Journey  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/converge-bio-raises-5-5-million-in-seed-round  Dov Gertz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dov-gertz-20612b145/  Converge Bio’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/converge-bio/  Converge Bio’s Website: https://converge-bio.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're excited to bring you a conversation with Sam Glasswell, co-founder and CEO of Arbolus, a trailblazing platform in the expert network arena. Sam takes us through his remarkable journey from a potential legal career to leading an innovative company that's reshaping how investors and consulting firms obtain and utilize expert knowledge.  Arbolus stands out by fusing technology with traditional expert network brokerage models, creating a more efficient way for users to gather and analyze insights. Sam shares how the company's unique approach is driving significant growth, even amid market fluctuations, by transitioning clients from conventional providers to Arbolus's cutting-edge platform. The discussion delves into Arbolus's product offerings, their focus on data integration, and the company's vision for scaling and enhancing their services.  For anyone interested in SaaS business strategies, fundraising, or the integration of data-driven platforms, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Tune in to discover how Arbolus is leading the charge in reducing friction to insight within the investment community, and gain valuable knowledge applicable to various industries.  Show Notes:  00:00 Efficient Insight Through Technology  04:03 Private Equity in B2B SaaS  07:47 Client Growth and Data-Driven Sales  11:43 Blended Growth Equity Investment Partner  14:53 Early Engagement Key to Series B Success  16:20 "Key Business Growth Metrics"  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/arbolus-raises-20-million-in-funding  Sam Glasswell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-glasswell-47273b10/  Arbolus’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arbolus/  Arbolus’ Website: https://www.arbolus.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 sits down with Ferry Tamtoro, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Revisto, to explore the dynamic intersection of life sciences and technology. Ferry shares his remarkable journey transitioning from the corporate sector to the world of startups, fueled by a passion for healthcare innovation. Discover how his drive to make a significant impact led to the foundation of Revisto, a company at the forefront of using AI to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of marketing material creation for life sciences companies.  Throughout the conversation, Ferry delves into the unique challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in their marketing endeavors, emphasizing the importance of navigating rigorous review processes. He articulates how Revisto's AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing these processes, enabling quicker market entries for pharmaceutical products while ensuring compliance and competitive differentiation. With an insightful look into the company's land-and-expand business strategy, Ferry highlights the critical role of customer ROI and how Revisto's offerings lead to significant time and effort savings.  Listeners will also gain valuable insights from Ferry's experiences in fundraising, underscoring the importance of aligning with investors who bring diverse expertise to the table. As Revisto continues to scale, Ferry shares the company's exciting roadmap, focused on expanding their team and refining their products to meet the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in the pharma sector. Join us to explore how Ferry Tamtoro and Revisto are shaping the future of marketing in the life sciences industry.  Show Notes:   00:00 AI-Accelerated Life Sciences Marketing  04:29 Avoiding FDA Reputational Damage  08:36 Networking and Event Connections  11:06 Top Pharma Product Expansion  14:24 Maximizing Pharma ROI with Software  17:27 Investing in Team and Product  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/revisto-raises-4-million-in-seed-round  Ferry Tamtoro’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrytamtoro/  Revisto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revisto-inc/  Revisto’s Website: https://www.revisto.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! In this episode, we sit down with Nitesh Trikha, the CEO of Neeve, to explore his extensive journey in the tech industry. With roots tracing back to 1996, Nitesh has evolved from a software programmer working on early Java technologies to holding pivotal roles at industry giants like Cisco. Now at the helm of Neeve, he is leading innovative efforts to enhance building infrastructure with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and cloud-native operations.  Nitesh introduces us to Neeve, a cloud platform as a service company focused on creating smarter and more secure buildings. He explains the importance of securing various operational technologies within these spaces, ensuring seamless integration from HVAC systems to smart lighting and beyond. As Neeve tackles vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, Nitesh sheds light on the significance of cybersecurity in modern commercial real estate and highlights Neeve’s global presence across 650 buildings.  Looking ahead, Nitesh discusses Neeve's strategic growth including their evolving go-to-market strategy and successful fundraising ventures. He emphasizes the importance of fostering genuine partnerships with customers and investors and shares insights on scaling the business with new products and geographical expansions. Tune in to discover the exciting future of Neeve and the transformative potential of technology in building security!  Show Notes:  00:00 Career Journey: Tech Evolution Since 1996  05:14 Smart Window Technology Expansion  07:02 Smart Building Infrastructure and Security  10:52 Customer-Centric REIT Partnership Evolution  15:23 "Building Independence Post-Graduation"  18:55 Geographical and Product Expansion Strategy  20:01 Neeve Expansion Insights  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/neeve-secures-15-million-in-funding  Nitesh Trikha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niteshtrikha/  Neeve’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neeve-ai/  Neeve’s Website: https://neeve.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, host Ben Murray sits down with Luis Garcia, the innovative president and co-founder of Pete, to unravel his inspiring journey. From his early days as a software engineer in Venezuela to launching a leading online university in the U.S., Luis shares key experiences that shaped his path in the world of digital education.  Luis dives deep into the challenges of creating effective digital education materials and evaluating learning outcomes. He explains how Pete harnesses the power of generative AI to address these challenges, providing scalable training solutions for companies looking to enhance their workforce learning without extensive resources. Learn how Pete transforms existing materials into engaging courses and creates interactive learning experiences that effectively evaluate understanding.  The episode also explores Pete's impressive growth trajectory and the potential of AI to revolutionize online education. With 16 customers and counting, Pete is poised for further expansion, demonstrating the increasing demand for innovative learning solutions. Listen in to discover Luis's vision for the future of corporate education and how Pete is setting the stage for transformative change in the industry.  Show Notes:  00:00 Software Engineer Turned Education Pioneer  03:35 Rethinking Learning Evaluation Methods  09:35 Simulation Engine for Learning Scenarios  10:57 Collaborative Course Creation Model  14:55 Initial Cash Infusion and Growth  17:20 Community Investment and Job Growth  20:00 AI Boosts EdTech and Growth  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/pete-secures-2-million-in-seed-round  Luis Garcia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisegarcia/  Pete’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pete-learning/  Pete’s Website: https://www.pete.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 back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this special edition, our host Ben Murray is joined once again by Jim Williams, Managing Director at GLC Advisors, to delve into the dynamic world of software mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jim brings his wealth of experience and insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the market, including recent trends, deal volumes, and valuations.  Ben and Jim explore the essential metrics that SaaS founders need to focus on, such as retention rates, growth, and gross margins. They discuss the importance of understanding your business model and revenue streams, especially in today's fluctuating market. Whether you're considering an exit or aiming to scale, their discussion provides actionable advice on how to prepare your business for potential acquisition and the type of deal structures you might encounter.  Topping it all off, Jim shares his optimistic forecast for 2025, discussing the potential for increased deal volumes, better valuations, and the exciting opportunities for both platform and add-on deals. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intricacies of the SaaS M&A landscape. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and expert predictions!  Show Notes:   00:00 Software M&A Market Trends  06:01 Evolving SaaS Revenue Models  06:50 Evaluating Revenue Models for Investors  12:48 Clear Storytelling for Business Success  16:15 Navigating Valuation Gaps in Markets  19:15 High Multiples for Top Businesses  20:24 Market Challenges in Business Quality  24:37 Sponsor Leverage in Platform Deals  29:15 Cash Out or Rollover Equity?  33:08 Equity Ownership and Commitment Terms  36:46 Seller's Market: Scarcity Premiums Heightened  38:53 Expect 60-Day Deal Processes  42:50 Scaling Business: Key Considerations and Risks  46:00 Retention's Impact on Valuation  48:26 Founders Can Still Achieve Multiples  53:46 Optimism for Future Business Deals  55:11 Contact Us for Capital Updates  Links:  Jim Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-williams-5754953/  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're thrilled to introduce Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, a game-changing platform in the B2B revenue management space. With a rich background ranging from the Midwest to stints in academia, consulting, and eventually tech entrepreneurship, Ali brings a wealth of experience and insights to our show. Ali shares his journey from being a NetSuite user grappling with 12 to 18-month digital transformations, to pioneering Tabs, a platform designed to simplify and automate the revenue process using AI and LLM technologies.  We dive deep into how Tabs revolutionizes the traditional quote-to-cash cycle, focusing on post-deal-closure activities to drive efficiency and reduce onboarding risks. Ali also discusses the importance of CFOs investing in technology for back-office efficiencies, the growing stature of the CFO role, and how Tabs is helping companies manage complex B2B revenue streams seamlessly.  Tune in to learn more about Ali's vision for Tabs, their impressive early growth, and how they're helping businesses automate and optimize their revenue processes. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, a financial professional, or interested in the latest fintech innovations, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice. Don't miss it!  Show Notes:   00:00 Early Market Entry of Tabs  05:25 Streamlining SaaS Finance with AI  07:46 Horizontal Product Expansion Benefits  10:24 Consolidation in AP Spend  16:27 CFO Tech Adoption Trends  17:42 Balancing CFO Duties and Tech Choices  21:34 Strategic Partnerships and Networking Impact  26:48 "Demonstrating Pipeline and ARR Mastery"  30:20 Timely Invoicing Beats AI Tricks  31:28 Gaining Traction in B2B Finance  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/tabs-secures-25-million-in-series-a-funding  Ali Hussain’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/  Tabs’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamtabs/  Tabs’ Website: https://tabs.inc/  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 today's episode, our host Ben Murray is thrilled to welcome Matt Perrott, the co-founder and CEO of BuildPass. Matt shares his journey from being a software engineer to leading a company that offers an AI-powered operating system for construction sites. We'll delve into the unique features of BuildPass, including its applications in both commercial and residential projects, and its impressive growth trajectory.  Matt gives us an inside look at BuildPass's expansion strategies, highlighting their upcoming launch in the U.S., and how they're adapting to different regulatory environments. He also shares candid insights about their successful fundraising efforts, the repeatable sales motions they've established, and the challenges of expanding into new markets.  Join us as Matt discusses the importance of capital efficiency, AI development, and their ambitious plans for future growth. Whether you're a SaaS enthusiast or a construction technology buff, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons learned from Matt's journey. Tune in now to hear more about BuildPass and its innovative contributions to the construction industry!  Show Notes:   00:00 Consumer-Centric Construction Software  05:56 Revenue Growth and Profit Margins  07:56 Sales-Driven Strategy with Strong Marketing  09:49 Personalized Sales Calls Strategy  15:14 Strategic Fundraising and Networking Insights  15:58 Investor Caution and Market Dynamics  19:13 Strategic US Market Entry Plan  22:19 "Casual Chat with Ben"  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/buildpass-raises-7-5-million-in-seed-round  Matt Perrott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrott/  BuildPass’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildpass/  BuildPass’ Website: https://www.buildpass.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 another insightful episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we have an enlightening conversation with Michael Kravshik, the co-founder and CEO of LumiQ. Starting from its humble beginnings between 2015 and 2016, LumiQ has evolved from a recruitment-focused product for CPAs to a leading platform in CPA education, officially launched in 2019. Now operating across North America with a dedicated team in Toronto, LumiQ has achieved impressive milestones, including surpassing an annual recurring revenue of $10 million and securing its first institutional funding through a private equity deal.  Join us as Michael shares his journey in transitioning from traditional CPA roles to innovative banking security, and the entrepreneurial path that led him to creating LumiQ. We’ll dive into LumiQ's unique monetization strategies, their go-to-market approach, and the intricate process of maintaining and expanding CPE credits for finance professionals. Michael also provides valuable insights on fundraising, the importance of transparency with investors, and the impacts of cultural differences on business growth. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of SaaS financial leadership and learn from Michael’s firsthand experiences and strategic outlook.  Show Notes:  00:00 Founded Lumiq, an educational podcasting platform.  04:20 Content and platform integration ensures compliance.  07:19 Founded in 2015-16; launched Lumaq in 2019.  12:05 Initially targeted small businesses, expanded to accounting firms.  15:02 Focused on sustainable, cashflow-positive business growth.  16:51 We prioritized transparency, fostering strong investor trust.  21:49 Canadians less risk-taking, impacting growth and stability.  25:51 Alignment with partners is crucial for success.  27:44 ARR and cash are primary focus metrics.  30:38 Caring deeply about CPAs drives success.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/lumiq-secures-funding-round  Michael Kravshik’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkravshik/  LumiQ’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumiqlearn/  LumiQ’s Website: https://lumiqlearn.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're excited to welcome Freddie Monk, the co-founder and CEO of Aya Data. Freddie takes us through his incredible journey from working as a strategy consultant at EY in London to moving to Ghana, where he co-founded Aya Data with a Ghanaian friend and their previous boss. Freddie's unique path illustrates the potential of talent and innovation in Ghana, as well as the opportunities he saw to create socially impactful business ventures.  Freddie sheds light on how Aya Data evolved from providing data annotation services to becoming a full-service AI consultancy firm. He dives into Aya Data's significant projects, including a precision agriculture platform that leverages remote sensing data and custom AI models to provide tree-level or plant-level analytics. Additionally, he talks about their second SaaS product, which is an African language speech solution designed to democratize communication for those who can't read or write in English or French.  We also explore the vibrant tech landscape in Ghana and Aya Data's recent pre-seed funding round of $900K, which is set to propel their growth even further. Freddie discusses their mission to scale their SaaS products, the importance of protecting proprietary data, and the strategic plans for expansion into new global markets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in AI, agriculture, global tech innovation, and the burgeoning opportunities within the African tech ecosystem. Tune in to be inspired by Freddie’s story and the groundbreaking work of Aya Data.  Show Notes:   00:00 Excited for impactful work and entrepreneurial opportunities.  03:03 Harness Ghana's talent, create jobs, provide services.  07:29 Primary customers: big farms; secondary: insurance, investment.  10:31 Mobile payments grow; medical tech innovates solutions.  16:23 Validating milestones, major partnerships, protectable IP achievements.  19:51 V7 Labs' data room template aids fundraising success.  22:49 Investing to scale SaaS products globally.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/aya-data-raises-900k-in-seed-round  Freddie Monk’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-monk-38347456/  Aya Data’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aya-data/  Aya Data’s Website: https://www.ayadata.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