The SaaS CFO

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray is joined once again by David DeWolf, the President and CEO of KnownWell. David, a seasoned entrepreneur and former software engineer, dives into his transition from building a successful consulting firm to founding KnownWell, a company that's making strides in the realm of commercial intelligence for professional service businesses. His passionate journey from zero to nearly $200 million in revenue, and his focus on digital product development, set the stage for this insightful conversation. 

David shares updates on KnownWell's significant milestones, including their recent $4 million seed round, driven by unexpected commercial demand and market traction. With a mission to harness relationship data to empower service firms, KnownWell is making waves in the industry by offering innovative solutions that target operational challenges using AI. David's strategic approach to aligning with the right investors and the importance of cultural fit shines through as he discusses the company's ongoing growth. 

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving SaaS landscape as David highlights the company's roadmap toward product market fit and their focus on scaling effectively. He reveals how KnownWell is leveraging thought leadership and a dedicated podcast to generate inbound leads and strengthen customer relationships. Don't miss this episode for a deeper understanding of how David and his team are navigating the complex world of SaaS, exploring new opportunities, and striving to build a platform for the AI era. 

Show Notes:  

00:00 Journey from Engineer to Entrepreneur 

04:47 Outsourcing Challenges in Finance 

08:28 Strategic Growth and Efficiency Planning 

10:57 Pioneering AI Business Solutions 

13:57 Surging Commercial Demand Strains Capacity 

16:35 "Cultural Fit Matters Most" 

19:26 Ambitious AI Firm Launch Strategy 

23:31 Strategic Roadmap for Business Success 

25:50 Enjoyable Experience, Thank You 

Links:  

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/knownwell-raises-4-million-in-seed-round 

David DeWolf’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddewolf/ 

Knownwell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knownwell/ 

Knownwell’s Website: https://knownwell.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 

In today's episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we sit down with Madeleine Lambert, a seasoned expert in content marketing and the innovative founder of Originality AI. With a rich history in creating SEO-driven content, Madeleine brings her expertise to the forefront by addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving world of AI in content creation. Her company, Originality AI, offers cutting-edge AI detection and content validation tools, designed specifically for content marketers and agencies looking to maintain high-quality and authenticated content. 

As the content landscape continues to shift with advancements in AI, Madeleine shares valuable insights into navigating these changes, particularly in relation to SEO and Google's search algorithms. She delves into her personal journey, from founding Content Refined in 2016 to successfully exiting the business in 2022, all while staying ahead of the curve with AI-driven solutions. Listen in as she discusses the implications of AI-generated content and the strategies required to stand out in a crowded digital space. 

Join us for an intriguing conversation that includes a sneak peek into Originality AI's upcoming predictive SEO feature. Discover how combining technology with human validation is key to achieving superior content marketing strategies. Whether you're exploring AI's impact on content marketing or are part of the SaaS industry, this episode promises a wealth of insights and inspiration. 

Show Notes:  

00:00 Content Refined: SEO to AI Transition 

06:18 Google's Stance on AI Content 

08:07 Google's AI-Generated Content Penalties 

12:45 Detecting AI-Generated Google Reviews 

14:22 Validating Platform Reviews' Challenge 

17:52 Adopting Mixpanel for Department Metrics 

Links:  

Madeleine Lambert’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-lambert-b6426aa9/ 

Originality AI’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/originality-ai/ 

Originality AI’s Website: https://originality.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 

Join us in this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast as we welcome Dov Gertz, CEO and co-founder of Converge Bio. With an impressive background in computer science and bioinformatics, Dov has contributed groundbreaking research in genome editing alongside Nobel Prize laureate Professor Jennifer Doudna. Currently, he leads Converge Bio, innovating at the crossroads of AI and biotech to enhance pharmaceutical R&D. 

Converge Bio is revolutionizing the biotech and pharma landscape with advanced AI solutions designed to expedite research and development processes. Dov shares insights into the company's focus on optimizing antibody design and protein manufacturing, as well as their tailored pricing models that cater to both large pharmas and smaller biotech firms. Discover how Converge Bio's early product market fit is driving demand and shaping the future of drug development. 

In this episode, Dov also sheds light on the company's strategic journey from inception in 2024 to raising $6 million in seed funding. He emphasizes the importance of a strong team and customer validation in building a successful startup. Tune in to explore the transformative potential of AI in life sciences and Converge Bio's mission to deliver better medications to patients worldwide. 

Show Notes:  

00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey in Biotech 

04:29 Pharma Belief Divide 

09:11 Building a Successful Startup Team 

09:51 Early Stage Startups: Team Focus Importance 

13:18 Exploring Converged Bio's Journey 

Links: 

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/converge-bio-raises-5-5-million-in-seed-round 

Dov Gertz’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dov-gertz-20612b145/ 

Converge Bio’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/converge-bio/ 

Converge Bio’s Website: https://converge-bio.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 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, we're excited to bring you a conversation with Sam Glasswell, co-founder and CEO of Arbolus, a trailblazing platform in the expert network arena. Sam takes us through his remarkable journey from a potential legal career to leading an innovative company that's reshaping how investors and consulting firms obtain and utilize expert knowledge. 

Arbolus stands out by fusing technology with traditional expert network brokerage models, creating a more efficient way for users to gather and analyze insights. Sam shares how the company's unique approach is driving significant growth, even amid market fluctuations, by transitioning clients from conventional providers to Arbolus's cutting-edge platform. The discussion delves into Arbolus's product offerings, their focus on data integration, and the company's vision for scaling and enhancing their services. 

For anyone interested in SaaS business strategies, fundraising, or the integration of data-driven platforms, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Tune in to discover how Arbolus is leading the charge in reducing friction to insight within the investment community, and gain valuable knowledge applicable to various industries. 

Show Notes: 

00:00 Efficient Insight Through Technology 

04:03 Private Equity in B2B SaaS 

07:47 Client Growth and Data-Driven Sales 

11:43 Blended Growth Equity Investment Partner 

14:53 Early Engagement Key to Series B Success 

16:20 "Key Business Growth Metrics" 

Links:  

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/arbolus-raises-20-million-in-funding 

Sam Glasswell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-glasswell-47273b10/ 

Arbolus’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arbolus/ 

Arbolus’ Website: https://www.arbolus.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 

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray sits down with Ferry Tamtoro, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Revisto, to explore the dynamic intersection of life sciences and technology. Ferry shares his remarkable journey transitioning from the corporate sector to the world of startups, fueled by a passion for healthcare innovation. Discover how his drive to make a significant impact led to the foundation of Revisto, a company at the forefront of using AI to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of marketing material creation for life sciences companies. 

Throughout the conversation, Ferry delves into the unique challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in their marketing endeavors, emphasizing the importance of navigating rigorous review processes. He articulates how Revisto's AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing these processes, enabling quicker market entries for pharmaceutical products while ensuring compliance and competitive differentiation. With an insightful look into the company's land-and-expand business strategy, Ferry highlights the critical role of customer ROI and how Revisto's offerings lead to significant time and effort savings. 

Listeners will also gain valuable insights from Ferry's experiences in fundraising, underscoring the importance of aligning with investors who bring diverse expertise to the table. As Revisto continues to scale, Ferry shares the company's exciting roadmap, focused on expanding their team and refining their products to meet the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in the pharma sector. Join us to explore how Ferry Tamtoro and Revisto are shaping the future of marketing in the life sciences industry. 

Show Notes:  

00:00 AI-Accelerated Life Sciences Marketing 

04:29 Avoiding FDA Reputational Damage 

08:36 Networking and Event Connections 

11:06 Top Pharma Product Expansion 

14:24 Maximizing Pharma ROI with Software 

17:27 Investing in Team and Product 

Links: 

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/revisto-raises-4-million-in-seed-round 

Ferry Tamtoro’s LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrytamtoro/ 

Revisto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revisto-inc/ 

Revisto’s Website: https://www.revisto.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 The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Nitesh Trikha, the CEO of Neeve, to explore his extensive journey in the tech industry. With roots tracing back to 1996, Nitesh has evolved from a software programmer working on early Java technologies to holding pivotal roles at industry giants like Cisco. Now at the helm of Neeve, he is leading innovative efforts to enhance building infrastructure with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and cloud-native operations. 

Nitesh introduces us to Neeve, a cloud platform as a service company focused on creating smarter and more secure buildings. He explains the importance of securing various operational technologies within these spaces, ensuring seamless integration from HVAC systems to smart lighting and beyond. As Neeve tackles vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, Nitesh sheds light on the significance of cybersecurity in modern commercial real estate and highlights Neeve’s global presence across 650 buildings. 

Looking ahead, Nitesh discusses Neeve's strategic growth including their evolving go-to-market strategy and successful fundraising ventures. He emphasizes the importance of fostering genuine partnerships with customers and investors and shares insights on scaling the business with new products and geographical expansions. Tune in to discover the exciting future of Neeve and the transformative potential of technology in building security! 

Show Notes: 

00:00 Career Journey: Tech Evolution Since 1996 

05:14 Smart Window Technology Expansion 

07:02 Smart Building Infrastructure and Security 

10:52 Customer-Centric REIT Partnership Evolution 

15:23 "Building Independence Post-Graduation" 

18:55 Geographical and Product Expansion Strategy 

20:01 Neeve Expansion Insights 

Links: 

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/neeve-secures-15-million-in-funding 

Nitesh Trikha’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niteshtrikha/ 

Neeve’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neeve-ai/ 

Neeve’s Website: https://neeve.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 to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Luis Garcia, the innovative president and co-founder of Pete, to unravel his inspiring journey. From his early days as a software engineer in Venezuela to launching a leading online university in the U.S., Luis shares key experiences that shaped his path in the world of digital education. 

Luis dives deep into the challenges of creating effective digital education materials and evaluating learning outcomes. He explains how Pete harnesses the power of generative AI to address these challenges, providing scalable training solutions for companies looking to enhance their workforce learning without extensive resources. Learn how Pete transforms existing materials into engaging courses and creates interactive learning experiences that effectively evaluate understanding. 

The episode also explores Pete's impressive growth trajectory and the potential of AI to revolutionize online education. With 16 customers and counting, Pete is poised for further expansion, demonstrating the increasing demand for innovative learning solutions. Listen in to discover Luis's vision for the future of corporate education and how Pete is setting the stage for transformative change in the industry. 

Show Notes: 

00:00 Software Engineer Turned Education Pioneer 

03:35 Rethinking Learning Evaluation Methods 

09:35 Simulation Engine for Learning Scenarios 

10:57 Collaborative Course Creation Model 

14:55 Initial Cash Infusion and Growth 

17:20 Community Investment and Job Growth 

20:00 AI Boosts EdTech and Growth 

Links: 

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/pete-secures-2-million-in-seed-round 

Luis Garcia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisegarcia/ 

Pete’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pete-learning/ 

Pete’s Website: https://www.pete.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 this special edition, our host Ben Murray is joined once again by Jim Williams, Managing Director at GLC Advisors, to delve into the dynamic world of software mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jim brings his wealth of experience and insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the market, including recent trends, deal volumes, and valuations. 

Ben and Jim explore the essential metrics that SaaS founders need to focus on, such as retention rates, growth, and gross margins. They discuss the importance of understanding your business model and revenue streams, especially in today's fluctuating market. Whether you're considering an exit or aiming to scale, their discussion provides actionable advice on how to prepare your business for potential acquisition and the type of deal structures you might encounter. 

Topping it all off, Jim shares his optimistic forecast for 2025, discussing the potential for increased deal volumes, better valuations, and the exciting opportunities for both platform and add-on deals. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intricacies of the SaaS M&A landscape. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and expert predictions! 

Show Notes:  

00:00 Software M&A Market Trends 

06:01 Evolving SaaS Revenue Models 

06:50 Evaluating Revenue Models for Investors 

12:48 Clear Storytelling for Business Success 

16:15 Navigating Valuation Gaps in Markets 

19:15 High Multiples for Top Businesses 

20:24 Market Challenges in Business Quality 

24:37 Sponsor Leverage in Platform Deals 

29:15 Cash Out or Rollover Equity? 

33:08 Equity Ownership and Commitment Terms 

36:46 Seller's Market: Scarcity Premiums Heightened 

38:53 Expect 60-Day Deal Processes 

42:50 Scaling Business: Key Considerations and Risks 

46:00 Retention's Impact on Valuation 

48:26 Founders Can Still Achieve Multiples 

53:46 Optimism for Future Business Deals 

55:11 Contact Us for Capital Updates 

Links: 

Jim Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-williams-5754953/ 

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 episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we're thrilled to introduce Ali Hussain, CEO and co-founder of Tabs, a game-changing platform in the B2B revenue management space. With a rich background ranging from the Midwest to stints in academia, consulting, and eventually tech entrepreneurship, Ali brings a wealth of experience and insights to our show. Ali shares his journey from being a NetSuite user grappling with 12 to 18-month digital transformations, to pioneering Tabs, a platform designed to simplify and automate the revenue process using AI and LLM technologies. 

We dive deep into how Tabs revolutionizes the traditional quote-to-cash cycle, focusing on post-deal-closure activities to drive efficiency and reduce onboarding risks. Ali also discusses the importance of CFOs investing in technology for back-office efficiencies, the growing stature of the CFO role, and how Tabs is helping companies manage complex B2B revenue streams seamlessly. 

Tune in to learn more about Ali's vision for Tabs, their impressive early growth, and how they're helping businesses automate and optimize their revenue processes. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, a financial professional, or interested in the latest fintech innovations, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice. Don't miss it! 

Show Notes:  

00:00 Early Market Entry of Tabs 

05:25 Streamlining SaaS Finance with AI 

07:46 Horizontal Product Expansion Benefits 

10:24 Consolidation in AP Spend 

16:27 CFO Tech Adoption Trends 

17:42 Balancing CFO Duties and Tech Choices 

21:34 Strategic Partnerships and Networking Impact 

26:48 "Demonstrating Pipeline and ARR Mastery" 

30:20 Timely Invoicing Beats AI Tricks 

31:28 Gaining Traction in B2B Finance 

Links: 

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/tabs-secures-25-million-in-series-a-funding 

Ali Hussain’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-hussain786/ 

Tabs’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamtabs/ 

Tabs’ Website: https://tabs.inc/ 

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, our host Ben Murray is thrilled to welcome Matt Perrott, the co-founder and CEO of BuildPass. Matt shares his journey from being a software engineer to leading a company that offers an AI-powered operating system for construction sites. We'll delve into the unique features of BuildPass, including its applications in both commercial and residential projects, and its impressive growth trajectory. 

Matt gives us an inside look at BuildPass's expansion strategies, highlighting their upcoming launch in the U.S., and how they're adapting to different regulatory environments. He also shares candid insights about their successful fundraising efforts, the repeatable sales motions they've established, and the challenges of expanding into new markets. 

Join us as Matt discusses the importance of capital efficiency, AI development, and their ambitious plans for future growth. Whether you're a SaaS enthusiast or a construction technology buff, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons learned from Matt's journey. Tune in now to hear more about BuildPass and its innovative contributions to the construction industry! 

Show Notes:  

00:00 Consumer-Centric Construction Software 

05:56 Revenue Growth and Profit Margins 

07:56 Sales-Driven Strategy with Strong Marketing 

09:49 Personalized Sales Calls Strategy 

15:14 Strategic Fundraising and Networking Insights 

15:58 Investor Caution and Market Dynamics 

19:13 Strategic US Market Entry Plan 

22:19 "Casual Chat with Ben" 

Links:  

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/buildpass-raises-7-5-million-in-seed-round 

Matt Perrott’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrott/ 

BuildPass’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildpass/ 

BuildPass’ Website: https://www.buildpass.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