Podcast · Tech & Science

Bootstrapped : The Lighter Side - The Podcast For B2B SaaS Founders

by Lighter Capital - We Help Startups Grow · English · Tech & Science

Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side shares fresh ideas ambitious B2B SaaS founders can use to build and scale their businesses while maintaining ownership and control. We explore essential topics like growth strategies, runway management, and innovative capital-raising methods. We also have timely discus

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest: 14 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Sep 2026 · 51 min

AI Is Deciding Which Startups Get Found. Here's How PR Helps You Win - With Annie Scranton and Rose Levy of Pace PR

Your next customer probably won't Google you. They'll ask ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude, and if the models can't find you, you aren't in the conversation. Melissa Widner sits down with Annie Scranton and Rose Levy of ⁠Pace PR⁠ to unpack why more startups are turning to PR, and how a good firm can support you. That support has always come down to one core thing: earning you the third-party credibility you can't manufacture yourself. What's new is where it pays off. The trade coverage, founder thought leadership, and press an agency lands are exactly the sources AI engines pull from, so the same…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S4 · E1 · 27 Jul 2026 · 55 min
Is AI Killing SaaS, or Making It Better?
In early 2025, one word had the software world spooked: SaaSpocalypse. The fear that AI was about to gut traditional SaaS wiped out roughly $2 trillion in public market value and cut valuations in half almost overnight. So, is AI actually killing SaaS? Melissa Widner asks three investors who don't think so: Bill McAleer of Voyager Capital , Ron Weissman of the Band of Angels , and Ian Levine of Launchpad Venture Group . They dig into why the companies everyone expected AI to wipe out are growing instead of churning, where "rip and replace" really is coming for software, and why SaaS buyers…
S4 · E9 · 13 Jul 2026 · 36 min
Good Companies Are Bought, Not Sold | How Founders Can Get Legally Ready for an Exit With Becky Mancero of SPZ Legal
In this episode, Melissa Widner sits down with Becky Mancero, partner at SPZ Legal . SPZ is a law firm that works with technology companies from startup to exit. They discuss the cap table and equity mistakes that become expensive to fix later, like splitting ownership 50/50 by default and missing the strict 30-day window for an 83(b) election. Becky also shares her take on using AI as a companion rather than a replacement for lawyers, including the privilege risks posed by AI note-takers in sensitive meetings. If you're forming a company, thinking about how your team uses AI, or planning…
S4 · E8 · 6 Apr 2026 · 40 min
What SaaS Founders Get Wrong About Growth and Funding - A Candid Conversation With Greg Head of Practical Founders
In this episode, Melissa Widner sits down with Greg Head , founder of Practical Founders , to explore a different path to building successful software companies—one that doesn’t rely on venture capital or “grow fast or die” pressure. Greg shares insights from over 30 years in the SaaS world, working with founders who are building valuable, sustainable businesses through bootstrapping and non-dilutive funding. Together, they unpack what defines a “practical founder,” why most exits don’t make headlines, and how founders can retain control, optionality, and long-term upside. They also dive…
S4 · E7 · 12 Mar 2026 · 34 min
AI, Venture Capital, and the Future of SaaS: What Startup Founders Need to Know
What does AI really mean for SaaS companies and startup founders? And why has venture capital suddenly cooled on SaaS funding? In this episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side , Melissa Widner speaks with Marc Verissimo , Chair of Lighter Capital and former Chief Risk Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, about the economic forces shaping the future of SaaS, startup funding, and venture capital. Marc explains how he analyzes the economy—from 10-year bond yields and labor participation to productivity growth and political risk —and what founders should actually pay attention to when planning for…
S4 · E6 · 2 Feb 2026 · 23 min
From Cash Flow to Exit: How Sharon Nouh Bootstrapped ProSpend to a Successful Acquisition
In this episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side , we sit down with Sharon Nouh , founder and CEO of ProSpend and Lighter Capital’s first-ever Grit & Growth Award . Sharon shares how she built and scaled a SaaS company without traditional VC funding—and ultimately led it to a successful acquisition by UK-based ISH. Sharon walks through the realities of bootstrapping: managing cash flow, choosing non-dilutive funding, maintaining control as a founder, and navigating the challenges she faced pitching VCs as a female entrepreneur. She also reflects on the pivotal moments that accelerated…
S4 · E5 · 22 Dec 2025 · 26 min
The Market Is Open: Fundraising, Efficiency & the Future of SaaS
In this episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side , Lighter Capital CEO Melissa Widner sits down with Sammy Abdullah , Co-Founder and Chair of Blossom Street Ventures , for a candid, contrarian, and refreshingly practical conversation about the state of the market for SaaS founders. Sammy shares why he believes the pendulum has swung decisively back in favor of founders—despite the narrative that venture capital is still frozen—and why strong companies are getting funded quickly at valuations some investors won’t touch (but others clearly will). He also pushes back on the “AI will kill SaaS”…
S4 · E4 · 2 Dec 2025 · 14 min
Essential Metrics: 9 SaaS Metrics Every Founder Should Track
Are you a SaaS founder wondering if your startup is truly on the path to success? In this episode of Bootstrapped, The Lighter Side, Melissa Widner, CEO of Lighter Capital, breaks down the nine most important metrics every founder should track to measure growth, efficiency, and long-term viability. From Burn Multiple and the Rule of 40 to AI-Adjusted Gross Margins, Melissa explains what each metric means, why it matters, and how to use them to impress investors and guide your business to sustainable success. Whether you’re raising capital or aiming for a successful exit, tune in for…
S4 · E3 · 20 Oct 2025 · 5 min
Funding Strategies: Combining Non-Dilutive Funding With VC
In this episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, host Melissa Widner—CEO of Lighter Capital —dives into the powerful strategy of combining non-dilutive funding with venture capital. Discover how founders are using this hybrid approach to fuel growth, strengthen their numbers, and negotiate better VC terms—without giving up ownership or control. Hear real-world examples, learn the pros and cons of different funding paths, and get practical tips to help your SaaS startup scale faster and smarter. Whether you’re just starting out or gearing up for your next round, this episode will help you…
S4 · E2 · 6 Oct 2025 · 42 min
Is Now the Right Time to Sell Your SaaS Company? Insights on Valuation, Buyers, and the M&A Process
In this episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, host Melissa is joined by Gaurav Bhasin (Managing Director, Allied Advisers ) and Colin McNeil (M&A Tech Lead Partner, EY ) to discuss one of the most pressing questions for SaaS founders: Is now the right time to sell your company? Drawing on over 40 years of combined experience, Gaurav and Colin share their perspectives on current SaaS company valuations, the differences between strategic and private equity buyers, and the importance of running a competitive sale process. They offer practical advice on preparing your business for a…
S4 · E1 · 8 Sep 2025 · 29 min
From Call Center to CEO: Steve Monterroso on Scaling Sales & Culture
From call center to CEO: In this episode of Bootstrapped, The Lighter Side , Steve Monterroso , CEO of ShareVault , shares his journey into tech, lessons on founder-led sales, making the right first sales hire, and scaling culture as a “re-founder.” He also dives into how ShareVault helps companies accelerate M&A, fundraising, and due diligence while staying deal-ready.
S3 · E7 · 7 May 2025 · 20 min
Tariffs, Tech, and Turbulence: Insights from SVB's former Chief Risk Officer
In this special episode, Melissa Widner sits down with Marc Verissimo⁠ ⁠, Chairman of Lighter Capital and former Chief Risk Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, to unpack how tariffs, market turbulence, and a shifting economic landscape may reshape the SaaS world. With Marc's decades of banking and finance expertise, he shares practical insights that SaaS founders will want to know for how to navigate a changing investment climate successfully .
S3 · E6 · 31 Mar 2025 · 30 min
Bootstrapping to VC Funding: When is the right time to take the leap?
This week on Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, we celebrate International Women’s Month with a special guest—Kylie Troy-West, Co-Founder and COO of Factor House. Kylie shares her journey as a female founder, from bootstrapping Factor House to leveraging non-dilutive funding for growth. She also discusses the pivotal decision to pursue VC funding to scale operations rapidly in the US and other markets. Tune in for an insightful conversation on funding strategies, entrepreneurship, and the power of resilience.
S3 · E5 · 3 Mar 2025 · 39 min
Full-Time vs. Fractional CFO: When should a founder hire one?
This week on Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, we sit down with Scott Sehon, founder of Mod4 Finance—an outsourced accounting and CFO consultancy for B2B tech companies. With over 20 years of experience, Scott offers valuable insights on the role of a CFO in a startup, when founders should consider bringing one on board, and why many opt for a fractional CFO instead of a full-time hire.
S3 · E4 · 6 Jan 2025 · 24 min
What you should know before borrowing capital to grow a startup. (Part 2 of 2)
In this part two of a two part series of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, Patrick Philley, Lighter Capital’s Head of Underwriting, and Tanner Kovacevich, Lighter’s VP of Sales, discuss the hidden costs and hidden risks they frequently see founders miss when taking on debt. Learn how to navigate the intricacies and potential pitfalls of funding a startup with debt from two seasoned experts who have been helping entrepreneurs grow on their terms for nearly a decade.
S3 · E3 · 9 Dec 2024 · 18 min
What you should know before borrowing capital to grow a startup. (Part 1 of 2)
In this part one of a two part series of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, Patrick Philley, Lighter Capital’s Head of Underwriting, and Tanner Kovacevich, Lighter’s VP of Sales, discuss the hidden costs and hidden risks they frequently see founders miss when taking on debt. Learn how to navigate the intricacies and potential pitfalls of funding a startup with debt from two seasoned experts who have been helping entrepreneurs grow on their terms for nearly a decade.
S3 · E2 · 21 Oct 2024 · 28 min
Interloop Data, a father and son run startup gives their take on what's required for success
Tony and Jordan Berry, the father-and-son founders of Interloop Data, share their origin story and the rules of the road for managing a startup with a family member. They share insights on how they scaled their startup, found product market fit, built a sales team, and maintained ownership with non-dilutive funding.
S3 · E1 · 3 Oct 2024 · 52 min
Former Silicon Valley Bank CEO gives a Masterclass on leadership skills & the importance of culture
Ken Wilcox, who spent 20 years at Silicon Valley Bank, shares his strategies for making good decisions, hiring, and keeping everyone in the loop. He also discusses highlights from his book, "Leading Through Culture," and why culture trumps strategy. This episode is a Masterclass on leading people and culture, complete with practical advice for first-time CEOs and founders.
S2 · E7 · 10 Jun 2024 · 26 min
CEO Wes Smith talks about taking this small Siemens spin-off from semiconductors to microchips
Galaxy Semiconductor isn't a new company, but it is a startup. Founded in 1998, Galaxy was bootstrapped for many years before it was acquired by Siemens in 2016. Four years later, Siemens divested the company in a management buyout. Wes Smith (employee #7) was running the small business within Siemens before it became independent again — he naturally took on the role of CEO and led Galaxy into its next phase. In this episode of Bootstrapped, Wes talks about moving upstream into chip manufacturing, funding a new technology stack and getting it to market, the value of a consistent sales…
S2 · E6 · 20 May 2024 · 42 min
Jive's founding CEO Dave Hersh explains why he's "anti-too-much-VC" and how he gets startups unstuck
Dave Hersh mostly bootstrapped a small open-source communications project into an IPO-ready SaaS business that you might have heard of called Jive Software . More than a decade later, he's using his expertise to help turn struggling startups around. Dave shares his wisdom that's captured in his new book, " Reignitition: Transforming Stuck Startups into Breakout Winners ," a playbook for the growing startups in the middle that don't want to blindly follow VC money. Dave offers tough but effective advice for getting a startup unstuck, including managing layoffs, confronting past decisions, and…
S2 · E5 · 2 May 2024 · 45 min
Rupert Mayer's journey from bootstrapper to angel investor has a lesson for every SaaS entrepreneur
Rupert Mayer founded his first product company, IPfolio, in 2012. Before making a successful exit and launching a new chapter of his career as an angel investor nearly a decade later, Rupert experienced many ups and downs. As the "Chief of Everything" at IPfolio, he was always hustling. Rupert meticulously managed cash flow, got creative with non-dilutive funding, and learned voraciously from his customers and other SaaS founders. When he pivoted up-market at precisely the right time, the startup's growth took off. Rupert went on to raise his Series A, but the capital didn't quite produce…
S2 · E4 · 4 Mar 2024 · 26 min
What business problem are you solving? Tracy Davis, Founder/CEO of Trax Analytics, shares why it’s crucial.
Tracy Davis and Melissa have an engaging conversation on why solving a business problem is crucial for a startup's success. Tracy shares how she uncovered the business problem for Trax Analytics and why their solution is so important for clients. She delves into the importance of asking prospective clients a simple question - “What’s the cost of not doing something?” and how this one question provides a springboard for a sales proposition and solution. She also talks about funding, why she decided venture capital wasn’t suitable for her company, and the importance of being a true leader.
S2 · E3 · 20 Feb 2024 · 28 min
How important is a co-founder? Chris Fellows, Founder and CEO of Bold Street, discusses the importance of a good co-founder.
We all have knowledge gaps and blindspots; getting different perspectives often unlocks needed insights. Chris Fellows and Melissa dive into why having a good co-founder and CEO group can uncover insights and help founders succeed. Chris also shares his journey from running a services company to launching Bold Street , a product company. He shares insights on how they found product market fit and the process they used to fund their startup.
S2 · E2 · 29 Jan 2024 · 33 min
Dan Gallancy, Atakama’s CEO/Co-founder, shares the inspiration for starting a cybersecurity company and what it took to fund it.
Melissa and Dan Gallancy , CEO/Co-founder of Atakama , have an in-depth conversation on what it takes to start a company. His journey started in finance, exposing him to how others finance and create businesses. He then jumped into Bitcoin in the early days, which turned to filling the need for a multifactor encryption platform. He details how they financed the company, including personal capital, funding from venture capital, equity crowdfunding, and non-dilutive funding from Lighter Capital.
S2 · E1 · 16 Jan 2024 · 30 min
Gokhan Erkavun, CEO/Co-founder of StoreAutomator, discusses the journey of becoming a successful founder
Melissa and the CEO/Co-founder of StoreAutomator , Gokhan Erkavun , have a lively discussion on Gokhan’s experience of getting StoreAutomator off the ground. Gokhan shares where the inspiration came from, his challenges, and the time required to find a market fit. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, curiosity, and a passion for solving customers’ needs. Plus, he touches on essential topics like managing outsourced teams, building trust, raising funds, and building market fit.
S1 · E14 · 27 Nov 2023 · 23 min
Marc Verissimo, Chairman of Lighter Capital, discusses the continuing changes taking place in finance and banking
We are fortunate to call ⁠ Marc Verissimo ⁠ our Chairman. With over 40 years of banking and finance experience, including serving as Silicon Valley Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Marc has a unique view of what’s happening in finance and banking. When we last spoke with Marc, he shared insights on the contributing factors to SVB's downfall. Today he reveals what the continued changes in banking will mean to venture capital, venture debt, and the overall impact it may have on startups.
S1 · E13 · 16 Oct 2023 · 30 min
Align's CEO Doug Walner shares what it takes to get a startup growing and why creating and tracking processes is essential for success.
Melissa and Align 's CEO, Doug Walner , dive into a compelling conversation on the significance of fostering a company culture that champions the importance of processes and how to track and streamline them. During their discussion, Doug sheds light on the value of business coaching, distinguishing it from CEO coaching and why CEOs and their executive teams should wholeheartedly embrace this approach. Moreover, Doug provides insights into the construction of Align Technology's growth capital structure, sharing why they blended equity and non-dilutive funding.
S1 · E13 · 28 Sep 2023 · 29 min
TicketSocket founders Mark Miller and Kai Blache talk about how to build a tribe, starting their company, and why non-dilutive funding was the right fit for their needs.
Melissa engages with the founders of Ticket Socket , Mark Miller and Kai Blache , to discuss their journey of founding and managing a white-label event ticketing and registration startup. Mark and Kai share why they started TicketSocket, how they built a company culture that creates happy and dedicated employees, the advantages of tribal thinking and decision-making, and why non-dilutive funding was the right fit for their company, including how revenue-based financing provided the flexibility they needed during the pandemic.
17 Jul 2023 · 33 min
Sunil Patro, CEO/Founder of Signeasy, shares what it takes to go from employee to entrepreneur and how to find product market fit.
This week, Melissa engages in a riveting conversation with Sunil Patro , CEO and Founder of Signeasy , an esignature and contract workflow platform, to learn about the rewards of forging one's path in a world full of possibilities. From his remarkable transition as a sought-after employee at prestigious companies like Microsoft to becoming a bootstrapping CEO, Sunil shares why he seized the opportunity in the esignature/contract workflow marketplace, his relentless pursuit to differentiate his value prop, and why he advocates for bootstrapping vs. selling equity to raise capital.
12 Jun 2023 · 29 min
Sharon Nouh, CEO/Founder of ProSpend, talks startup mentality and the three things CEOs need to focus on.
In this week’s podcast, Melissa talks with Sharon Nouh , CEO and founder of ProSpend , a platform for proactive business spend management, to discuss Sharon’s journey from starting her company as an individual entrepreneur to bootstrapping to where it is today. Sharon shares her insights on life as a women CEO, what she learned, which professional organizations she found most helpful, why a startup mentality is so important when hiring employees, and the three things every startup CEO needs to focus on (almost daily), and why they are crucial to success.

About Bootstrapped : The Lighter Side - The Podcast For B2B SaaS Founders

Bootstrapped : The Lighter Side - The Podcast For B2B SaaS Founders is a English tech & science podcast from Lighter Capital - We Help Startups Grow. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Lighter Capital - We Help Startups Grow
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest episode: 14 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1668437429
Rights: Lighter Capital - We Help Startups Grow

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