Play It Smart

In this episode, we sit down with Dipti, the founder of CRSTL, a modern B2B commerce network focused on enabling brands of all sizes to go omni-channel. Dipti shares the journey of launching CRSTL, discusses the challenges faced, and the unique value CRSTL brings in the EDI space. Learn about her background, the importance of customer focus, and the strategic decisions behind building and scaling a SaaS business in the eCommerce infrastructure space. Timestamped segments include the origin story of CRSTL, growth channels, customer validation, team building, resource allocation, fundraising experiences, and advice for other entrepreneurs.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:08 The Story Behind CRSTL04:29 Understanding CRSTL's Market and Product06:03 Building and Growing the Business07:52 Customer Focus and Differentiation30:07 Challenges and Resource Allocation35:23 Quick Fire Questions and Conclusion-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/crstl-dipti-desai🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Dipti:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/diptidesai/Website: https://www.crstl.so/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

06-24

41:51

In this episode of the SaaS Minds Podcast, host Alex interviews Ishay Tentser, CEO and founder of Timeless AI. Ishay shares his unique journey of pioneering a business on WhatsApp five years ago, which has now become a trend among VCs. He explains how he runs Timeless AI, which integrates WhatsApp with CRM systems to bring all customer communication into one platform. Ishay also discusses managing platform risks, maintaining a first-mover advantage, and balancing his time with a web development agency he co-founded. The discussion covers Timeless AI’s product-led growth strategy, challenges faced with WhatsApp API changes, and future plans. Ishay emphasizes the importance of focusing on customer needs, SEO, and the compound interest effect, alongside recommending great SaaS tools and sharing valuable advice for other SaaS founders.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Ishay Tentser's Journey01:15 Building a Business on WhatsApp03:14 From Web Development to SaaS06:20 Growth and Customer Acquisition Strategies10:57 Product Market Fit and Future Plans20:33 Navigating CRM Partnerships and Integration22:37 Exploring Product Roadmap and Platform Expansion23:53 Addressing Platform Risks and API Dependencies28:04 Preventing Misuse and Ensuring Ethical Practices30:33 Quick Fire Questions and Recommendations35:45 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways38:10 Conclusion and Promotion-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/timelinesai-ishay-tentser🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Ishay:LinkedIn:  https://il.linkedin.com/in/tentserWebsite: https://timelines.ai/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

06-18

40:40

In this episode of the SaaS Minds podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of serial entrepreneur Chris Baden. Chris, a three-time founder and CEO of Flowchat, shares his experience in transforming his latest startup from an agency tool to a standalone SaaS business, achieving $1M in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in just two years. Discover how Chris balances his entrepreneurial ventures with family life, having three kids, and competing in multiple seasons of American Ninja Warrior. Learn about his strategies for scaling Flowchat, the importance of branding and partnerships, and insights from his involvement in Dan Martell's SaaS Academy. This episode is packed with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, growth, and personal development.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Chris Baden's Journey01:03 Chris Baden's Background and Flowchat02:04 Challenges and Strategies in SaaS04:06 Non-Technical Founder Insights05:55 Lead Generation and Early Success08:22 Transition from Agency to SaaS12:31 White Labeling and Customer Segmentation23:12 Balancing Family and Entrepreneurship26:50 Daily Life in Vegas27:26 American Ninja Warrior Journey29:01 Lessons from Ninja Warrior32:15 Flowchat's Branding and Growth35:55 Scaling with Strategic Partnerships39:45 Future Goals and 10X Thinking43:05 Insights from SAS Academy47:33 Best Advice and Closing Thoughts-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/flowchat-chris-baden🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Chris:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisbaden/Website: https://www.flowchat.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

06-11

53:15

In this podcast episode, Jeff Whitlock, CEO of Grain, discusses the evolution and innovative strides of Grain, an AI note-taking and conversational intelligence tool. Learn about Grain's unique features, market positioning, growth strategies, and Jeff's insights on navigating the SaaS landscape. Get an inside look at their product's journey, challenges faced, and the importance of innovation in retaining customers. Jeff also shares his personal experiences balancing work and family, and offers valuable advice for aspiring SaaS founders.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the SaaS Minds Podcast00:25 Meet Jeff: CEO of Grain00:44 Understanding Grain's Product and Market02:23 Grain's Competitive Landscape04:48 Grain's Pricing Model06:02 Key Metrics and Growth Trajectory07:38 Challenges and Growth Strategies14:04 Product Innovation at Grain23:45 Jeff's Journey and Leadership Insights29:32 Balancing Work and Family31:30 Quick Fire Questions and Recommendations37:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/grain-jeff-whitlock🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeilich/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Jeff:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-whitlock/Website: https://grain.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

06-03

41:49

In this episode of SaaS Minds, Alina Vandenberghe, co-founder and co-CEO of Chili Piper, shares her journey of migrating from Romania to building a $30 million SaaS company. She elaborates on her philosophy of leadership, rebranding her title to better reflect her role in guiding her team rather than commanding it. Alina dives into the challenges and strategies of scaling a SaaS company, emphasizing the crucial roles of customer segmentation, brand, culture, and decision-making processes. The conversation also touches upon the nuances and responsibilities of maintaining a personal and company presence on LinkedIn, alongside the impact of humor and transparency in leadership. Alina provides insights into Chili Piper's flagship product, its differentiation in the market, and tactics for growth, including focusing on ideal customer profiles (ICPs) and leveraging brand and culture for outbound success. The discussion also includes Alina's perspective on work-life balance, the importance of play and rest in preventing burnout, and some actionable advice for fellow SaaS founders.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to SaaS Minds: Introducing Alina of Chili Piper00:09 Redefining Leadership Titles: From CEO to GEO01:24 The Evolution of Chili Piper: A SaaS Success Story04:53 Navigating the Competitive Landscape of SaaS08:52 The Power of LinkedIn for CEOs: Pros, Cons, and Impact17:49 SaaS Growth Strategies: From Product-Market Fit to Scaling21:29 Cultivating Company Culture for Success25:00 Quickfire Round: Insights and Advice for SaaS Founders29:14 Closing Remarks and Promotions-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/pavilion-alina-vandenberghe🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:https://uk.linkedin.com/in/amangrowthWebsite: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Alina:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinav/Website: https://www.chilipiper.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

05-27

32:59

In this episode, Alexej hosts Charlie Dolan, co-founder of DSQ Technology, a company specializing in software for the waste and water management industry. Previously, Charlie and his brother built and sold Sequoia Waste Solutions, a tech-enabled service business in the same sector. This episode delves into the entrepreneurial journey of pivoting from a service to a software company, discusses strategies for scaling without capital raising, and explores product feature prioritization and M&A. Charlie shares insights from the early days of starting a business in college to developing DSQ Technology and its products like Discovery and Pioneer, aimed at revolutionizing waste management through technology and automation. The conversation covers challenges, lessons learned, and the decision-making processes behind product development and company acquisitions. It's a fascinating look at navigating business growth, innovation, and sustainability in a traditionally non-tech industry.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to the Episode: An Introduction01:17 Meet Charlie Dolan: From Waste Management to Tech Entrepreneur03:38 The Evolution of Sequoia Waste Solutions05:31 Transitioning to DSQ Technology: A New Venture08:02 Building a Tech Team and Developing Products09:14 Expanding the Product Line: Innovation in Waste Management12:48 Navigating the Waste Management Industry Landscape14:13 Strategic Marketing and Product Diversification17:51 Understanding the Fragmented Nature of the Waste Industry19:41 Exploring Software and Market Consolidation Trends20:54 Sustainable Growth and Independence22:09 Navigating Distractions in a Competitive Landscape22:27 The Art of Saying No and Staying Focused25:43 Acquisition Strategy and Integrating New Ventures27:38 Leadership, Delegation, and Scaling Challenges29:11 Adopting EOS for Strategic Alignment30:11 Visionary Leadership and Team Dynamics31:41 Key Lessons for SaaS Founders33:21 Quick Fire Questions: Insights and Recommendations39:37 Closing Remarks and Promotion-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/dsqtechnologies-charlie-dolan🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Charlie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliedolan/Website: https://www.dsqtechnology.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

05-20

43:26

In this podcast episode, Alexej interviews Dennis Hu, a chemist-turned-founder who launched Drug Hunter, a B2B subscription service for drug discovery professionals. Dennis discusses his academic background, including a fast-tracked PhD from Stanford and work in the biotech industry, before founding Drug Hunter. He shares insights on the initial challenges, such as pricing strategies and deciding on product features, and how the company has grown to serve over 150 institutions with an ARR exceeding 2 million dollars. Key takeaways include the importance of focusing on what customers are willing to pay the most demand for, and how pivoting from offering consultancy to prioritizing a subscription model was crucial for growth. Additionally, Dennis touches on his journey navigating product development and hiring, along with the impact of organic growth and potential future directions for Drug Hunter.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Meet Dennis: From PhD to Pharma Pioneer01:41 The Birth of Drug Hunter: A Founder's Tale03:28 Navigating Business Models: Subscription Success06:20 Marketing Evolution: From Reputation to Education08:06 Funding Rounds: Learning Through Investment11:15 The Competitive Landscape and AI's Role15:33 Product Development: Listening to the Right Voices19:22 Pricing Strategies: Learning the Hard Way22:25 Global Reach and Future Aspirations25:30 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights for SaaS Founders32:19 Wrapping Up: Growth Optimization and Community Sharing-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/drughunter-dennis-hu🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com🔗 Follow Dennis:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisxhuWebsite: https://drughunter.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

05-13

34:50

In this podcast episode, Alexej interviews Jean Baptiste (JB), the French founder of EvaBoot, a LinkedIn scraping tool. JB shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing how he and his co-founder scaled EvaBoot from zero to 2 million ARR in two years without external funding. He discusses the importance of talking to customers before building a product, the strategic use of no-code tools for fast development, and leveraging SEO and YouTube for growth. JB also touches on the challenges of pricing, the decision against moving to the U.S., and the insights gained from bootstrapping and networking. The podcast delves into JB's personal philosophy influenced by stoicism and offers valuable lessons for B2B SaaS founders on growth, product development, and the importance of persistence.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest00:51 JB's Entrepreneurial Journey and Evaboot's Success04:21 Deep Dive into Evaboot: The LinkedIn Scraping Tool07:57 The Strategy Behind Evaboot's Pricing and Growth20:17 Leveraging Outreach and SEO for SaaS Growth24:08 The Power of YouTube for Founders24:50 Leveraging YouTube and SEO for Growth25:40 Building Trust and Brand through YouTube26:32 Optimizing YouTube Content for Search Engines28:17 The Global Reach of English Content31:07 The Benefits of Bootstrapping Over Fundraising37:38 The Importance of Networking and Community40:50 Book Recommendations and Entrepreneurial Advice48:09 Closing Thoughts and Promotions-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: http://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/evaboot-jean-baptiste🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Jean:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jb-jezequel-evaboot/Website: https://evaboot.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

05-08

51:22

In this podcast episode, Alexej interviews Cody McGuffie about his transition from a recruiter at Qualcomm to establishing successful e-commerce brands and ultimately founding a SaaS business, Everbee. Cody shares his journey of scaling Everbee from zero to $5 million ARR in just over two years through bootstrapping. The discussion covers Cody's insights on identifying a market need despite existing solutions, his focus on the e-commerce tools sector, and the importance of mindset and values before starting a business. Cody also delves into his strategies for customer acquisition, growth channels, and his decision against venture capital funding. Lastly, Cody offers advice for fellow entrepreneurs, emphasizing focus, learning from books, and seeking advice from those ahead in their entrepreneurial journey.🔍Timestamps:00:00 The Inspiring Journey of Cody McGuffie: From Qualcomm to SaaS Success01:59 Diving Deep into Everbee's Founding Story03:59 Cody's E-commerce Experience: The Foundation of Everbee06:21 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing the Bootstrap Mentality08:24 The Power of Belief and Persistence in Entrepreneurship14:15 Strategic Customer Acquisition and Growth Tactics24:35 Choosing the Right Market: Mice vs. Elephants Strategy28:05 Exploring Business Goals and Audience Impact28:38 The Underrated Power of Product and Market Fit28:48 The Importance of Loving Your Audience for Long-Term Success29:35 Bootstrapping vs. Paid Growth: A Strategic Overview29:40 Deep Dive into Growth Channels and Strategies31:49 The Unique Value of Podcasts and Partnerships in Growth37:22 Navigating the Decision to Bootstrap vs. Venture Capital44:03 The Journey to $5 Million ARR: Avoiding Mistakes and Leveraging Advice49:15 Quickfire Questions: Books, Advice, and Inspirations54:07 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/everbee-codie-mcguffie 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Cody:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/codymcguffie/Website: https://everbee.io/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

05-01

57:16

Rob Smith is the co-founder of Slick, a salon management SaaS tool.He explains how Slick, which is catering to hair and beauty salons, aids in managing bookings, payments, website and marketing, and has seen expansive growth with over 2000 customers. Rob also highlights the importance of their quality product which has an 85% NPS and less than 1% churn.In the interview, he provides insight into the hair and beauty industry, explaining the reliance on pen and paper and the potential impact of digitization. Further in the conversation, he discusses their relationship with L'Oreal, their unique sales strategy, and challenges faced during COVID-19, among other topics.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:42 Understanding Slick and its Market01:43 The Resilience of the Beauty Industry02:51 The Role of Slick in the Beauty Industry03:45 Market Size and Potential of Slick05:18 Exploring Different Sectors in the Beauty Industry07:04 Partnership with L'Oreal09:06 Fundraising Journey and Challenges14:18 Experience with Founders Factory17:03 Go-to-Market Strategy and Challenges21:22 The Importance of Business Education and Coaching21:41 Understanding the Impact of Referrals and Long-Term Value22:46 The Journey to the Right Business Model24:45 Overcoming Setbacks and Challenges26:05 The Power of Content and Education During Crisis27:33 The Role of Technology in Business Recovery28:33 Understanding the Impact of Macro Trends on Business29:26 The Importance of Linking Tools to Revenue Growth30:06 The Power of Sales in Business36:30 The Role of High Touch in Data Integration37:35 The Value of Sales Experience in Career Development39:48 Closing Remarks and Contact Information💡 Key Highlights- What Slick is and how it assists hair and beauty salons with bookings, payments, website, and marketing, focusing on small, independent businesses.- The resilience of the hair and beauty industry during economic downturns and the transition from traditional management methods to digital solutions.- Slick’s approach to scaling, achieving significant market share, maintaining a high Net Promoter Score (NPS), and low churn rate through a product that salon owners love.- The influence of the partnership with L’Oreal on Slick’s development, balancing corporate expectations with the actual needs of salon owners.- Insights into Slick’s fundraising journey, the role of L’Oreal in providing initial capital, and the challenges of aligning product development with market needs.- The effectiveness of a direct sales strategy in an industry with low digital search intent, leveraging local saturation, and word-of-mouth for growth.- Strategies employed during COVID-19, including community building, educational content, and feature development to support salons in reopening and thriving post-pandemic.- Rob’s book recommendation for SaaS founders, an entrepreneur or business leader Rob admires, an underrated SaaS tool that Rob recommends, and the best piece of advice Rob has received.-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/slick-rob-smith🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Rob:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wp-smith/Website: https://www.getslick.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

04-16

42:17

Alexej interviews Sam Shepler, the founder of Testimonial Hero, a company specializing in creating impactful video testimonials for SaaS and professional services firms. They delve deep into the significance of social proof in today's business world and discuss the unique value video testimonials bring to the table. Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a video production agency to creating Testimonial Hero, which is now a multi-million dollar business. During their conversation, they also explore the importance of focusing on your ideal customer persona, choosing the right verticals, and valuing trust as a key factor in customer acquisition and retention.🔍Timestamps:00:45 The Power of Video Testimonials02:10 The Founding Story of Testimonial Hero04:05 The Value of Service Businesses11:21 Understanding the Ideal Customer Persona17:08 The Importance of Social Proof and Video Testimonials23:36 Marketing Strategies and Client Acquisition35:12 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders💡 Key Highlights- The concept behind Testimonial Hero and its role in leveraging video testimonials for SaaS and professional services firms- How Sam’s experiences with his first video production agency influenced the creation of Testimonial Hero- The rationale behind choosing a service-based agency model over a software business, and the advantages for non-technical founders- Strategies for identifying and targeting ideal customer personas (ICPs) within the SaaS and professional services sectors- The significance of video testimonials in building trust and accelerating deal closures, and why they outperform written testimonials- Insights into Testimonial Hero’s business growth, focusing on customer acquisition strategies and the importance of targeting larger, well-funded companies- The process and technology behind producing high-quality, strategically aligned video testimonials remotely- Challenges and lessons learned in scaling a service-based business, including the importance of proper financial management and accounting practices- Sam’s perspective on entrepreneurship, including advice for founders on comparing oneself to others and the value of focusing on one’s strengths- Sam’s recommendations for books, admired entrepreneurs, useful SaaS tools, and personal growth advice for entrepreneurs.-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/testimonialhero-sam-shepler 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Sam:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samshepler/Website: https://www.testimonialhero.com/

04-02

46:39

From leading a medical cannabis testing software company to venturing into the private equity industry, Tony Lewis shares his experiences, tips, and lessons. He discusses his perspectives on co-founding, scaling up a software business, understanding the evolving SaaS market, finding the right fit between AI technology and potential clients, and the importance of values in business. He also shares his approach towards fundraising and the crucial role of networking in scaling a SaaS business.Timestamps:💡 Key HighlightsTony’s experience at Stanford University, why he decided to launch Confident Cannabis, and how he scaled itAfter leaving the US in 2021 and returning to the UK, how Tony went about finding a good co-founder How Tony stumbled across ThinkChain and what the product does now What the proprietary, hard to replicate element is for ThinkChain How Tony is approaching customer acquisition for ThinkChain What challenges Tony thinks ThinkChain faces, if any How Tony feels about fundraising for ThinkChain and how he thinks about raising the next round if he needs to What lessons Tony can share with other SaaS founders Who Tony would like to see on the SaaS Minds podcast, a book he would recommend to other SaaS founders, a founder or business leader he admires the most, an underrated SaaS tool he uses, and the best piece of advice he has ever received.-- LINKS -- ► Full Transcript: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/think-chain-tony-lewis🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Tony:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tlewisprofile/Website: https://www.thinkchain.ai/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.  

04-02

48:25

Hannah Forbes is the CEO and co-founder of Lima, a SaaS business for communities.We discuss insights on how to launch a SaaS business in the community space and how to leverage an accelerator to find a co-founder. We also cover strategies for achieving product-market fit, dealing business challenges, defining pricing strategies, managing investor relations, and the importance of taking breaks for sustenance in the start-up journey.🔍Timestamps:00:25 Meet the Guest: Hannah Forbes, CEO of Lima01:39 Understanding Lima: A SaaS Business for Communities02:01 The Journey of Finding a Co-Founder03:22 The Business Model of Lima04:51 The Challenge of Community Engagement07:23 The Path to Product Market Fit22:11 The Importance of Channel Testing and Taking Breaks23:54 Lessons Learned and Quick Fire Questions26:15 Closing Remarks💡 Key Highlights- The essence of Lima, its role in enhancing community engagement and monetization, and the journey of its inception.- How Hannah transitioned from a tech career and consultancy to co-founding Lima, including the pivotal role of an accelerator in meeting her co-founder.- The unique challenges of building a SaaS platform for community managers, emphasizing the balance between engagement and monetization.- The strategic decision behind starting with Slack as their primary platform, aiming for broader platform inclusivity in the future.- Insights into Lima's approach to maintaining community vibrancy and preventing the common issue of engagement decline over time.- The iterative process of achieving product-market fit, highlighted by direct feedback from community managers and the importance of addressing their core needs.- An overview of Lima's marketing strategies for 2024, hinting at innovative approaches to reach and engage their target audience.- The complexities surrounding the pricing model for a new SaaS product in the community space, with a focus on delivering value to both community managers and members.- Hannah's reflections on the challenges faced during Lima's early stages, including product adoption hurdles and the importance of adaptability and resilience.- Fundraising insights and strategies for navigating the current investment landscape, emphasizing ongoing investor engagement and transparency.- The significance of the Bay Area's startup ecosystem for community-focused businesses and Lima's plans to tap into this vibrant community network.- Lessons learned from Lima's journey so far, including the importance of preemptive breaks and the strategic use of marketing channels.- Hannah’s book recommendation for other SaaS founders, the entrepreneur or business leader she admires the most, an underrated SaaS tool she uses, who she would like to see on the SaaS Minds podcast, and the best piece of advice she has ever received.-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/lima-hannah-forbes🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Hannah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-forbes/Website: https://www.joinlima.com/  🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.

03-20

28:26

Vadim Rogovskiy is a three-time founder, and a partner at an early-stage tech fund in New York. He is the Founder of 3D Look, an AI enterprise SaaS which raised $16m. We delve into Vadim's journey of scaling a body scanning enterprise SaaS business that sells into Fashion and Fitness.He also discusses the challenges he faced, the changing perspective about fundings, and the importance of patience in business growth.🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:29 Vadim's Journey and Thesis on Delaying Series A00:59 Vadim's Latest Venture and His Experience in the Fashion Industry01:38 Founding Story of 3D Look04:56 Product Validation and Initial Customer Acquisition07:49 Growth Journey and Challenges12:30 Lessons Learned and Shift in Mindset22:13 Vadim's Venture Capital Fund and His Approach24:44 Quick Fire Question Round27:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts💡 Key Highlights- The founding story of 3DLOOK and Vadim’s journey from Ukraine to New York, including the transition to the AR AI space for the fashion industry.- Challenges faced in the early stages of product validation and strategies for acquiring the first customers.- The importance and impact of content marketing and thought leadership in growing a tech startup.- Experiences and lessons learned from raising a significant Series A round and the effects on scaling the business.- Insights into strategic decision-making for startups, including how to approach reversible vs. irreversible decisions.- Leadership advice for founders, emphasizing the importance of team engagement and prioritization.- A recommended read for B2B founders that offers valuable insights into market penetration and growth.- Personal tools and resources that have been beneficial in managing and growing a tech startup.-- LINKS -- ► Full Transcript: https://nuoptima.com/saas-podcast/3d-look-vadim-rodovsky 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Vadim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vadim-rogovskiy/Website: https://3dlook.ai/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights. 

03-11

29:21

Jenny Wolfram is the CEO and Founder of Brand Bastion, a MarTech SaaS business that works with prestigious clients like Uber, Netflix, and North Face. Jenny shares her journey from studying law in Finland to moving to LA two years ago and starting her successful business. She also talks about the challenges and strategies of building a SaaS business without a technical background, the evolution of the product offering of her company, and the unconventional route they took in fundraising. We also discuss the balance between learning and leading. 🔍Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the Interview with Jenny Wolfram01:01 Jenny's Journey: From Law to Tech Entrepreneurship01:55 Building a SaaS Business without a Technical Background04:10 The Evolution of Brand Bastion's Product Offering05:43 Fundraising vs Bootstrapping: Brand Bastion's Approach07:12 Navigating the Competitive Landscape in Social Media Management09:13 Future Plans and Challenges for Brand Bastion11:12 Jenny's Move from Finland to LA and Building a Global Team20:42 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Networking for Entrepreneurs27:25 Advice for SaaS Founders: Knowing When to Hold, Fold, Walk Away, and Run28:34 Conclusion and Contact Information-- LINKS -- ► Show Notes: https://nuoptima.com/brand-bastion-jenny-wolfram 🔗 Follow NUOPTIMALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexej-pikovsky-9743701/Website: https://www.nuoptima.com 🔗 Follow Jenny:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennywolfram/Website: https://www.brandbastion.com/🔔 Stay Updated: Turn on notifications to never miss our latest videos on growth tactics in SaaS, trends, and business insights.