Bizcast: SaaStories – In Conversation with Alexander Theuma, Founder and CEO of SaaStock.
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- Alexander Theuma, in his earlier avatar, was into selling software. He launched his blog originally to build his knowledge around SaaS, and to promote a community around SaaS companies.
- This was followed by a podcast The SaaS Revolution Show. Because it was a novel idea at the time, CXOs of premier, successful SaaS companies agreed to participate on his podcast and be interviewed. There was hardly any other SaaS oriented podcast at that time. There were about 100 listeners, but it grew over time. Currently, five years later, there about 3000 listeners per episode. The blog also helped to create an email database of opt-ins.
- Meetups followed soon, with the intent to help SaaS companies collaborate, learn and grow.
- In trying to monetize the platform, Alex looked at several ideas. Ultimately, he launched the SaaStock conference in 2016. The only other Saas based conference at the time was SaaStr, which was in San Fransisco. There was nothing in Europe. SaaStock thus launched as the only SaaS based conference in Europe. Events were held in London, Berlin and Dublin.
- It requires commitment of both money and time, so participants demand their ROI when they attend such conferences. And participants at SaaStock have been known to come from half-way round the globe. So when people engage in the event they come well prepared, and at the event too they are deeply engaged.
- In 2020 the event was held as a remote event due to the pandemic. The barrier to entry was much lower now, and the number of participants went up. In future, the SaaStock event may transition into a subscription based model, whereby one can attend only if they have bought annual or monthly subscriptions to SaaStock.
- There are many platforms that offer content or meeting grounds for SaaS companies today. However, the differentiator for SaaStock is that they bring in experts who share their knowledge through engagement with community members, actively answering questions.
- The Pandemic has accelerated digital adoption, which is good for SaaS companies. There will continue to be growth in the sector.
These and more Stats, Data and inside stories in this insightful episode of SaaStories
Run time – 54.15 mins.