Could your business structure quietly cost you millions when you sell?

In this solo episode, Rob Walling answers listener questions about when QSBS might justify a C Corp (vs. staying an S Corp or LLC), why SaaS exits are often discussed in ARR multiples rather than EBITDA, and how the profitability/growth tradeoff impacts valuation. He also shares thoughts on GMV-based pricing and where developers can learn practical, non-fluffy marketing skills.

Episode Sponsors:

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Topics we cover:

(3:30) – How the QSBS tax benefit can save you millions
(7:40) – C Corp vs. S Corp: which structure makes sense for founders
(9:39) – Why ARR multiples matter more than EBITDA in SaaS
(13:13) – Profitability as a drain on growth
(16:44) – Should co-founders join the same mastermind?
(18:08) – How to leverage GMV-based pricing in SaaS
(21:43) – The best way for developers to learn real marketing skills
(30:37) – Why every founder should master sales and marketing early

Links from the Show:

TinySeed Applications Live Q&A - February 11th, 10:00 AM EST
Apply to TinySeed - Applications are until Feb 17th, 2026
The SaaS Playbook by Rob Walling
MicroConf - Community for SaaS Founders
Conversion Factory
TinySeed Mentors
Rob Walling on X (@robwalling)

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

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Episode 819 | QSBS, Exit Multiples, How to Learn Marketing, and More Listener Questions (Rob Solo)

Startups For the Rest of Us

Episode 819 | QSBS, Exit Multiples, How to Learn Marketing, and More Listener Questions (Rob Solo)