SaaS Metrics School

Are SaaS Metrics Really Dead?

Listen Later

“SaaS metrics are dead.” You’ve probably seen that post on LinkedIn or X lately. In episode #325, Ben Murray cuts through the noise to explain why SaaS metrics aren’t broken — they’re just evolving to match modern recurring revenue business models.

Whether you’re running a SaaS, AI, software, or managed services company, the same financial principles apply. The key is understanding your revenue types — subscription, usage, consumption, or transaction — and applying the right metrics framework for each.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why SaaS metrics still work — and why the confusion exists.
  • The difference between SaaS as a delivery model and recurring revenue as a financial model.
  • Why the most important question isn’t “Are you SaaS?” but “What are your revenue types?”
  • How financial systems and P&L design should reflect these revenue categories for accurate unit economics and valuation.

    • Why It Matters

    • For Operators: The framework for recurring revenue metrics applies whether you sell software, data, or AI services.
    • For Finance Teams: You can’t manage what you don’t measure — ensure your financial modeling captures all recurring components.
    • For Investors: Strong recurring revenue visibility (ARR, NRR, margins) still drives valuation multiples — regardless of your label.
    • For Founders: Stop worrying about the buzz — focus on measuring what matters for your business model.

      • Key Takeaways

      • SaaS metrics = recurring revenue metrics.
      • Focus on revenue types, not just labels like “SaaS” or “AI.”
      • A clear chart of accounts and a well-designed financial system enable accurate SaaS metrics.
      • The fundamentals of finance, accounting, and valuation haven’t changed — only the packaging has.

        • Resources Mentioned

        🧾 The SaaS Metrics Foundation Course: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation

        Quote from Ben

        “SaaS metrics aren’t broken — they’ve just outgrown the acronym. These are recurring revenue metrics that apply to most modern business models.”

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        SaaS Metrics SchoolBy Ben Murray
        • 4.6
        • 4.6
        • 4.6
        • 4.6
        • 4.6

        4.6

        11 ratings

        More shows like SaaS Metrics School

        View all
        The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch by Harry Stebbings

        The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

        536 Listeners

        The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors by SaaStr

        The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

        177 Listeners

        Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy by Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts

        Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

        2,342 Listeners

        Founders by David Senra

        Founders

        2,221 Listeners

        Equity by TechCrunch, Rebecca Bellan, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, Sean O'Kane, Theresa Loconsolo

        Equity

        341 Listeners

        All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg by All-In Podcast, LLC

        All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

        10,254 Listeners

        The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) by Ascension

        The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

        62,395 Listeners

        Business Breakdowns by Colossus | Investing & Business Podcasts

        Business Breakdowns

        355 Listeners

        AI + a16z by a16z

        AI + a16z

        34 Listeners

        The SaaS CFO by Ben Murray

        The SaaS CFO

        3 Listeners