Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast, where SaaS leaders and innovators share their stories and strategies. In today’s episode, the conversation focused on the unique challenges and opportunities facing startups and small businesses in Africa, particularly when it comes to accessing working capital and preparing financial data for investors.

A key theme that emerged was the entrepreneurial journey of Elana Laichena, founder and CEO of Flowt Intelligence. After navigating financing obstacles as a founder herself, Elana developed a SaaS platform that uses AI to transform messy, real-world financial records into clean, investor-ready insights. The discussion explored how Flowt helps climate-focused businesses unlock the capital they need while streamlining the often daunting due diligence process.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on SaaS metrics, the evolving investment landscape in Africa, and lessons learned from both operating and funding startups. If you’re interested in how technology can break down barriers and empower growth in emerging markets, don’t miss this episode.

Show Notes:

00:00 Float's financial intelligence platform

05:48 Understanding the competition in digital lending

07:45 Offering Flexible Business Credit

12:02 Pre-seed funding challenges in Africa

13:20 Funding challenges for African founders

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/flowt-raises-undisclosed-pre-seed/

https://techfundingevents.com/companies/flowt.africa

Elana Laichena's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elanalaichena/

Flowt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowt-intelligence/home/

Flowt's Website: https://flowt.africa/

To learn more about Ben check out the links below:

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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, the conversation focused on the fast-changing world of software builds and how AI is transforming the SaaS landscape. The discussion explored how Hermetiq, co-founded by CEO Jake Newfield, is addressing a new bottleneck for engineering teams—not code creation, but the complexities of compiling, testing, and deploying at scale.

One concept discussed was the need for deeper observability and intelligence around Bazel builds, leading Hermetiq to develop a "Datadog for Bazel" platform that helps developers identify and fix build issues efficiently. With major AI labs already leveraging this technology, the episode highlights the rapidly expanding demand for smarter build infrastructure.

Several points were raised around early-stage SaaS company building, from fundraising and pricing challenges to the importance of conference outreach and direct engagement. Listen in for insights on navigating growth in a market where innovation moves at lightning speed.

Show Notes:

00:00 Hermetic automates software build process

04:15 Solving build issues for companies

06:20 Starting up with direct outreach

10:06 Big AI Lab Using Hermetiq

12:56 Wrapping up with contact info

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/hermetiq-raises-2-2m-seed/

Jake Newfield's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakenewfield/

Hermetiq's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hermetiq/

Hermetiq's Website: https://www.hermetiq.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, the conversation focused on the intersection of AI, finance, and SaaS with Zach Marks, co-founder and CEO of Jia. The discussion explored Zach’s journey from working with microfinance in emerging markets to building AI-powered financial solutions that address the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. Several points were raised, including Jia’s experience in leveraging AI for underwriting, the evolution of the company’s product offerings, the impact of technology on expanding access to credit, and the nuances of pricing and scaling in the rapidly changing world of fintech. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how AI, SaaS metrics, and a mission-driven approach are transforming financial operations for SMBs across the globe.

Show Notes:

00:00 Discovering microfinance and joining Tala

03:30 AI solutions for small businesses

08:01 Using AI for credit analysis

11:18 Business model and SME solutions

15:37 Future of AI in finance

18:27 Discussing risk strategies in lending

21:51 AI enhancing financial service delivery

23:34 Company founding and HQ details

Links:

SaaS Fundrasing Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/jia-raises-3m-seed/

Zach Marks' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmarks/

Jia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jiaxyz/

Jia's Website: https://jia.xyz/

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, Ben sits down with Edward Barrow, founder and CEO of Cloud Capital, for a timely and in-depth conversation about the challenges facing CFOs, controllers, and tech leaders as cloud and AI spending rapidly becomes one of the largest and most complex line items on the P&L. With spend on compute, tokens, and infrastructure rising—sometimes to over 30% of revenue—understanding, forecasting, and optimizing cloud and AI costs is no longer optional for SaaS leadership teams.

Edward brings hands-on experience in both scaling software companies and overseeing strategic finance for cloud-native businesses, sharing research-backed insights and actionable strategies. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping unit economics, why traditional forecasting methods won't cut it in 2027, and what new controls and collaboration between finance and engineering are essential for sustainable growth. If you're preparing for 2027 budgeting and want to stay ahead of the curve on cloud and AI cost management, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

00:00 Helping CFOs manage cloud spending

05:43 AI investment in software businesses

09:10 Balancing growth and profitability

13:03 AI and Token Cost Management

14:02 Understanding and managing cloud costs

18:13 Automated financial forecasting tools

20:50 Allocating and budgeting production costs

27:11 Commitment challenges in tech projects

27:51 Challenges of long-term tech commitments

33:46 Planning cost optimization steps

34:55 CFOs adapting to cloud and AI

Links:

Edward Barrow’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ebarrow/

Cloud Capital’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloud-cap/home/

Cloud Capital’s Website: https://www.cloudcapital.co/

To learn more about Ben check out the links below:

Subscribe to Ben's AI in finance trends 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

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, Ben sits down with Giacomo Marchiori, CEO and founder of Talentware, an AI-native skill intelligence platform transforming the HR tech landscape.

From his unique career path in engineering and automotive manufacturing to founding a rapidly growing SaaS company, Giacomo Marchiori shares the story behind Talentware’s creation, its innovative approach to skill assessment across industries and job functions, and the company’s impressive growth fueled by recent fundraising rounds.

Join us as we dive into lessons learned in startup fundraising, navigating the crowded AI space, scaling go-to-market efforts, and building a tech company poised for expansion throughout Europe.

Show Notes:

00:00 Improving Talent Management Processes

04:03 Mapping and Assessing Skills

06:56 Initial VC Fundraising Stages

10:25 Starting VC conversations early

14:20 Choosing a Technology Investment Strategy

17:54 Upcoming events and expansion plans

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/talentware-secures-800-000-in-pre-seed-funding/

https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/talentware-raises-3-3m-seed/

Giacomo Marchiori’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-marchiori/

Talentware’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentware-ai/

Talentware’s Website: https://talentware.ai/en/home/

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 episode, Ben Murray is joined by Alex Lee, CEO and co-founder of Truewind, a company on a mission to build cutting-edge AI tools for accountants. With a background that uniquely spans aerospace engineering, venture capital, and SaaS startups, Alex Lee brings a fresh perspective to the future of finance.

Listeners will hear how Truewind fits into the accounting close process, empowering accountants with AI-driven workpapers, journal entry automation, and digitized standard operating procedures. Alex Lee explains how the platform streamlines financial operations—without replacing ERPs—and discusses its impact on everything from audit readiness to accelerating the value delivered to customers.

The conversation also explores the evolving role of accountants in an AI-powered world, lessons learned from raising $17 million in venture funding, and thoughtful go-to-market strategies tailored for CFOs and controllers. Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in AI, SaaS, fundraising, or the future of accounting technology.

Show Notes:

00:00 Building First Startup Blue Light

03:30 Integrating AI with existing ERP

06:40 Benefits of TruWind API integration

10:07 Evolving roles in accounting

14:37 Key fundraising lessons for startups

16:56 Choosing the Right Investor Fit

19:57 Understanding Partnership Tiers

23:09 Tracking Customer Value and Engagement

26:00 AI infrastructure in finance

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/truewind-raises-13-million-in-series-a/

https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/truwind-raises-3-million-in-seed-round/

Alex Lee’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexlee611/

Truewind’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truewindai

Truewind’s Website: trytruewind.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, Ben sits down with Ali Mirzaei, CEO and founder of Dimension Studios. Dimension Studios is leading the charge in AI-powered automation for TikTok Shop operations with their flagship software, Seller OS. Ali Mirzaei shares the unexpected journey from building the top shop on TikTok to founding Dimension, discusses lessons learned in fundraising, and reveals how the company's unique AI agent—trained on real shop data and industry expertise—is leveling the playing field for brands of all sizes. Tune in to hear how Dimension Studios is scaling quickly, keeping customer acquisition costs low, and balancing both service and SaaS models while navigating the fast-evolving landscape of AI and e-commerce.

Show Notes:

00:00 AI Operator for TikTok Shop Support

06:14 Advice for startup founders

09:57 Analyzing user updates impact

12:04 Macroeconomics and AI impact

14:10 Sharing Ali's journey

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/dimension-raises-1-65m-seed/

Ali Mirzaei's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-mirzaei-a411791b4/

Dimension Studios' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dimensionstudios/

Dimenstion Studios' Website: https://www.dimensionstudios.co/

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, the conversation focused on one of the hottest topics for finance leaders and founders: managing and tracking AI spend within SaaS businesses. The discussion explored the rise of agentic AI platforms like Stackpack, which help companies take control of rapidly increasing vendor costs, manage contracts, and bring greater visibility into how AI tools are used across teams and departments.

A key theme that emerged was the shift from traditional software spend management to new challenges presented by AI tools, which are often priced on usage, tokens, or credits. Several points were raised, including the limitations of invoice-level tracking, the difficulty in breaking down spend by employee or department, and the importance of integrating HR and SSO data to unlock more granular attribution.

The episode also delved into the creation of effective dashboards for CFOs, strategies for governing AI usage and cost allocation, and tips for budgeting in a landscape where model choice, usage intensity, and pricing models are constantly evolving. The discussion wrapped with insights on measuring ROI from AI investments and how to adapt traditional software spend frameworks for the new era of agentic AI. If you’re a finance leader navigating the complexities of AI spend—or just trying to look good in front of your board this budget season—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Show Notes:

00:00 Tracking AI Usage Costs

06:32 Teams plan data management

08:29 AI dashboard essentials and trends

13:26 Setting AI policy and costs

14:24 Discussing AI budgeting tips for CFOs

20:33 Increasing sales team output with AI

21:51 Discussing the ROSE metric

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/stackpack-raises-6-3-million-in-seed-round/

https://techfundingevents.com/companies/stackpack.ai

Sara Wyman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-wyman/

Stackpack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stackpack-ai

Stackpack's Website: https://www.stackpack.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