SaaStr 781: How to Think About Product-Led Growth, Bootstrapping vs VC, and Early Exits with Jason Lemkin | The Official SaaStr Podcast: SaaS | Founders | Investors | Podwise
In this episode of the SaaStr podcast, Jason Lemkin dives into essential strategies for SaaS growth and exit options. He suggests that companies should adopt either a high-volume, low-cost model, like Canva, or a low-volume, high-cost approach, steering clear of a middle path. For bootstrapped companies experiencing strong annual recurring revenue (ARR) and healthy growth, he recommends considering private equity acquisition over venture capital, as their growth pace may not fit VC expectations. Lemkin highlights the critical need for genuine product-market fit, where you have more customers than you can easily account for, and warns against relying on "design partners" instead of real paying customers. Lastly, he shares insights on hiring CEOs, stressing the importance of selecting candidates who are highly motivated and capable of establishing trust-driven relationships.
