The Best in SaaS – Series 1, Episode 2

📌 Episode Title: Critical SaaS Metrics You Must Monitor

🧭 Episode Overview:

In this second episode of The Best in SaaS, host Richard Blundell welcomes Simon Smith, CEO of Infinite CFO, to unpack one of the most misunderstood yet essential topics for early-stage SaaS founders: SaaS financial metrics and unit economics.

This session is packed with clarity and guidance on how to move beyond surface-level revenue numbers and adopt the data discipline necessary to scale successfully—and attract serious investor attention.

🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 The Fundamentals of SaaS Metrics

• Why traditional metrics like revenue and EBITDA don’t fully reflect the health of a SaaS business.
• The shift from upfront license revenue to annuity-style subscription revenue, and how that transforms financial storytelling.

🔹 The Real Role of SaaS Metrics

• These metrics aren't just for investors—they’re essential for internal decision making.
• Understanding your metrics allows you to evaluate efficiency, spot issues early, and confidently communicate growth potential.

🔹 Core SaaS Metrics You Must Track

• Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)
• Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
• Churn and Net Revenue Retention (NRR)
• Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)

🔹 Demystifying Unit Economics

• The episode clarifies the distinction between SaaS metrics and unit economics.
• Why investors are laser-focused on these metrics to judge whether you’re a “vitamin” (nice to have) or a “painkiller” (must have).

🔹 The Non-Negotiable Lesson for Founders

• Getting your metrics right is not optional—it’s foundational.
• Instilling a data culture from day one can dramatically increase your startup’s likelihood of reaching scale.

👤 Guest Bio: Simon Smith

Simon is the CEO of Infinite CFO, a fractional finance service tailored for growth-stage, investor-backed businesses. His team supports founders by offering full-stack financial operations—from bookkeeping to board-level strategic financial advice. Simon brings a wealth of experience guiding SaaS companies through their financial growth journeys.

📈 Download the Companion Resource:

Simon and Richard refer to a presentation deck throughout the episode titled "SaaS Metrics and Unit Economics Guide." If you’re listening on audio, be sure to download the deck from the episode notes to follow along and deepen your understanding.

🧠 Key Takeaway:

“Your SaaS metrics are not just numbers—they’re signals of the strength, sustainability, and investability of your company. Get them right early, and you won’t just look better to investors—you’ll run a better company.” – Simon Smith

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Infinite CFO – Virtual CFO and financial advisory services for scale-ups.
• SaaS Metrics and Unit Economics Guide (download via podcast platform or linked show notes).

Download the Deck here: