Attending my first SaaS Tech conference in the San Francisco Bay Area. Here’s my breakdown on how to survive SaaStr and any others
For all us tech enthusiasts, we know by now that one of the biggest events is being held just around the corner. Tickets are refundable until 30 days before the event and are expected to double the current prices in May 2025 so we suggest getting them early. Here are some two cents I learnt from attending last year’s event that I thought would help in making a decision. It’s a breakdown of my experience and some hacks to keep in mind when attending this year.
As the SaaStr CEO suggested, Day 1 was all about networking, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, as hundreds of like-minded individuals gathered to exchange ideas, insights, and connections. My expectations for the "Braindate" sessions were initially high. I imagined deep-dive discussions, but the sessions felt more surface-level, possibly due to it being the first day, the sessions felt more surface-level and hurried. However, there was still value in these quick conversations, as they allowed for broad exposure and connections that I could deepen over time.
The check-in process was notably smooth, a result of the option to check in a day early, which helped avoid overcrowding. It’s a small detail, but it made a big difference, allowing everyone to start the day without the usual logistical headaches.
The event layout was thoughtfully organized, boasting two main stages where keynotes and panels took place, numerous booths representing companies from different sectors, a dedicated networking area, and a cantina for refreshments. The crowd was an interesting mix, primarily made up of startup founders and their teams (around 65%). Consultants and capital workers comprised about 15%, employees from big tech companies made up 12%, and the remaining 8% were a blend of miscellaneous attendees, including analysts, vendors, and curious minds.
What stood out most to me was the dynamic around the booths, especially those of investors. Investors were constantly engaged, and the companies that had booths were noticeably better positioned to attract their attention. It made me realize the value of presence and preparedness. Being able to display your company's commitment physically through a booth space sent a message that resonated with investors. One familiar face I saw was Carta, a company we also use at Shadow for managing equity. Their presence added a level of trust to the event for me, reinforcing how SaaStr is a hub for legitimate players in the SaaS ecosystem.
Tips for Future Attendees:
Day 2 of SaaStr was jam-packed with insights, networking, and an abundance of food. It's easy to get lost in the myriad of snacks, drinks, and treats scattered around the venue, but I made sure to prioritize the sessions over the catering. Still, a well-timed coffee or snack break was helpful for maintaining focus throughout the day.
Session Takeaways:
I focused on attending as many sessions as possible, each of which was led by people who had navigated the journey of scaling a startup, often at a breakneck pace. While many of the concepts discussed were familiar—things you could easily Google—the personal experiences and perspectives of the speakers made these sessions valuable. It wasn’t just what they said, but how they said it, that left an impression.
Key Observations:
An interesting trend emerged during the day: almost every founder I met had a notable presence on LinkedIn or X (formerly Twitter), with many boasting over 1,000 followers. Founders are no longer just CEOs—they are influencers. A prime example is Siqi Chen, CEO of Runway. Siqi has successfully built a personal brand while securing funding from a16z and leveraging viral marketing to grow his company. His journey illustrates the importance of balancing a founder’s role with that of an influencer.
The Big Lesson: Storytelling begins with the founder. Your personal story sets the tone for your company’s narrative, which then flows into marketing, product development, hiring, and beyond. Every product launch should be treated as a carefully curated marketing campaign. Siqi’s approach is a masterclass in self-promotion and effective storytelling.
By the third day, I could feel the cumulative impact of three days of networking, sessions, and—if I’m being honest—overindulging in American cuisine. The food may have been plentiful, but after three days of heavy meals, I found myself longing for something lighter.
From a broader perspective, I realized that the SaaS ecosystem is more conservative than I expected, especially compared to industries like BioTech and Blockchain, where I have previous experience. There’s a noticeable contrast in the dynamics between B2B and B2C SaaS products. While enterprise-focused solutions like Notion have gained massive traction, many B2C products seemed to take a back seat in discussions.
Last Two Cents from Industry Leaders:
Bill (CEO of Bill.com):
Tomasz Tunguz (General Partner at Theory Ventures):
The SaaStr experience reinforced a key message: success in SaaS—and perhaps in any industry—boils down to the story you tell. Whether it’s about your product, your company, or yourself as a founder, crafting a compelling narrative is critical. From AI advancements to enterprise transitions, it’s the story behind the innovation that makes all the difference.
Stay tuned for more insights from SaaStr, and don’t miss our upcoming Founder Series interviews.
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