SaaS Metrics School

Defining AI ARR to Your Board and Investors


Listen Later

Every Board, investor, and potential acquirer is asking the same question: How are AI initiatives driving revenue? In episode #315, Ben Murray shares insights from his research into public tech companies and how they’re defining and disclosing AI ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue).

Using Verint as a case study, Ben explains how companies are leveraging AI-driven ARR, tying it to measurable outcomes, and communicating adoption in a way that resonates with both Wall Street and buyers. You’ll also hear how these disclosures may have supported Verint’s recent multibillion-dollar acquisition by Thoma Bravo.

If you’re a SaaS or AI operator, this episode will help you define AI ARR, communicate adoption signals, and position your business model for higher valuation.

What You’ll Learn

  • What AI ARR is and how to calculate it.
  • Why public companies like Verint are breaking out AI ARR from total ARR.
  • The mechanics: how finance teams identify AI-influenced products and SKUs.
  • Quantitative + qualitative adoption signals (e.g., number of users leveraging AI features).
  • Why AI ARR disclosures matter for investor metrics and exit valuations.
  • How Thoma Bravo’s acquisition of Verint shows the value of communicating AI initiatives.
  • Why It Matters

    • For SaaS & AI Leaders: Properly defining AI ARR helps show investors where new growth is coming from.
    • For Finance Teams: Accurate reporting requires collaboration across accounting, product, and FP&A.
    • For Investors: AI ARR signals measurable adoption and future revenue growth.
    • For Valuation: Tying AI initiatives to financial outcomes increases credibility in fundraising and exit scenarios.
    • Resources Mentioned

      Blog Post: How to Define AI ARR: https://www.thesaascfo.com/ai-arr-vs-saas-arr-how-to-define-and-calculate/

      The SaaS Metrics Academy: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/

      Quote from Ben

      “Don’t just say you’re building AI into your product — show investors how much ARR it’s driving and what outcomes it’s creating.”

      ...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

      532 Listeners

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

      The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

      172 Listeners

      WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal

      WSJ What’s News

      4,359 Listeners

      a16z Podcast by Andreessen Horowitz

      a16z Podcast

      1,084 Listeners

      CFO THOUGHT LEADER by The Future of Finance is Listening

      CFO THOUGHT LEADER

      128 Listeners

      The SaaS Podcast - SaaS, Startups, Growth Hacking & Entrepreneurship by Omer Khan

      The SaaS Podcast - SaaS, Startups, Growth Hacking & Entrepreneurship

      184 Listeners

      Founders by David Senra

      Founders

      2,097 Listeners

      Equity by TechCrunch, Rebecca Bellan, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, Max Zeff, Theresa Loconsolo

      Equity

      340 Listeners

      Y Combinator Startup Podcast by Y Combinator

      Y Combinator Startup Podcast

      233 Listeners

      Wall Street Breakfast by Seeking Alpha

      Wall Street Breakfast

      1,030 Listeners

      Morning Brew Daily by Morning Brew

      Morning Brew Daily

      2,999 Listeners

      The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway by Vox Media Podcast Network

      The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

      5,474 Listeners

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

      All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & Friedberg

      9,810 Listeners

      Prof G Markets by Vox Media Podcast Network

      Prof G Markets

      1,331 Listeners

      The SaaS CFO by Ben Murray

      The SaaS CFO

      4 Listeners