SaaStr 796: The Secrets Inside Google Cloud’s Growth with Sarah Kennedy, Vice President Google Cloud Marketing

 

In our latest episode of the SaaStr What’s New series, SaaStr CEO and founder Jason Lemkin spoke with Sarah Kennedy, VP of Google Cloud Marketing. The conversation explores the explosive growth of Google Cloud and what’s driving this momentum. Kennedy highlights the critical role AI plays in their success, from Google's world-class infrastructure to the cutting-edge AI models like Vertex AI and Gemini. We dive into the specifics of why startups and enterprises are increasingly choosing Google Cloud, the importance of customer-centric strategies, and the shift towards developer-led decisions. We also explore Google Cloud's major partnership with Salesforce and how AI and security are transforming business strategies. Tune in for insights on how Google Cloud is shaping the future of AI and stay ahead of the curve with expert tips on leveraging these technologies for your business.

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

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Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 795: The AI Impact on Banking and Finance with CEO and Co-founder at Treasury Prime, Chris Dean

Join SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and Chris Dean from Treasury Prime as they delve into the intricate world of Banking as a Service (BaaS) and FinTech.

The discussion spans a host of critical topics, including the fallout from Silicon Valley Bank, the complexities of reconciliation, Synapse and Evolve's banking controversy, and the evolving financial landscape. They also explore the resurgence of FinTech, the impact of AI on banking operations, and Treasury Prime's upcoming AI-powered operational tools. A must-watch for anyone interested in the future of banking and financial technology. 

 

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 794: The Top 10 Customer Success Metrics Investors Care About in 2025 with Gainsight CEO Nick Mehta   Nick Mehta is the CEO of Gainsight, the customer success platform that helps businesses deliver value to customers and drive scalable growth.   Over the past 12 years, Nick has met with more than 5,000 companies and hundreds of investors, becoming one of the foremost authorities on customer success strategies. In this engaging presentation, Nick discusses the crucial role of customer success in driving business growth and securing investments. He breaks down the top 10 questions investors grill companies about, covering key metrics like net retention, gross retention, and early warning indicators. Nick also highlights the importance of customer stickiness, value demonstration, and efficient customer success operations.   Additionally, he shares a personal story of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, drawing parallels between the entrepreneurial journey and the challenging yet rewarding climb to success.  

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 793: The 10-Point Checklist For When You Sell Your Company with David Frankel Managing Partner at Founder Collective and SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin

David Frankel is Managing Partner at Founder Collective, a successful seed fund with investments in companies like The Trade Desk, Olo, and Coupang. With decades of experience as both a founder and investor, David brings a unique perspective to the often-misunderstood process of selling a company. He openly admits that many of his past exits were mistakes, which makes his advice on the topic particularly valuable.

He joined SaaStr Workshop Wednesday LIVE to do a deep dive with Jason Lemkin on his 10 Point Checklist when you sell your startup.

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 792: Why I’m Scared to Buy New SaaS Apps Now with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin

SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin highlights nine key reasons that create friction in the modern SaaS buying cycle. He emphasizes how these factors can deter new customers and impact overall growth. Through examples involving well-known companies and the importance of a seamless customer experience, Founders are encouraged to evaluate and reduce these hurdles within their own SaaS products to ensure they remain true to "Software As a Service."

----------------------

 

Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 791: CRO Confidential: How Codeium Built A Billion-Dollar AI Company and a Winning Sales Machine with VP of Worldwide Sales, Graham Moreno

Join us on this episode of CRO Confidential as host Sam Blond dives into the remarkable journey of Codeium's VP of Worldwide Sales, Graham Moreno. Discover how Graham led Codeium from a 30-employee startup to a unicorn with 150 employees in just one year.

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 790: AI at Scale: 8 Learnings from monday.com Co-Founder and Co-Ceo Eran Zinman and SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin

Join us for an inspiring conversation with monday.com co-CEO and Co-Founder Eran Zinman and SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin.

From humble beginnings at $10 million ARR in 2017 to smashing the $1 billion ARR mark in just eight years, Eran shares their journey, challenges, and strategies that have fueled their remarkable growth. Discover the importance of customer diversity, maintaining NRR and GRR levels, leveraging AI for business efficiencies, and the impact of adopting a multi-product approach.

Learn how monday.com effectively manages SMB, mid-market, and enterprise customers, and gain valuable insights into the future of AI in SaaS solutions. Perfect for SaaS founders and tech enthusiasts looking for proven strategies to scale their businesses.

 

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 789: 10 Things No One Tells You About Getting Acquired for $1.5B Steve Mitzenmacher, Former Vice President Corporate Development, Own Company

Join Steve Mitzenmacher as he reveals the hidden truths about getting acquired for $1.5 billion. Drawing on his extensive experience in corporate development, Steve discusses the rare odds of closing a deal, the unseen challenges, and the insider dynamics that play a crucial role in successful acquisitions.

From pre-LOI preparations to integration post-closing, explore valuable lessons and strategic advice to navigate the complex M&A landscape. Learn why relationships matter, the importance of managing expectations, and how to leverage negotiations in your favor. Don't miss these key insights that can make or break your next big deal.

----------------------

 

Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 788: The Real Data on What it Takes to Go Big and Eventually IPO with Meritech Capital

Join Alex Clayton and Kathy Choi from Meritech Capital as they delve into the path to IPO for SaaS companies. With 25 years of experience and over 60 IPOs, they explore the size, performance, qualitative factors, and post-IPO success metrics that matter. Learn essential considerations for going public, from creating a compelling story to demonstrating durable growth, operational excellence, and predictable business outcomes.

They also provide case studies of successful companies like HubSpot and CrowdStrike, underscoring the importance of durable, long-term revenue growth and strategic multi-product approaches.

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

 

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

 

See you in May! 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

 

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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SaaStr 787: The 2025 SaaS Vibe Check: What Founders Need to Know Right Now with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin

SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin delves into a comprehensive 2025 vibe check, focusing on the state of tech, AI, and SaaS industries. He discusses the returning presence of founders in San Francisco, the resurgence of venture capital interest reminiscent of 2021, and the significant shift towards AI and AI-native investments.

Additionally, he addresses the challenges faced by B2B founders, the importance of rapid product development, and the evolving dynamics of the venture capital landscape. Key insights include the rise of AI applications within SaaS, the critical need for growth over mere profitability, and practical advice for startups looking to secure funding or hire their first account executive. The session concludes with an open Q&A.

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Alright everybody in SaaS, this is it. 

The biggest, best, most action-packed SaaS + AI event of the year—SaaStr Annual 2025—is coming this May. Three full days. 10,000+ SaaS and AI leaders and more tactical, no-fluff content than you’ll find anywhere else.

If you want to scale faster—$10M, $50M, $100M ARR and beyond—you need the right playbooks, the right connections and the right people in your corner. And SaaStr Annual is where it all happens.

• We'll have 100's of Legendary speakers from companies like Snowflake, HubSpot, OpenAI, Canva, and more.
• More networking than you can handle—meet your next investor, co-founder, or biggest deal.
•  A New AI Demo & Pitch Stage— with your chance to win up to $5M in funding!

 So don’t wait—grab your tickets now at SaaStrAnnual.com with my code jason100 to save $100 on tickets before prices go up. That's jason 100 at saastrannual.com

See you in May! 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Do you know what would make your customer service helpdesk dramatically better?

Dumping it and switching to Intercom. 

But, youʼre not quite ready to make that change.

We get it!

Thatʼs why Fin, the worldʼs leading AI customer service agent, is now available on every helpdesk.

 

Fin can instantly resolve up to 80% of your tickets, 

Which makes your customers happier.

And you can get off the customer service rep hiring treadmill.

 

Fin by Intercom.

Named the #1 AI Agent in G2ʼs Winter Report.   

 

Learn more at : inter.com/saastr

 

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