We recently offered a handful of free SaaSiest 2025 tickets to the SaaS community's founders, CEOs, and CFOs. In return, we asked just one thing: tell us how you’re feeling about growth, funding, and the general state of play in SaaS right now.
100+ SaaS leaders responded, and the results were not only eye-opening — they were refreshingly honest. So we’re sharing the insights back with the community.
Here’s what we learned:
Note: Some questions allowed multiple answers
Is raising equity getting harder?
Yes, but not dramatically. Nearly half (47%) of SaaS leaders said raising equity is harder now than a year ago, with 15% saying it’s much harder. Only 11% said it’s gotten easier.
Takeaway:
The fundraising climate has cooled, and founders are feeling it. Equity is still on the table, but deals are taking longer, terms are tougher, and competition is fierce.
Top financial challenges in 2025
We asked: What’s your biggest financial challenge right now? The overwhelming response: "Scaling with limited resources." Half (50%) of founders pointed to this as their main challenge — no surprise in a climate where budgets are tight and every hire is weighed carefully.
Takeaway:
Growth hasn’t slowed — but it’s happening under more pressure, with leaner teams and tighter wallets.
What funding approaches are founders exploring?
The myth that everyone is chasing VC is just that — a myth. Here's how funding strategies break down:
Takeaway:
Founders are casting a wide net. Non-dilutive options like revenue-based financing and growth funding are gaining real traction - especially for SaaS companies with predictable income and a focus on efficient growth. The funding playbook is evolving.
What’s top of mind for the next 6–12 months?
We asked about goals — and one stood tall above the rest: grow MRR. Plain and simple.
Takeaway:
The SaaS mindset in 2025? Grow efficiently, build strategically, and make every effort pull double duty.
How’s the fundraising mood?
It’s tough out there, but the founders aren’t giving up. They’re just being a little more careful with their next moves.
Takeaway:
Confidence is still there, just a bit more careful. Founders are approaching the market with open eyes and open minds, exploring new funding options, and tweaking their game plans.
Final thoughts
A big thanks to everyone who took the time to share their insights with us! The responses paint a clear picture: SaaS leaders in 2025 are resourceful, realistic, and committed to building — even in a leaner environment. It’s tough out there, but the resilience, adaptability, and strategic mindset are as strong as ever.
We’ll keep listening, learning, and sharing what we find. Until then, here’s to more MRR, fewer funding headaches, and a SaaSiest year ahead!
Want to dive deeper or be part of future polls like this?
Let us know — we’d love to hear from you.
