Introducing your SaaS ones to watch for 2024

Idriz Adedoja

Finance Director

Idriz Adedoja is a dynamic Portfolio Finance Director driven by a passion for empowering startup and scale-up SaaS enterprises to reach unparalleled heights. With over a decade entrenched in the tech ecosystem and seven years dedicated to navigating the intricacies of SaaS companies, Idriz brings a wealth of experience to the table. His impressive portfolio spans a PE-backed SaaS data visualization scaleup boasting global operations and double-digit ARR, alongside several VC-backed entities.

Idriz's expertise shines through in his ability to drive operational enhancements, spearhead international expansions, devise tax strategies, implement cutting-edge financial systems, cultivate high-performance teams, orchestrate successful fundraising endeavors, and craft compelling growth strategies.

David Appel

Global Head, Subscription and SaaS Vertical, Sage Intacct

David Appel is the driving force behind Sage's SaaS Vertical, the largest technology company on the London Stock Exchange. With a stellar track record in Sales and GTM leadership, David's organizations have onboarded over 2,000 SaaS and Software companies, achieving remarkable growth rates exceeding 40% per year. From leading Direct Sales at Bill.com to spearheading NetSuite's Software Vertical, David's journey boasts a string of notable accomplishments, including growing top business units at Intacct and NetSuite, where he achieved Sales Leader of the Year status.

David's approach to CRO Foundations is rooted in a deep understanding of market dynamics and client needs, coupled with a talent for building cross-channel demand generation strategies and sales processes that drive exponential growth. His principles, ranging from the importance of clear goal-setting to the transformative power of growth, underscore his dedication to driving success at every level. With a knack for identifying and nurturing talent, David has consistently built high-performing sales organizations that deliver exceptional results, earning him accolades such as Sales Rep of the Year at Oracle DMD and a spot in the top 1% of all Sales Leaders at IBM.

Joseph Alim

VP of Product, Compt

Joseph Alim is an integral part behind Compt's mission to foster balance and belonging for all. At Compt, Joseph is laser-focused on revolutionizing how companies manage employee perk stipends, ensuring it's a breeze for both employers and employees. With a passion for delivering top-notch customer and product experiences, he's on a mission to make perks not just rewarding but enjoyable.

Before Compt, Joseph co-founded ScholarJet, where he championed inclusive entry-level hiring through a skills-based approach. Over the years, ScholarJet disbursed over $80,000 in funding to support individuals from diverse backgrounds in pursuing education while connecting them with top-tier employers. With Joseph at the helm, it's not just about perks or education – it's about creating opportunities and forging connections that empower individuals to thrive.

Daniela Bojahr

Chief Revenue Officer

At eCommerceDB, Daniela is the architect of success, laying down the groundwork for companies to thrive. As Chief Revenue Officer, she's at the helm of the Customer & Revenue divisions, guiding stores, companies, and marketplaces with the latest insights at their fingertips.

With a career spanning 15 years, Daniela's journey has been fueled by a passion for digital business models and collaborating with powerhouse teams. From Statista to Gruner & Jahr to XING (New Work SE), she's left her mark on industry giants, steering them towards unprecedented growth.

But Daniela's impact extends beyond boardrooms and bottom lines. She's a fierce advocate for "women in sales" and "female empowerment," actively mentoring and inspiring others to shatter glass ceilings. As a sought-after speaker, she's not just changing the game – she's rewriting the rules.

There’s no playbook for what she’s had to market with and around, but she’s creating one for brands that live in the cultural zeitgeist—whether they mean to or not.

Georg Ell

CEO, Phrase

A true SaaS veteran, Georg Ell's journey in the industry began in 2007, with notable stints at Microsoft and Tesla before landing his first CEO role in an education technology company. At Smoothwall, Georg led the charge in child safety technology, culminating in a successful sale to an Australian business in 2021. Maintaining his involvement as a non-executive director, Georg's passion for technology and customer-centricity has been a driving force throughout his career.

Now at the helm of Phrase, Georg finds himself immersed in the language technology industry for the first time. Phrase marks Georg's second CEO position, where he relishes the ever-changing landscape of technology and the customer-centric approach that defines SaaS businesses.

Richard Convery

Founder and CEO

For SaaS companies, customer onboarding is a foundational part of the relationship they build with customers. So, it goes without saying that a customer onboarding expert like Richard Convery is definitely one to watch. Richard's mission? To help software companies bid farewell to early-stage churn and usher in a new era of sustainable growth. Specializing in B2B SaaS, he's the go-to guru for crafting tailor-made strategies to boost user adoption and drive lasting success.

With a sharp focus on streamlining onboarding processes, Richard ensures clients experience seamless transitions and unlock maximum value. Armed with cutting-edge techniques and data-driven insights, he empowers businesses to optimize their customer journey, elevate retention rates, and skyrocket ARR.

" To say Richard is an expert in his field is an understatement. He has a vast amount of knowledge and experience within SaaS that will outshine anyone." -- Jenna Larrett, Customer Success Manager, Tizo

Jay Dembani

Head of Products

In his extensive 17+ years in Product Management, Jay Dembani, Head of Products at Hyperverge, has spearheaded the launch of numerous B2B SaaS solutions spanning various continents. From North America to South Asia, he's been instrumental in the development of world-class platforms like Avalara, Icertis, FulcrumOne, and now, HyperVerge.

With a track record of building SaaS platforms boasting thousands of active users and multimillion-dollar valuations, Jay has left an indelible mark in the industry. He's led teams in crafting integrated Identity SaaS solutions that have processed over 800 million transactions in just two years.

Notably, Jay has navigated the early days of Salesforce and NetSuite, developing large-scale custom products that laid the groundwork for their success. His products have been adopted by millions worldwide, from MSMEs and SoHos to Legal Counsels and Procurement Officers.

Jay's leadership extends beyond borders, as he's championed globally distributed teams to deliver impactful solutions that solve real-world business challenges. Through his journey, Jay Dembani continues to make a profound difference in the realm of Product Management, leaving a legacy of innovation and value creation.

Brittani Dunlap

CEO and Co-founder

Brittani is one of the mighty minds behind FlowEQ on a mission to revolutionize workflow automation with a human touch. As a seasoned sales pro, she knows what it takes for SaaS orgs to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.

And that is evident in her work at FlowEQ. The focus is clear: automation that doesn't sacrifice the personal touch. As the globally trusted provider of workflow automation solutions, FlowEQ empowers teams to streamline their work, especially when it comes to complex processes and high-volume workflows requiring human judgment.

Mark Ghermezian

Founder and CEO

Mark Ghermezian is a trailblazing entrepreneur and savvy investor who's been making waves in the SaaS world for over two decades. With a knack for spotting opportunities and a track record of success, Mark's journey is nothing short of remarkable. As the co-founder of Braze (BRZE), Mark didn't just lead the company – he took Braze from a mere idea to a groundbreaking IPO in November 2021. But Mark's influence doesn't stop there.

As an angel investor, he's been a driving force behind numerous SaaS success stories, including Nutanix, Lattice, Thoughtspot, Rubrik, and Riskified, to name just a few. With over 50 investments under his belt, Mark's portfolio reads like a who's who of SaaS champions.

Mark remains grounded in his commitment to mentorship. He's not just an investor – he's a trusted advisor, guiding founders and entrepreneurs with his wealth of experience and experience-driven support.

Alan Gleeson

CEO and Co-Founder

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Contento, Alan Gleeson spearheads a cutting-edge Content Management System (CMS) tailored for modern websites, streamlining website management for marketing teams. With Contento, navigating website maintenance becomes effortless, ensuring seamless operations for your business.

Having previously served in various leadership roles, including CMO, VP of Marketing, and Head of Marketing, Alan boasts a wealth of experience in guiding SaaS companies towards scalable success.

Alan's expertise spans diverse domains, from EU market entry strategies to new visual identity launches and executive leadership as an interim Chief Marketing Officer. Based in London but hailing from Cork, Alan brings a unique blend of global perspective and hands-on experience to every project, offering fractional, part-time, and interim CMO services to propel businesses to new heights. Whether it's devising market entry strategies or revamping visual identities, Alan is dedicated to empowering businesses and driving growth in the dynamic landscape of SaaS.

Navya Rehani Gupta

Cheif Product Officer

With a stellar 17-year journey, NRG's expertise shines in orchestrating vertical SaaS and two-sided marketplaces, igniting product-led growth while acing P&L responsibilities. From Fortune 500 giants to agile VC-backed startups, she's left an indelible mark across FinTech, Entertainment, Mobile Gaming, Ridesharing, Beauty, Wellness, and Travel sectors, setting new industry standards along the way.

Navya's secret sauce? A potent blend of technical prowess, business savvy, and an uncanny knack for spotting emerging trends. She's the mastermind behind scaling product teams, steering them towards outcomes, and navigating the wild ride of hyper-growth with poise and precision.

Irem Isik

Head of Marketing

With over 12 years in the marketing game, Irem is a seasoned pro in both B2B and B2C realms. But here's the twist – she's a firm believer that whether it's business or consumer-facing, it's all about connecting with people on a human level.

For Irem, it's all about fostering genuine relationships through content marketing, community building, and brand advocacy. She's not just about selling – she's about creating authentic bonds with the people she serves.

Throughout the year, Irem Isik, Head of Marketing at Storyly, spearheaded the creation of a dynamic content hub tailored for eCommerce marketers. This innovative platform, known as Storyly-Snacks, features interactive short-form videos covering a wide range of eCommerce topics. With a keen focus on building a personal brand on LinkedIn, Irem doubled her follower count and boosted total impressions by over 3000%, emphasizing the power of personal connection in driving business success.

Vincent Jong

VP of Product

Vincent Jong is a dynamic founder and product enthusiast renowned for his passion for innovation and cutting-edge technology. With a penchant for building transformative solutions and exploring the latest trends, Vincent is an expert in the realm of Product-Led Growth, continuously seeking novel ways to integrate it into traditional sales-driven organizations.

In his current capacity as the Product leader at Dealfront, Vincent has spearheaded the integration of Echobot, a sales-driven company, with Leadfeeder, a product-led company, resulting in the creation of a pioneering Go-To-Market platform. With over 12 years of invaluable experience in the sales and marketing software arena, including an impressive tenure as the founder of FunnelFox and leadership roles at Zoominfo, Vincent has collaborated with numerous sales and go-to-market teams, leaving an indelible mark on the industry landscape. Armed with a wealth of expertise and a drive for innovation, Vincent Jong continues to shape the future of product development and sales strategies with unparalleled vision and determination.

Myra Khanna

Founder and CEO

Prior to Sama, Myra’s journey traversed the realms of private equity and venture capital, where she oversaw investments totaling approximately $4 billion globally, yielding impressive returns of over 270% on mature direct investments. Drawing from personal experiences and witnessing the transformative impact of professional coaching, she is driven by a deep-seated passion to open up access to coaching for all employees. Through Sama, she aims to empower individuals and organizations alike, catalyzing positive change and fostering a culture of growth and inclusivity.

At Sama, the mission is simple yet profound: to empower organizations and their employees through professional coaching, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth. Founded with the vision of making the world a better place, Sama provides a robust digital platform designed to elevate employee engagement and unlock their full potential.

Dmytro Kudrenko

Founder

Meet Dmytro Kudrenko, the brains behind Stripo! With over a decade in email marketing, two decades in software development, and a lifetime of entrepreneurial spirit, he's your go-to guru for crafting killer marketing strategies and bringing them to life at warp speed.

Dmytro's on a mission to inject lean principles into the heart of email marketing and automation, slashing waste, boosting value, and skyrocketing efficiency. It's all about learning fast, delivering even faster, and ensuring every ounce of effort counts.

"Stripo was founded by Dmitry in 2017 and it keeps growing. It was his first product that shot globally and now has more than 1 mln users. Still, Dmitry's mission is to shape the evolution of email marketing." -- Oleksandra Khlystova, Stripo Employee

Carlos Amoruso

Director of Customer Experience

Carlos Amoruso is a seasoned professional with over two decades of expertise spanning operations, supply chain, customer experience, support, and success. Driven by a passion for delivering unparalleled value and satisfaction to customers across diverse industries and markets, Carlos has made significant strides in the realm of customer-centric innovation.

Currently serving as the Director of CX at Oda Studio, an AI proptech startup, Carlos is at the forefront of revolutionizing customer experiences in the real estate sector. Additionally, as the co-founder of Wizards.lat, he is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative to bridge the gap between LatAm freelance experts and US companies seeking assistance with their CRMs. With a relentless commitment to driving positive change and fostering meaningful connections, Carlos exemplifies leadership and innovation in the startup landscape.

Ryan O'Connell

VP of Client Services

Ryan O'Connell is the commercially savvy VP of Client Services at Fuse. With a focus on building and scaling Customer Operations teams, Ryan specializes in overseeing Customer Success, Onboarding, Support, and revenue-generating units. Armed with a diverse background in leading roles such as CSMs, consultants, solution architects, BDRs, and ADRs, Ryan boasts a proven track record of achieving key targets like NRR, CAC:LTV, time-to-value, and renewal rates within B2B SaaS environments.

From crafting strategic visions to refining processes and rolling up his sleeves to work directly with customers and prospects, Ryan is adept at navigating all facets of Customer and Revenue Operations. With experience spanning start-ups like THRIVE, dynamic scale-ups, large consultancies such as KPMG, and global enterprises like Barclays, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Whether it's shaping strategic directions or fostering hands-on customer relationships, Ryan's comprehensive approach ensures success across organizations of all sizes and complexities.

Derek Osgood

Founder and CEO

Derek Osgood is a marketing maestro – a classically trained brand marketer with the soul of an entrepreneur and a proven track record of success in the startup arena. With a blend of analytical prowess, strategic vision, and boundless creativity, this marketing expert certainly stands out.

Having worn multiple hats as both a marketing executive and consultant, he’s consistently achieved remarkable results, driving double-digit monthly growth across diverse markets and business models.

But his expertise doesn't stop there. With a toolkit forged in the fires of giant P&Ls at PlayStation and fine-tuned through relentless execution at startups, he’s a force to be reckoned with in every aspect of marketing. From go-to-market strategies to user acquisition, engagement, and everything in between – this exec's skills span the entire spectrum of marketing disciplines. So, if you're seeking a marketing virtuoso who can deliver results that defy expectations, look no further.

Mike Pilawski

Chief Product Officer

Mike Pilawksi, an esteemed Chief Product Officer at Lokalise, is renowned for his prowess in driving product innovation and scaling high-performing teams. With a rich background in product development spanning advertising technology, marketing technology, customer research, and analytics, Mike has left an indelible mark on the industry landscape.

Having held leadership roles at esteemed companies such as NativeX, Vungle, Leanplum, and Typeform, Mike brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his current position. At Lokalise, he leads multidisciplinary teams encompassing growth, product, engineering, data, and design, driving the company towards new heights of success. With a proven track record of developing and scaling successful products, Mike Pilawksi continues to be a driving force in the realm of product-driven leadership, shaping the future of Lokalise and the industry at large.

Kyle Racki

Co-Founder and CEO

Meet the driving force behind Proposify, where the mission is clear: to double the close rate for a million sales reps. As CEO, his vision is to revolutionize the proposal process for thousands of businesses, delivering unmatched control, visibility, and a seamless buying experience.

But his impact doesn't stop there. This dynamic leader's achievements speak volumes – from being named a finalist in E&Y's Entrepreneur of the Year awards in Atlantic Canada to winning in the Technology category in 2019. Not to mention, Proposify's recognition on the Deloitte Fast 50 list in 2020 as one of Canada's fastest-growing tech companies.

Outside the realm of Proposify, he serves on the board of Bright and MARS VR Lab, further cementing their role as a trailblazer in the tech world. With a passion for innovation and a drive for success, he's not just shaping the future of Proposify – but leaving an indelible mark on the industry as a whole.

Sav Pushparajah

CEO and Co-Founder

Sav Pushparajah is the dynamic CEO at Tango, whose journey is a testament to relentless ambition and unrivaled expertise. Sav's foundation was laid at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Tata Consulting, where he honed his skills in the trenches of two of the world's largest professional services firms.

With his Big 4 experience under his belt, Sav ventured into the realm of independent consultancy, landing six-figure service engagements with heavyweight enterprises like Barclays Capital, ANZ, and NAB. But Sav's entrepreneurial spirit knew no bounds. He founded a Design and Development agency, scaling it to 10 full-time employees and a staggering $1 million in revenue in under a year.

Ever the innovator, Sav pivoted his agency to address a pressing need in saturated markets – helping millions of agencies boost their close rates. Enter Tango, the game-changer that's revolutionizing how agencies do business. Thanks to Tango, agencies have seen their deal closure rates skyrocket from 20% to an impressive 60%. With Sav at the helm, Tango isn't just a solution – it's an indispensable tool for agencies worldwide.

Dharmesh Shah

Founder and CTO

As the co-founder and CTO, Dharmesh Shah is one of the driving forces behind HubSpot. With a rich entrepreneurial background, Dharmesh's journey began with the founding of Pyramid Digital Solutions, culminating in its acquisition by SunGard Data Systems in 2005. Since co-founding HubSpot in 2006, Dharmesh has been instrumental in shaping its trajectory as a leader in inbound marketing solutions.

Beyond his role at HubSpot, Dharmesh is a prolific author and thought leader. He co-authored the book "Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs," and founded OnStartups.com, a thriving startup blog and community boasting over 700,000 members. In 2013, Dharmesh gained widespread acclaim with the publication of HubSpot's Culture Code, which has since garnered over five million views.

Recognized as an Inc. Founders 40 honoree in 2016, Dharmesh remains deeply engaged in the Boston-area entrepreneurial scene, serving as an angel investor in over 60 startups and sharing his insights as a frequent speaker on topics ranging from startups and inbound marketing to company culture. With a BS in Computer Science from UAB and an MS in the Management of Technology from MIT, Dharmesh embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership, driving HubSpot and the broader entrepreneurial community forward.

David Skok

General Partner

David Skok isa distinguished General Partner at Matrix Partners with a remarkable journey spanning five successful ventures as an entrepreneur before transitioning into the world of venture capital. Renowned for his influential blog, www.forEntrepreneurs.com, David is a leading authority on topics ranging from the SaaS business model and metrics to designing and building sales and marketing growth machines. Recognized as the #1 website for entrepreneurs by Inc. magazine and #2 by Forbes, his insights have shaped the strategies of countless startups and established companies alike.

Having founded four companies and executed one turnaround, David's entrepreneurial acumen is unparalleled. Since joining Matrix Partners in 2001, he has been instrumental in the success of numerous ventures, including HubSpot, JBoss, AppIQ, and Netezza, among others. With a keen focus on enterprise software, David's expertise spans SaaS, infrastructure, DevOps, and open-source software, making him a pivotal figure in the technology investment landscape.

Larson Stair

Founder and CEO

"The key to creating a great buying experience is focusing on aligning your entire company around the buying experience" So says Larson Stair, CRO at Quickfi and CEO at StairStep strategies, envisions a world where organizations forge deep connections with their customers, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. With a relentless drive to empower customer-facing professionals, Larson strives to equip them with the tools and insights needed to ask the right questions, understand customer pain points, and deliver tailored solutions efficiently. His passion for realizing this vision fuels his every waking moment, as he works tirelessly to make scalable customer-centricity a reality for teams everywhere.

"Larson is among that group of rare individuals where dedication and motivation is met with competence. He is always on the forefront of understanding new technology and industry changes. Larson has the natural ability to connect with clients and understand the exact needs." -- Zachary Slade, Consultant at USI Insurance Service