447: Aditude: From Scrappy Consulting to 7-Figure SaaS - with Jared Siegal

About this Video

• Video Title: 447: Aditude: From Scrappy Consulting to 7-Figure SaaS - with Jared Siegal
• Channel: SaaS Club
• Speakers: Jared Siegal, Host (name not explicitly stated in transcript)
• Duration: 00:51:45

Introduction

This SaaS Club interview features Jared Siegal, founder of Aditude, a seven-figure adtech monetization platform. The video details Aditude's journey from a bootstrapped consulting business to a successful SaaS company, covering topics such as fundraising strategies, client relationships, and leadership transitions.

Key Takeaways

• Bootstrapping to Success: Aditude initially operated as a consulting business, generating $2 million in annual revenue before raising any capital. This bootstrapped phase provided valuable experience and funding for SaaS development.
• Strategic Pivot to SaaS: Recognizing the limitations of consulting, Siegal strategically pivoted to a SaaS model, leveraging existing client relationships to transition smoothly. He initially offered the SaaS product for free to build trust and solidify adoption before implementing paid subscriptions.
• Effective Fundraising: Siegal emphasizes the importance of profitability when seeking funding. His bold and direct approach to contacting VCs, highlighting Aditude's profitability, resulted in rapid responses and a successful Series A round.
• Referral-Based Growth: Early growth relied heavily on referrals, fostering strong client relationships and creating a "cool club" effect where access to Aditude was primarily through connections.
• Event-Driven Engagement: Siegal's innovative approach to client engagement includes hosting large-scale events, primarily at Disney World, combining business networking with personal connection and creating significant social proof. This unconventional method yielded remarkable results in client acquisition and brand building.