The Best in SaaS – Series 1, Episode 2

📌 Episode Title: Critical SaaS Metrics You Must Monitor

🧭 Episode Overview:

In this second episode of The Best in SaaS, host Richard Blundell welcomes Simon Smith, CEO of Infinite CFO, to unpack one of the most misunderstood yet essential topics for early-stage SaaS founders: SaaS financial metrics and unit economics.

This session is packed with clarity and guidance on how to move beyond surface-level revenue numbers and adopt the data discipline necessary to scale successfully—and attract serious investor attention.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 The Fundamentals of SaaS Metrics

• Why traditional metrics like revenue and EBITDA don’t fully reflect the health of a SaaS business.
• The shift from upfront license revenue to annuity-style subscription revenue, and how that transforms financial storytelling.

🔹 The Real Role of SaaS Metrics

• These metrics aren't just for investors—they’re essential for internal decision making.
• Understanding your metrics allows you to evaluate efficiency, spot issues early, and confidently communicate growth potential.

🔹 Core SaaS Metrics You Must Track

• Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
• Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
• Churn and Net Revenue Retention (NRR)
• Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)

🔹 Demystifying Unit Economics

• The episode clarifies the distinction between SaaS metrics and unit economics.
• Why investors are laser-focused on these metrics to judge whether you’re a “vitamin” (nice to have) or a “painkiller” (must have).

🔹 The Non-Negotiable Lesson for Founders

• Getting your metrics right is not optional—it’s foundational.
• Instilling a data culture from day one can dramatically increase your startup’s likelihood of reaching scale.

👤 Guest Bio: Simon Smith

Simon is the CEO of Infinite CFO, a fractional finance service tailored for growth-stage, investor-backed businesses. His team supports founders by offering full-stack financial operations—from bookkeeping to board-level strategic financial advice. Simon brings a wealth of experience guiding SaaS companies through their financial growth journeys.

📈 Download the Companion Resource:

Simon and Richard refer to a presentation deck throughout the episode titled "SaaS Metrics and Unit Economics Guide." If you’re listening on audio, be sure to download the deck from the episode notes to follow along and deepen your understanding.

🧠 Key Takeaway:

“Your SaaS metrics are not just numbers—they’re signals of the strength, sustainability, and investability of your company. Get them right early, and you won’t just look better to investors—you’ll run a better company.” – Simon Smith

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Infinite CFO – Virtual CFO and financial advisory services for scale-ups.
• SaaS Metrics and Unit Economics Guide (download via podcast platform or linked show notes).

Download the Deck here: 

The Best in SaaS – Series 1, Episode 1

📌 Episode Title: How to Raise Successfully Through Angels

🧭 Episode Overview:

In the kickoff episode of The Best in SaaS Masterclass Series, host Richard Blundell, founder of the Venture Scale Academy, sits down with David Levine, Managing Partner of Glen Luna Ventures and co-founder of Manchester Angels, to unpack the realities of raising money through angel investors.

This is not your typical Silicon Valley startup success story podcast. Instead, this series dives deep into practical solutions to real problems, designed specifically for early-stage SaaS founders who are in the trenches—iterating products, seeking validation, struggling with pricing, or figuring out how to raise capital.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 The Role of Angel Investors

• Who angel investors really are: typically exited founders or seasoned operators with capital and experience.
• Why angels invest: not just for returns, but for purpose, connection, and contribution.
• How they differ from VCs in their mindset, involvement, and expectations.

🔹 Common Myths Debunked

• Myth #1: Angels invest out of charity or personal affection.
• Myth #2: Angels are less professional or structured than VCs.
• David clarifies how angels operate with clear expectations and look for robust returns, often aligned with or complementary to VC strategies.

🔹 What Angels Are Really Looking For

• Founder-market fit: Passion, credibility, and insight into the problem.
• Signs of early traction and how the founder is executing with limited resources.
• A strong, clear pitch deck (discussed more in upcoming episodes).
• Clear articulation of the vision and the scale of the opportunity.
• A founder who is coachable, resilient, and can communicate progress and risks effectively.

🔹 How Angels Fit into the Bigger Fundraising Picture

• When to approach angels vs. VCs.
• How angel rounds can serve as pre-seed or seed-stage capital.
• The importance of chemistry and network fit with angels who can open doors, not just write cheques.

👤 Guest Bio: David Levine

David is an experienced investor, entrepreneur, and advisor. He co-founded Manchester Angels, an investment network focused on B2B, SaaS, AI, and deep tech. He also leads Glen Luna Ventures, helping founders around the world raise funding from early-stage to growth-stage VCs. David brings deep experience from both sides of the table—knowing what investors look for and what founders struggle with.

🧠 Key Takeaway:

“Angels aren’t just writing cheques—they’re looking for founders they believe in, founders they resonate with, and ideas that have the potential to scale. The right angel at the right time can completely transform your early-stage trajectory.” – David Levine

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Glen Luna Ventures http://glenluna.com/
• Venture Scale Academy https://vencha-academy.com/