Getting your metrics straight to succeed in SaaS

Elad Gil, a well-regarded angel investor and startup founder, shares his insights on the factors contributing to the success of SaaS companies, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic world. He categorizes companies based on their response to COVID-19, noting that some, like Zoom and Stripe, experienced rapid growth, while others faced challenges due to changes in consumer behavior. Gil emphasizes the importance of tracking appropriate metrics at different growth stages, advocating for a focus on adoption and retention initially, and revenue growth later on. He warns against the pitfalls of optimizing for a single metric without considering overall company health and highlights the strategic advantage of moving upmarket to accelerate revenue growth. Gil also stresses the significance of product-market fit, storytelling, and team dynamics in early startup success, illustrating how a compelling story and strong team can attract funding even when traditional metrics are lacking. He discusses the role of remote work in the evolving tech landscape, pondering whether the shift will lead to sustained changes in how companies operate. Gil's extensive experience with high-profile startups like Airbnb and Stripe informs his nuanced perspective on the future of the tech industry and its capacity for growth.