Can SaaS companies survive the rise of AI Agents?

In episode 771, Rob Walling is joined by Craig Hewitt to answer listener questions. They discuss the changes that happen while transitioning from a small startup to a multi-million dollar SaaS, competing against larger competitors, and maintaining startup culture as teams grow. They also share thoughts on AI agents in the SaaS space and the relevance of patents for bootstrapped businesses.

This podcast is brought to you by Mercury. I've been banking with Mercury for years and whenever I set up a new account, I'm reminded why traditional banking feels stuck in the past.

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• (2:41) – Marketing and sales strategies while scaling
• (9:31) – Keeping the startup culture through growth
• (14:50) – Can SaaS survive autonomous agents?
• (21:03) – AI wrapper tools
• (25:15) – Patent strategy for startups
• (29:30) – Competing against VC-backed companies

• MicroConf Remote: Early-Stage SaaS Sales
• Invest in TinySeed
• Craig Hewitt (@TheCraigHewitt) | X
• Craig Hewitt (@craighewitt.com) | Bluesky
• Rouge Startups
• Castos
• Omar Zenhom
• Omar Zenhom’s MicroConf Talk
• AI Agents vs SaaS - Who Wins the Future of Software?
• Episode 542 | 10x in Two Years, Past $3M ARR with SquadCast

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please

Is it more important for entrepreneurs to focus on revenue or profit?

In episode 770, Rob Walling goes solo to explore the relationship between revenue and profit in SaaS, and the dangers of waiting for permission. He also draws inspiration from Mike Tyson’s work ethic and George Lucas’ visionary mindset to encourage entrepreneurs to push through obstacles and innovate.

• (2:41) – MRR versus ARR
• (8:04) – Don’t ask for permission, don’t give in to defeatism
• (14:38) – Inventing to pursue novel visions
• (18:48) – Mike Tyson’s training regimen
• (20:48) – You don’t need to be the best in the world

• MicroConf Growth Retreat
• Discretion Capital
• Email Einar
• Rob Walling (@robwalling) | X
• Rob Walling | LinkedIn

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe & Review: iTunes | Spotify

Did you miss out on MicroConf US in New Orleans?

In episode 769, Rob Walling welcomes Derrick Reimer back to share highlights from MicroConf New Orleans. They dive into the event's vibrant atmosphere, standout founder talks, and the energizing mix of new and familiar faces that made this gathering in the Big Easy truly special.

• (1:40) – MicroConf New Orleans audience breakdown
• (5:50) – Upcoming MicroConf events
• (9:05) – 5 Lessons That Exits Teach Us About Running Our Business
• (12:35) – Anthony Pierri’s talk about homepage positioning
• (15:16) – 4 New Orleans excursions
• (17:17) – Talks on copywriting, pricing, and LinkedIn outreach
• (25:57) – Reviewing attendee feedback

• MicroConf Connect Applications Open Until April 9th
• MicroConf Growth Retreat
• MicroConf Europe 2025
• MicroConf Remote
• Exit Strategy by Sherry Walling, PhD & Rob Walling
• Derrick Reimer (@derrickreimer) | X
• Derrick Reimer(@derrickreimer.com) | Bluesky
• SavvyCal
• Episode 737 | Key Takeaways from MicroConf Europe 2024 (With Derrick Reimer)
• Anthony Pierri (@apierriPMM) | X
• Lianna Patch (@punchlinecopy.com) | Bluesky
• Street Pricing by Marcos Rivera
• Episode 765 | TinySeed Tales s4e9: Making the hardest decision

If you have questions about starting or scaling a software business that you’d like for us to cover, please submit your question for an upcoming episode. We’d love to hear from you!

Subscribe & Review: iTunes | Spotify