The SaaS CFO

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Roy Pereira, the CEO and co-founder of Unified. Roy's journey through the tech world is nothing short of captivating; from dropping out of university to jumpstart his entrepreneurial career, to navigating the ins and outs of Silicon Valley, and eventually founding multiple startups. Unified, his latest venture, provides an innovative API integration infrastructure that saves SaaS companies valuable time and resources.  Join us as Roy delves into the specifics of Unified's services, the challenges and triumphs of building API integrations, and the strategic evolution of their pricing models. We also discuss the startup's unique approach to inbound marketing, their lean yet efficient team dynamics, and the arduous but rewarding path of fundraising in today's market. Roy shares invaluable advice for fellow SaaS founders and gives us a glimpse of what's on the horizon for Unified. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with practical wisdom and entrepreneurial inspiration!  Show Notes:   00:00 Unified to: Simplifies API integration, saves time.  05:21 Developed new, customer-friendly, sliding scale pricing model.  08:34 Founded in 2023; automated platform for efficiency.  13:24 Raising funds is difficult; requires targeted networking.  16:05 Metrics-focused meetings emphasize KPIs and customer journeys.  17:30 Expanding API integrations; aiming for 500 total.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/unified-to-secures-1-1m-cad-in-pre-seed-round  Roy Pereira’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roypereira/  Unified’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unified-to/  Unified’s Website: https://unified.to/  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 enlightening episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to host Brian Elliott, CEO and co-founder of Blitzy—a groundbreaking company pushing the boundaries of software development through AI. Brian’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, starting from his education and service at West Point and Army Special Operations, to Harvard Business School, where he met his co-founder, Sid, and laid the foundation for what would become Blitzy. Their mission? To democratize and accelerate software development using cutting-edge AI technologies.  In our conversation, Brian delves into the nitty-gritty of building a tech startup from the ground up. He recounts the initial spark for Blitzy, which began as a pro bono project for a local bakery, and how it quickly evolved into a robust platform serving major enterprises, especially in finance and insurance. He elaborates on the unique value proposition of Blitzy—generating enterprise-quality code at breakneck speeds, dramatically compressing development cycles, and offering unparalleled efficiency.  We also look ahead to the future of SaaS, contemplating how innovations like Blitzy might reshape the industry landscape. With discussions on product development, pricing, and go-to-market strategies, Brian provides a wealth of insights that are sure to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. So, plug in those headphones and join us for a captivating discussion that bridges technology, business, and innovation.  Show Notes:  00:00 Served Army, founded Blitzy using AI innovations.  04:52 Achieved enterprise software breakthrough, patenting technological innovations.  06:25 Expensive product tailored for businesses' code needs.  10:31 Extensible full-cycle system for legacy tech industries.  15:55 Boston's ecosystem excellent for attracting talented researchers.  18:49 Revenue focus; manage pipeline; assess code quality.  20:12 Converted service customers to engaged SaaS users.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/blitzy-raises-4-4-million-in-funding  Brian Elliott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancelliott/  Blitzy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blitzyai/  Blitzy’s Website: https://blitzy.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 today’s episode, we're excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Mohammad AlRazaz, the co-founder and CEO of OTO. Mohammad’s journey is nothing short of remarkable—from his beginnings in electrical engineering to his leap into the startup world, and eventually founding OTO, a revolutionary shipping gateway. This platform empowers small and medium-sized businesses to level the playing field against industry giants like Amazon by offering an all-in-one shipping management solution.  Throughout our discussion, Mohammad sheds light on the origins and rapid growth of OTO. He explains how the company initially targeted omnichannel clients but quickly expanded to serve a wide range of e-commerce businesses. Mohammad also shares their strategic shift from a sales-led approach to a product-led growth model, allowing 80% of their clients to onboard without human interaction. This episode is packed with practical insights, including their fundraising journey which culminated in a successful Series A round, and the vital metrics that guide their business decisions.  As we dive deeper, you'll hear Mohammad’s valuable advice for other SaaS founders, especially those eyeing their Series A. He emphasizes the importance of identifying key milestones, the challenges of fundraising, and strategies for global expansion. If you're keen on understanding how to scale a startup and compete with major players, this episode is a must-watch. So, sit back, relax, and let's learn from Mohammad AlRazaz's incredible journey with OTO.  Show Notes:  00:00 Engineer turned entrepreneur; excels in business ventures.  06:58 Auto facilitates shipping and warehouse management growth.  08:50 Started in auto, thrived connecting during COVID.  12:06 Fast-growing SaaS company raised $3 million seed.  15:01 Shifted to PLG for customer acquisition success.  18:32 Expanding to Turkey requires localization and investment.  22:02 Fundraising consumes time, prioritize building and scaling.  25:36 Expanding businesses in MENA, GCC, and beyond.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/riyadh-based-saas-startup-oto-raises-3-million-in-seed-round  Mohammad AlRazaz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malrazaz/  Oto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tryotocom/  Oto’s Website: https://tryoto.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

Mark Walker, co-founder of Revved Up, brings a wealth of experience from Eventbrite and startups to the table. He discusses how his AI-powered platform revolutionizes account-based marketing by enhancing lead generation and engagement with tailored content. Mark shares his journey of raising nearly $1 million in pre-seed funding, detailing the lessons learned from his fundraising challenges. He also emphasizes the importance of aligning marketing and sales to optimize prospecting and the shift towards efficiency-driven growth strategies in B2B SaaS.

Welcome to another riveting episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! I'm your host, Ben, and today we have an extraordinary guest with us—Richard White, the founder and CEO of Fathom. With a background as a computer scientist, Richard quickly transitioned into the world of product design and has since become a pioneer in AI-powered software. He honed his skills and experience during his time with Y Combinator and through his previous venture, UserVoice, which laid the groundwork for his current success. Today, Fathom stands as the number one rated AI note taker on G2, making waves with its innovative approach to simplifying meeting notes and enhancing productivity.  In our conversation, Richard opens up about the unique fundraising strategies that powered Fathom's growth, including an impressive $27.3 million raised across multiple tranches and a notable series A. He also shares his insights on the evolving landscape of AI in SaaS products, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating advanced AI capabilities. Richard's perspective on the importance of user satisfaction, exemplified by Fathom's world-class NPS score, offers valuable lessons for any SaaS professional aiming to build products that not only solve problems but delight users.  Whether you're a startup enthusiast, a seasoned SaaS executive, or someone intrigued by the future of AI in business, today's episode is brimming with insights you won't want to miss. Richard's passion for creating products that truly enhance user experience and his strategic approach to building a successful SaaS company provide a goldmine of knowledge. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Richard White's remarkable journey and the innovative work happening at Fathom. Let's dive into the conversation!  Show Notes:  00:00 Fathom: free AI notetaker, popular, premium options.  05:54 Fortunate entry into Zoom marketplace accelerated success.  08:05 Aggressive Moore's Law application, Amazon-style long-term strategy.  12:47 Unique, coalition-building fundraising strategy with small checks.  14:51 Series A expectations now demand fully developed businesses.  17:57 Founder prefers direct approach over lengthy fundraising.  22:55 Monthly meetings assess MPS scores, engage customers.  23:47 Surfing AI wave: Insightful tools for teams.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/fathom-raises-17-million-in-series-a  Richard White’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rrwhite/  Fathom’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fathom-video/  Fathom’s Website: https://fathom.video/  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, we are thrilled to have Flynn Glover, co-founder and CEO of Schematic, join us for an insightful conversation. Flynn takes us through his entrepreneurial journey, from aspiring soccer player to successful entrepreneur. He shares how his first company, which started as a location-based app, evolved into a content marketing software and eventually got acquired.  Flynn then dives into his current venture, Schematic, a platform that enhances Stripe for developers by managing the complexities of pricing and packaging for B2B SaaS companies. He explains how Schematic helps startups by offloading the infrastructural burden around Stripe, enabling them to focus on core product development. Flynn also discusses Schematic's unique approach to both early-stage and more established companies, and their recent public availability launch.  With a solid blend of personal stories, strategic insights, and practical advice, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for any SaaS founder. Flynn shares his experience with fundraising, customer acquisition, and the innovative solutions Schematic brings to the table. Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast!  Show Notes:  00:00 Supercharging Stripe for developers’ pricing infrastructure.  05:54 Focus: aiding engineering to optimize tiered offerings.  07:15 Early-stage companies prefer Schematic's easy implementation.  10:47 Founder hustle: referrals, stories; content-driven marketing.  13:46 Key milestone: Real customers trust product production.  17:53 Early stages, need pricing models, improve onboarding.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/schematic-raises-4-8-million-in-seed-round  Flynn Glover’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fynn-glover-b0410015/  Schematic HQ’s: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schematichq/  Schematic HQ’s Website: https://schematichq.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 etrics 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 episode, we're thrilled to have Marty Ringlein, CEO and co-founder of Agree.com, joining us to share his invaluable insights on navigating the startup landscape. Marty brings a wealth of experience, from leading multiple successful startups to high-profile acquisitions by giants like Twitter and Eventbrite.  In today's discussion, Marty delves into the significance of perfecting your pitch through frequent practice, the importance of building investor relationships before seeking funds, and the innovative solutions his company offers. Agree.com is revolutionizing the e-signature, invoicing, and payment processing space, employing cutting-edge technology like OCR and generative AI to streamline workflows and ensure data privacy.  We'll explore how Marty’s team of six operates remotely across different time zones, driving rapid development and user growth. Marty also shares some unconventional yet effective guerrilla marketing strategies that have helped Agree.com gain traction, along with his journey in securing a $3 million pre-seed fund.  Additionally, we’ll cover practical advice for SaaS entrepreneurs on fundraising and standing out in a crowded market. From novel product features to Marty's forward-thinking approach to business operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories. Tune in to learn from one of the industry's most dynamic leaders!  Show Notes:   00:00 E-signature challenges: contract completion, payment integration.  03:27 Generative AI boosts OCR accuracy for invoices.  08:02 $50M threshold: key for organizational collaboration activation.  10:28 MVP facilitates bank transactions via Stripe integration.  14:53 Tracking users and signature numbers for engagement.  17:49 Inserts promotional cards into magazines at airports.  20:21 Capital needed to compete against major incumbents.  25:37 Build early relationships and stand out uniquely.  26:48 Originality matters over following predictable strategies.  30:39 AR, AP automation optimizes financial and sales processes.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/agreecom-secures-3m-in-pre-seed-round  Marty Ringlein’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martymadrid/  Agree’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agreehq/  Agree’s Website: https://agree.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 insightful episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to have Paul Singh, the dynamic CEO of StrataPT, join us for an in-depth conversation. With a rich background ranging from web hosting and angel investing to co-founding a venture firm and launching a subscription box company, Paul brings a wealth of experience and unique perspectives.  In this episode, we'll explore the intricacies of StrataPT's innovative billing-aware practice management platform which streamlines everything from EMR and scheduling to marketing. Paul delves into the company's efficient client onboarding process, their unique sales model involving clinicians as sales reps, and the strategic decision to raise $25 million after a decade of being bootstrapped.  We'll also discuss the significant impact StrataPT has on its clients, improving both financial and patient outcomes, and the company’s focus on key metrics like patient visits and unit transactions. Paul shares his philosophy of optimizing for fun and profit, his strategic approach to fundraising, and the importance of selecting the right growth partners.  Tune in as Paul provides valuable insights into running a SaaS business, navigating the challenges of the healthcare software industry, and his visionary approach to integrating various medical disciplines into StrataPT's comprehensive platform. Get ready to learn, be inspired, and gain actionable ideas for your own SaaS journey.  Show Notes:   00:00 Evolved businesses, fatherhood; founded Bump, StrataPT.  04:31 Billing-aware practice management platform for outpatient services.  08:47 Managing medical practices requires adaptable, varied strategies.  10:18 Variable revenue through collection percentage, no software fee.  13:51 EMR prices rising, focusing on patient visits.  19:25 Evolving into tech-focused company for profitability.  20:34 Navigating company culture while reinventing ourselves.  25:27 Email-gated chart identifies marketing qualified leads.  29:01 Guidance for profit-driven hire and onboarding process.  31:05 Maximizing sales by educating customers on opportunities.  35:05 Reflecting on life's time, fundraising challenges ensued.  36:47 Starting a business is stressful, needs guidance.  40:25 Optimizing for freedom, power, money, fun, profit.  43:10 Money can't solve this industry's unique challenges.  45:54 Track North Star and growth metrics monthly.  49:11 Insightful episode worth sharing with SaaS community.  Links:   SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/stratapt-raises-25-million-in-funding  Paul Singh’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsingh/  StrataPT’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratapt/  StrataPT’s Website: https://www.stratapt.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 

Greetings, SaaS CFO enthusiasts! In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Bilal Tahris, the co-founder and CEO of FlowIt, a company revolutionizing people development through its AI-powered digital coach. Bilal's journey is nothing short of extraordinary—starting out as a diesel mechanic apprentice, he transitioned to helming his family business before diving into the SaaS realm.  Join our host, Ben, as Bilal shares how FlowIt focuses on sectors often overlooked, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality, and aims to improve employee engagement and retention. We delve into the unique modules FlowIt offers, designed to connect with frontline workers and address their specific needs. Bilal articulates how the company's innovative approach not only gathers insights through frequent, efficient surveys but also leverages AI to provide valuable, actionable feedback to leadership.  We also explore FlowIt's impressive growth and strategic expansion plans into the German and Nordic markets, with an eye on entering the Americas. Bilal opens up about their successful fundraising journey, sharing valuable lessons and tips for other founders navigating similar paths. Whether you're an aspiring SaaS founder or simply intrigued by innovative business solutions, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in!  Show Notes:   00:00 Engaging frontline workers through digital development.  05:38 AI enhances company insights and decision-making efficiently.  08:29 Newly unified employee platform expands in modules.  12:10 Decided to fundraise 3 million Swiss francs.  16:56 Secure strong investors early; double VC prospects.  18:22 Insight on aligning timelines and key metrics.  21:30 Learn more about Bilal's journey at Flowit AI.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/flowit-raises-4-2-million-in-seed-round  Bilal Tahris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bil%C3%A2l-tahris-9074b320/  FlowIt’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowit-ag/  FlowIt’s Website: https://www.flowit.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 thrilled to have Gary Liskovich, the co-founder and CEO of Harmonyze, join us. Gary's journey is nothing short of fascinating—starting as a mechanical engineer, his career transitioned from academic research to working with cutting-edge technology at Deloitte and Evolution IQ. Today, he's channeling his diverse experiences into revolutionizing the franchise industry through Harmonyze.  We'll dive into how Gary and his team use AI to streamline operations, compliance, and decision-making for franchisors, making them more profitable and efficient. Gary explains the intricate dynamics between franchisors and franchisees and how Harmonyze's AI agent technology simplifies complex tasks and aggregates data to reduce risk and enhance cohesion within franchise networks.  Plus, we'll discuss the challenges and strategies of building and scaling a SaaS company from the ground up. Gary shares insights from Harmonyze's early days, including their Pre-Seed fundraising journey and the philosophy behind their product development. Whether you're a startup enthusiast, an AI aficionado, or someone intrigued by the nuances of franchising, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Let's get started!  Show Notes:  00:00 AI streamlined complex insurance claims management.  05:32 AI enhances relationships and value across franchise locations.  07:11 System analyzes franchises for overlaps, expirations.  12:27 Founder-led, product-driven, learning-focused seed stage startup.  14:46 Educating investors on franchising challenges through storytelling.  18:12 Focus on solving problems, not features.  Links:  SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/harmonyze-secures-2-million-in-pre-seed-round  Gary Liskovich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-liskovich/  Harmonyze’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonyze/  Harmonyze’s Website: https://www.harmonyze.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