S7E1 - How to Build SaaS Partnerships That Actually Drive Revenue with KaraLynn Lewis

In the competitive world of Software as a Service (SaaS), partnerships can serve as a key driver of growth and revenue. However, many companies struggle to build successful partnerships due to a lack of strategic planning and understanding of the partnership landscape. In the first episode of the new Season 7 of the Grow Your B2B SaaS podcast, Joran Hofman sits down with KaraLynn Lewis, a Fractional GTM & Partnerships Leader known for “making friends for a living.” In this episode, KaraLynn explores the different types of SaaS partnerships, the challenges involved, and offers a step-by-step guide on how to build successful partnerships that drive business growth.

Key Timestamps

• (0:00) - Introduction to Partnerships in SaaS with KaraLynn Lewis

• (0:58) - Guest Introduction: KaraLynn Lewis and Her Expertise in SaaS Partnerships

• (1:24) - Discussion on Partnership Failures and Lessons Learned

• (2:32) - Defining Partnerships in the SaaS Sector

• (3:24) - Common Types of SaaS Partnerships

• (4:48) - Distinguishing Between Referral and Affiliate Partnerships

• (6:45) - Reasons Why SaaS Partnerships Fail

• (9:47) - Steps to Set Up a Successful Partner Program

• (12:25) - Who Should Handle the Initial Stages of a Partner Program?

• (15:23) - Strategies for Making a Partnership Work

• (18:08) - Evaluating Partners Beyond Revenue Generation

• (21:18) - Scaling a SaaS Partner Program

• (23:03) - Examples of Successful SaaS Partnerships and Best Practices

• (25:23) - When to Start Investing in a SaaS Partner Program

• (28:30) - Key Advice for SaaS Partnerships: Quality Over Quantity

• (29:05) - Trends in SaaS Partnerships for 2025

• (30:25) - Advice for SaaS Founders from 0 to 10K MRR

• (31:04) - Scaling from 10K MRR to 10M ARR: Key Strategies

• (32:35) - Preparing for the Future: AI and Partnerships