The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors

SaaStr 817: What Happens When AI Kills Your SaaS Growth? Live Q&A with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin In this Q&A session from SaaStr Annual, Jason Lemkin delivers hard truths about how AI is reshaping the entire SaaS landscape. No sugarcoating, no feel-good platitudes - just the brutal reality of what's happening to B2B companies right now. What You'll Learn: Why 80% of B2B investors now only do AI deals (and what that means for traditional SaaS) The real reason $100M revenue companies are suddenly hitting growth walls Why VCs have shifted from seeking billion-dollar to trillion-dollar outcomes How the "triple-triple-double-double" growth model died in 18 months Why you need to go multi-product by $10M revenue (not $100M) The downward death spiral killing SaaS companies that aren't adapting Specific tactics for surviving when your go-to-market playbook stops working Key Moments: A founder admits he's "terrified" of AI - Jason's response will surprise you Why vertical SaaS is becoming the only "safe haven" The harsh math on fundraising when you're not AI-first How brand marketing is changing as search moves from Google to ChatGPT Why working "twice as hard and four times smarter" isn't optional anymore Raw Founder Questions Answered: "How do I fundraise when I'm not AI-first?" "Is triple-double-double still attractive to investors?" "Should my sales team experiment with AI?" "How many resources should we devote to becoming AI-first?" This isn't your typical conference recap. It's 90 minutes of unvarnished insights from founders in the trenches, dealing with the AI disruption in real-time. Jason doesn't hold back on what's working, what's broken, and what you need to do differently starting tomorrow. Perfect for: SaaS founders, revenue leaders, and anyone trying to navigate the AI transformation of B2B software. ------------------   Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!   It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.    The biggest names will be there. The best networking.    Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.    Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.   SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there. --------------------------------------------------- Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.  The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.  But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.  SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there.     

Join us as Jason Lemkin, CEO, and Founder of SaaStr, sits down with Tope Awotona, CEO, and founder of Calendly for an insightful AMA session. They discuss Calendly's journey, their success in the Product-Led Growth (PLG) domain, and how it balances self-serve with enterprise sales strategies. Tope shares candid lessons learned from growing Calendly, from managing customer acquisition costs to aligning product development with customer needs. The conversation also delves into how Calendly plans to integrate AI to enhance user productivity and manage meetings more efficiently. This episode is packed with valuable insights for founders, CEOs, and anyone interested in SaaS growth strategies. ------------------   Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.  The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.  But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.  SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there

SaaStr 815: Redpoint Ventures Playbook: How Top VCs Are Really Investing in AI with Jacob Effron, Managing Director of Redpoint Ventures  Jacob Effron, Managing Director at RedPoint, discusses the state of AI investing and the rapid advancements in AI technology. He highlights the significant decrease in model costs, increased AI capabilities in applications like coding, voice models, and customer support, and the rapid scaling of AI startups. Jacob also talks about how venture capital strategies have shifted, with a focus on AI-driven end-use cases and quality. He outlines a three-part investment framework focused on identifying effective AI applications and the potential for future expansion. Effron shares insights on successful AI companies like Abridge and Lara, emphasizing their high-quality products and rapid market adaptation. He concludes by noting the importance of brand building, velocity in product development, and the evolving landscape of AI investments. 00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background 00:25 Current Trends in AI and Model Costs 01:30 Implications for AI Application Companies 05:06 Challenges in the AI Investment Landscape 09:07 Effective AI Application Companies 10:59 Investment Framework for AI Companies 15:14 Case Studies: Abridge and Lara 21:38 Key Learnings and Final Thoughts 23:38 Q&A Session    

SaaStr 814: How to Build Top-Performing Sales Orgs with OpenAI's GTM Leader Maggie Hott Join Maggie Hott, GTM Leader at OpenAI, as she shares her extensive experience in building top-performing sales organizations at SaaStr. With a remarkable career history at Eventbrite, Slack, Webflow, and OpenAI, Maggie distills 15 years of insights into a tactical playbook for building and scaling sales teams. Learn key principles for hiring the right candidates, fostering thriving teams, maintaining customer obsession, and driving sustainable growth. Discover common pitfalls to avoid, the importance of storytelling, and how to align your teams for maximum impact. Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned leader, these practical lessons will help you scale your sales team effectively.     ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!   It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.    The biggest names will be there. The best networking.    Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.    Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.   SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there.   ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website. Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup. Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy.

In this session, CRO of ServiceTitan, Ross Biestman, and Chemistry's Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Kristina Shen, discuss ServiceTitan's founding principles and growth from a small company to a $11 billion vertical SaaS leader. Together they cover ServiceTitan’s mission-driven approach, and its successful adoption of AI for operational efficiency. Ross shares personal anecdotes about customer interactions and pivotal moments leading to ServiceTitan’s massive success. The episode underscores the importance of on-site customer interactions and the role of AI and disciplined expansion in their growth strategy. ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website. Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup. Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy. ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd! It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders. The biggest names will be there. The best networking.  Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.  Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout. SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there. ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.  The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.  But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout. 

SaaStr 812: What’s Working Now: AI’s Real Impact on Sales with SaaStr's CEO and Co-Founder, and SVP & GM  Join Jason Lemkin, CEO and Founder of SaaStr, and Amelia Lerutte, SVP and GM of SaaStr as they dive deep into the practical applications, results, and learnings from integrating AI into sales workflows. This session covers the initial struggles, data preparation, and continuous optimization required to achieve high-quality outputs with AI. They share specific examples of what's working, the importance of human oversight, and the benefits of combining AI with human expertise. Whether you're initiating outbound sales or reactivating lapsed accounts, learn how SaaStr successfully increased response rates and closed deals using AI-driven strategies. ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website. Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup. Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy. ------------------   Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd!   It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.    The biggest names will be there. The best networking.    Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.    Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.   SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there. ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.  The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.  But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.  SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there

SaaStr 811: Marketing in the Age of AI with Wiz's CMO Raaz Herzberg Join us for an insightful discussion with Raaz Herzberg, the Chief Marketing Officer of Wiz, as she dives into her unconventional journey from engineering to leading Wiz's marketing strategy. In this episode, Raaz shares her unique perspectives on how a lack of traditional marketing background shaped her approach, focusing on building brand awareness and solving customer pain points. Learn about the innovative tactics she's employed to stand out in the cybersecurity market, the importance of hiring curious and driven individuals, and how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. Whether you're in marketing, sales, or a founder, Roz offers valuable advice on making impactful hires and driving exponential growth. ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website. Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup. Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy. ------------------ Hey everybody, SaaStr Annual will be back in May of 2026.  The world's largest SaaS + AI gathering for executives. Just this May we hosted: 10,000 attendees with 68% VP-level and above, 36% CEOs and founders and a growing 25% were AI-first professionals. This is the very best of the best S-tier attendees and decision makers that come to SaaStr each year.  But here's the reality, folks: the longer you wait, the higher ticket prices can get. Early bird tickets are available now, but once they're gone, you'll pay hundreds more so don't wait. Lock in your spot today. Use my code JASON100 for exclusive savings. Get your tickets at podcast.saastrannual.com or use code JASON100 at checkout.  SaaStr Annual 2026. We'll see you there

SaaStr 810: AI and the Bottom Line, How Canva Turns Freemium into Conversions with Canva's CCO Rob Giglio Join John Gleason, founder and managing partner at Success Venture Partners, as he interviews Rob Giglio, Chief Customer Officer at Canva. Rob shares his extensive experience leading customer success, sales, and go-to-market functions at top companies like HubSpot, DocuSign, and Adobe. In this episode, Rob delves into his strategic approach to scaling Canva's enterprise business while maintaining the company’s unique customer-centric culture. He also discusses the integration of AI to enhance customer experiences and how value-driven customer journeys underpin Canva’s growth. Perfect for aspiring CCOs and anyone interested in the intersection of customer success and sales.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Rob's Role and Responsibilities at Canva 03:11 Career Journey and Mentorship 07:17 Building Enterprise at Canva 14:20 Customer-Centric Approach 21:42 AI Integration at Canva 24:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     ---- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: get.tech The best .coms are taken or overpriced. So you settle on a workaround domain for your website. Don't compromise. Get a clean, sharp .tech domain that instantly says: this is a tech startup. Grab yours at get.tech/saastr or via domain registrars like GoDaddy. ---- Hey everybody, SaaStr AI's next stop takes us to London on December 2nd and 3rd! It's Christmas with SaaStr and 2,000 of the best SaaS and AI leaders.    The biggest names will be there. The best networking.    Early adopter tickets are selling faster than we expected. So don't wait. With only 5 months until the event, we expect this year's SaaStr London event to sell out to capacity.    Use my code jason20pod for exclusive savings. Get your tickets now at podcast.saastrlondon.com or use code jason20pod at checkout.   SaaStr AI London – where SaaS Meets AI in London. See you there.

SaaStr 809: Why Enterprise AI Adoption Is Moving 5-10X Faster Than Cloud with Box's CEO and Co-Founder, IBM's VP for AI and SaaStr's CEO and Founder This conversation between Aaron Levie, CEO & Co-Founder of Box, Raj Datta, Global Vice President for Software and A.I. Partnerships at IBM and Jason Lemkin, CEO and Founder of SaaStr, covers the evolution from chat interfaces to digital labor models, the integration of AI to automate complex tasks, and the emergence of new paradigms for businesses deploying AI agents. Key topics include the distinction between AI agents and assistants, the development of proprietary data models, and the rapid pace of AI adoption. With real-world examples from companies like IBM and Box, this session offers insights into how AI is reshaping software ecosystems, enhancing enterprise capabilities, and potentially redefining market moats. ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attention.com   Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr   ------------------   Hey everyone, we just hosted 10,000 of you at the SaaStr Annual in the SF Bay Area, and now get ready, because SaaStr AI is heading to London! On December 2nd and 3rd, we’re bringing SaaStr AI to the heart of Europe. This is your chance to connect with 2,500+ SaaS and AI executives, founders, and investors, all sharing the secrets to scaling in the age of AI.   Whether you’re a founder, a revenue leader, or an investor, SaaStr AI in London is where the future of SaaS meets the power of AI. And we just announced tickets and sponsorships, so don’t wait! Head to SaaStrLondon.com to grab yours and join us this December in London. SaaStr AI in London —where SaaS meets AI, and the next wave of innovation begins. See you there!

SaaStr 808: AI and Cybersecurity: Scaling Rubrik to a Billion Dollar Enterprise with Rubrik's Co-Founder and CTO In this episode, Kit Colbert, former CTO of VMware and Platform CTO at Invisible, sits down with Arvind  Nithrakashyap, Co-founder and CTO of Rubrik, to discuss the company's journey and innovations over the last 11 years.    Arvind  shares insights into Rubrik's platform for cyber resilience, their approach to scaling with multiple product pillars, and their unique use of hackathons to spark innovation. The conversation also delves into customer satisfaction strategies, the implementation of AI in both their products and internal processes, and how they measure the ROI of AI initiatives. With highlights of Rubrik's 39% year-over-year growth, a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 80, and the launch of their AI product Ana, this episode offers valuable takeaways for businesses looking to scale and innovate.   ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attio This episode is brought to you by Attio — the AI-native CRM. Connect your email, and Attio instantly builds a powerful CRM - with every company, contact and interaction you've ever had. Get 15% off your first year at https://attio.com/saastr   ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attention.com Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr ------------------ Hey everyone, we just hosted 10,000 of you at the SaaStr Annual in the SF Bay Area, and now get ready, because SaaStr AI is heading to London! On December 2nd and 3rd, we’re bringing SaaStr AI to the heart of Europe. This is your chance to connect with 2,500+ SaaS and AI executives, founders, and investors, all sharing the secrets to scaling in the age of AI. Whether you’re a founder, a revenue leader, or an investor, SaaStr AI in London is where the future of SaaS meets the power of AI. And we just announced tickets and sponsorships, so don’t wait! Head to SaaStrLondon.com to grab yours and join us this December in London. SaaStr AI in London —where SaaS meets AI, and the next wave of innovation begins. See you there!

SaaStr 807: Snowflake's CEO on the AI Data Cloud, Partner Strategy, and What’s Next Join Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO of Snowflake, and Jeremy Burton, CEO of Observe, in a comprehensive discussion led by SaaStr CEO & Founder, Jason Lemkin. Discover the inner workings of Snowflake's Board, the dynamics of strategic partnerships, and the evolving role of AI in data management. Learn how Snowflake aims to be the AI Data Cloud and how Observe integrates with Snowflake to provide scalable analytics. With detailed insights into the partnership strategies, future technological trends, and success stories, this conversation offers a blueprint for leveraging AI and data to drive business value. Don't miss out on the valuable lessons and future predictions shared by these industry leaders. ----------------- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attio This episode is brought to you by Attio — the AI-native CRM. Connect your email, and Attio instantly builds a powerful CRM - with every company, contact and interaction you've ever had. Get 15% off your first year at https://attio.com/saastr  ------------------ This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attention.com Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr ------------------ Hey everyone, we just hosted 10,000 of you at the SaaStr Annual in the SF Bay Area, and now get ready, because SaaStr AI is heading to London! On December 2nd and 3rd, we’re bringing SaaStr AI to the heart of Europe. This is your chance to connect with 2,500+ SaaS and AI executives, founders, and investors, all sharing the secrets to scaling in the age of AI. Whether you’re a founder, a revenue leader, or an investor, SaaStr AI in London is where the future of SaaS meets the power of AI. And we just announced tickets and sponsorships, so don’t wait! Head to SaaStrLondon.com to grab yours and join us this December in London. SaaStr AI in London —where SaaS meets AI, and the next wave of innovation begins. See you there!  

SaaStr 806: How The Smartest Founders Are Already Winning with AI: SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin on My First Million  SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin recently returned to HubSpot's My First Million Podcast with Sam Parr and Shaan Puri to do a deep dive on AI and SaaS. It was a fun one because we approached it more from a content creator and end-user perspective than from a software builder perspective. Together they discuss various applications of AI in content creation, customer support, and business advice, highlighting unexpected use cases and the potential for AI to surpass human capabilities. Jason also provides a candid look at the future of startups, the challenges of VC investment, and the evolving landscape of tech-driven by AI. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and forward-thinking perspectives. ------------------   This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attio This episode is brought to you by Attio — the AI-native CRM. Connect your email, and Attio instantly builds a powerful CRM - with every company, contact and interaction you've ever had. Get 15% off your first year at https://attio.com/saastr   --------------------   This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attention.com Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SaaStr 805: CRO Confidential - 5 Ways AI Has Already Changed SaaS Sales Forever with Perplexity's CBO Dmitry Shevelenko. Hosted by Sam Blond. Join Sam Blond in the latest episode of CRO Confidential live from SaaStr Annual, featuring Dmitry Shevelenko, Chief Business Officer at Perplexity. Dive deep into how cutting-edge AI can transform your go-to-market strategies, sales processes, and organizational efficiency. Explore key topics like leveraging AI for demand generation, advanced meeting preparation, pipeline management, and more. Learn from Dmitry's expertise on integrating AI to accelerate business growth and gain insights into Perplexity's innovative approach to AI-powered sales. Perfect for tech founders, sales leaders, and AI enthusiasts looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving sales and customer acquisition landscape. ------- Hey everyone, we just hosted 10,000 of you at the SaaStr Annual in the SF Bay Area, and now get ready, because SaaStr AI is heading to London!   On December 2nd and 3rd, we’re bringing the SaaStr AI to the heart of Europe. This is your chance to connect with 2,000+ SaaS and AI executives, founders, and investors, all sharing the secrets to scaling in the age of AI.   Whether you’re a founder, a revenue leader, or an investor, SaaStr AI in London is where the future of SaaS meets the power of AI.   And we just announced tickets and sponsorships, so don’t wait! Head to SaaStrLondon.com to grab yours and join us this December in London.   SaaStr AI in London —where SaaS meets AI, and the next wave of innovation begins. See you there! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attio This episode is brought to you by Attio — the AI-native CRM. Connect your email, and Attio instantly builds a powerful CRM - with every company, contact and interaction you've ever had. Get 15% off your first year at https://attio.com/saastr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attention.com   Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SaaStr 804: AI and The Future of Sales, Marketing & CS with HubSpot CEO Yamini Rangan Join us as HubSpot's CEO Yamini Rangan delves into the dynamic landscape of SaaS, discussing the rapid transformations driven by AI. In this insightful session, Yamini shares her experience with pivoting HubSpot's roadmap after the advent of ChatGPT, the increasing role of AI in product development, and the evolving customer expectations. Gain valuable insights into creating urgency, leveraging AI to enhance productivity, and the importance of a unified partner ecosystem. Perfect for entrepreneurs and SaaS founders, this episode underscores the necessity of adaptability, curiosity, and a growth mindset in today’s tech industry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attio This episode is brought to you by Attio — the AI-native CRM. Connect your email, and Attio instantly builds a powerful CRM - with every company, contact and interaction you've ever had. Get 15% off your first year at https://attio.com/saastr -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode of the SaaStr podcast is sponsored by: Attention.com Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SaaStr 803: AI, Sales + GTM in 2025/2026: This Really Changes Everything with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and Owner CRO Kyle Norton In this engaging session, we dive deep into how AI is transforming the sales landscape, featuring a conversation between SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and Kyle Norton, the Chief Revenue Officer of Owner, a company recently valued at over a billion dollars. The discussion covers Kyle’s background and his insights into implementing AI in sales operations, the challenges and benefits of using AI tools, and the critical importance of a curiosity-driven approach to technology among sales leaders. Key topics include the integration of AI in SMB sales, the future of sales professional roles, and the necessity of continuous improvement and adoption of AI tools. The conversation also touches on the need for creating a seamless customer journey through AI and human interface, managing hybrid teams of AI and sales reps, and the potential for AI to close deals. Essential for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and sales, this session offers practical strategies and forward-looking perspectives. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SaaStr 802: SaaS + AI: It’s Time to Move Much Faster with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin Join SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin in this compelling podcast that was recorded live from SaaStr Annual, as he discusses the rapid transformation in the SaaS industry driven by AI advancements. Reflecting on changes since last September, Jason emphasizes the necessity for SaaS leaders and companies to move faster, re-skill their teams, and adopt AI-first strategies to stay competitive. Hear real-world examples of how AI is revolutionizing sales, customer support, and coding productivity, leading to significant industry shifts. This session is a call to action with a message of tough love: adapt quickly, be relentless, and work harder to navigate the evolving landscape and ensure continued success. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Tired of listening to hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday’s game. Attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto-update your CRM, build custom sales decks, spot cross-sell signals, and score calls before your coffee’s cold. Teams like BambooHR and Scale AI already automate their Sales and RevOps using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

SaaStr 801: AI, M&A, and the Future of SaaS: Lessons from Marc Benioff, Chair, CEO & Co-Founder of Salesforce Join us for as SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin sits down for a conversation with Mark Benioff, the CEO, Chair and Co-Founder of Salesforce. Together, we delve into the practical applications of AI in the B2B space. With 40 billion under Salesforce's belt, this discussion sheds light on how AI is transforming enterprise software. Learn about Salesforce's major acquisitions like Tableau and Slack, the evolution of their product offerings, and how they seamlessly integrate AI with business intelligence and analytics. Mark also shares insights on the strategic direction of Salesforce, the significance of data management, and the role of AI assistants in revolutionizing customer service and product development. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of enterprise software and the impactful initiatives driven by Salesforce. -----------------  Hey everybody. SaaStr Annual is almost here. It's May 13th to the 15th, right here in the SF Bay, the heart of the AI Revolution, and you've gotta be part of it in B2B and be it SaaStr 2025. We'll have an incredible line above speakers, the best in SaaS and AI. From HubSpot and Perplexity from Anthropic, to OpenAI, from Snowflake to Cursor, to Google Coud, to Box to IBM and more. We'll have AI matchmaking for founders and investors for the first time,  and we'll have over 1,000+ C-level executives at our VIP summits. It's gonna be great. So we'll see you there. If you want to come in person, use my code Jason20 before tickets sell out.  And we'll see anyone that can't make it in person on our live streams. It'll be all over my Twitter and LinkedIn and everywhere. May 13th to the 15th 2025. It's gonna rock. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Hey, are you tired of listening to hours and hours of sales calls? Recording is yesterday's game, folks. Yesterday's game attention.com unleashes an army of AI sales agents that auto update your CRM build custom sales decks. Spot cross-sale signals and score calls even before the coffee cold. Teams like Bamboo, HR, and scale AI already automate their sales and rev ops using customer conversations. Step into the future at attention.com/saastr. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SaaStr 800: 10 Ways AI Is Going to Change Sales. For Real with SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin

SaaStr 799: The Series A Landscape in 2025: Insights from Chemistry VC’s Ethan Kurzweil SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin and Ethan Kurzwiel, previously partner at Bessemer Venture Partners and now founding partner at Chemistry VC, took us through a deep dive of exactly where Series A funding is right now in 2025. Current State of Early-Stage Venture Market The early-stage venture landscape has experienced significant shifts since the peaks of 2021. We’re seeing: Deal activity decline: From the highs of 2021 (around 3.5B raised in Q4 2021), we’re seeing a return to baseline levels but still below pre-zero interest rate era volumes. Longer funding timelines: Seed to Series A timelines have stretched from approximately 12 months to 25 months on average, requiring founders to plan for longer runways. More capital into fewer deals: While total capital deployment is returning to pre-2021 levels, it’s being concentrated in fewer companies, making the environment more binary and competitive. Graduation rates plummeting: The percentage of seed companies successfully raising Series A has dropped significantly across all industries, creating a “crunch” for many startups. Listen in for more! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

SaaStr 798: The Top 10 Reasons to Come to 2025 SaaStr Annual May 13-15 in SF Bay with SaaStr CEO Jason Lemkin SaaStr Annual is almost here! And we delve into the key reasons why you should attend SaaStr Annual 2025, happening from May 13th to 15th in the SF Bay Area. Learn about the unparalleled networking opportunities, including opt-in one-on-one meetings, braindates, and C-level summits. Discover how the event can help you meet potential C-suite hires and VCs, and stay ahead of the latest in B2B SaaS, Cloud, and AI through hundreds of workshops and sessions. Don’t miss out on the chance to be inspired by top industry leaders and get actionable insights for your business. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------