Sarah Guo, Kobie Fuller & Casey Aylward at TC Sessions: SaaS

The Landscape of SaaS Investment: Insights from Leading Investors

Although Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is now the predominant software delivery method, identifying companies poised for sustained success requires discerning judgment, particularly given the current competitive environment.

To address this, we've assembled a panel of three experienced investors to discuss their criteria for investing in SaaS startups.

Introducing the Investors

First, we have Sarah Guo, a partner at Greylock since 2013. Her focus encompasses AI, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and the future of work – all viewed through a SaaS lens.

Notable investments include Obsidian, Clubhouse, and Awake. Successful exits from her portfolio include Demisto, acquired by Palo Alto Networks for $560 million in 2019, and Skyhigh Networks, purchased by McAfee for $400 million in 2018.

Prior to Greylock, Ms. Guo gained experience at Goldman Sachs, where she invested in growth-stage companies and provided advisory services to SaaS businesses such as Dropbox and Workday.

Kobie Fuller – Upfront Ventures

Next, we welcome Kobie Fuller, a partner at Upfront Ventures, who concentrates on SaaS, as well as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies.

Mr. Fuller joined Upfront in 2016 following a three-year tenure at Accel. During his time at Accel, he oversaw two billion-dollar exits: ExactTarget’s acquisition by Salesforce for $2.5 billion and Oculus’s sale to Facebook for $2 billion.

Upfront Ventures’ investments include Bevy, a community building software platform, which recently secured a $40 million investment, with 20% contributed by 25 Black investors.

Casey Aylward – Costanoa Ventures

Finally, we have Casey Aylward, a principal at Costanoa Ventures, specializing in early-stage enterprise startups.

Her investment portfolio includes Aserto, Bigeye, and Cyral, with a particular emphasis on developer tools.

Ms. Aylward notes that her career has consistently centered around developers, encompassing tool creation, software development, and now, investing in technologies that empower the next generation of technical users.

TC Sessions: SaaS – A Deep Dive into the Industry

This distinguished panel will share their insights at TC Sessions: SaaS, a one-day virtual event designed to analyze the current state of the SaaS industry.

The event aims to equip startup founders, developers, and investors with a comprehensive understanding of the market and future trends.

Event Details and Registration

The event will be held entirely online on October 27th. Attendees can expect practical advice, interactive Q&A sessions with prominent figures in the SaaS space, and valuable networking opportunities.

Early Bird passes are currently available for $75, representing a $100 savings. Secure your pass today before prices increase.