Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, the conversation focused on the fast-changing world of software builds and how AI is transforming the SaaS landscape. The discussion explored how Hermetiq, co-founded by CEO Jake Newfield, is addressing a new bottleneck for engineering teams—not code creation, but the complexities of compiling, testing, and deploying at scale.

One concept discussed was the need for deeper observability and intelligence around Bazel builds, leading Hermetiq to develop a "Datadog for Bazel" platform that helps developers identify and fix build issues efficiently. With major AI labs already leveraging this technology, the episode highlights the rapidly expanding demand for smarter build infrastructure.

Several points were raised around early-stage SaaS company building, from fundraising and pricing challenges to the importance of conference outreach and direct engagement. Listen in for insights on navigating growth in a market where innovation moves at lightning speed.

Show Notes:

00:00 Hermetic automates software build process

04:15 Solving build issues for companies

06:20 Starting up with direct outreach

10:06 Big AI Lab Using Hermetiq

12:56 Wrapping up with contact info

Links:

SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/hermetiq-raises-2-2m-seed/

Jake Newfield's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakenewfield/

Hermetiq's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hermetiq/

Hermetiq's Website: https://www.hermetiq.com/

To learn more about Ben check out the links below:

Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page

SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/

Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout

Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast. In this episode, the conversation focused on the intersection of AI, finance, and SaaS with Zach Marks, co-founder and CEO of Jia. The discussion explored Zach’s journey from working with microfinance in emerging markets to building AI-powered financial solutions that address the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. Several points were raised, including Jia’s experience in leveraging AI for underwriting, the evolution of the company’s product offerings, the impact of technology on expanding access to credit, and the nuances of pricing and scaling in the rapidly changing world of fintech. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how AI, SaaS metrics, and a mission-driven approach are transforming financial operations for SMBs across the globe.

Show Notes:

00:00 Discovering microfinance and joining Tala

03:30 AI solutions for small businesses

08:01 Using AI for credit analysis

11:18 Business model and SME solutions

15:37 Future of AI in finance

18:27 Discussing risk strategies in lending

21:51 AI enhancing financial service delivery

23:34 Company founding and HQ details

Links:

SaaS Fundrasing Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/jia-raises-3m-seed/

Zach Marks' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmarks/

Jia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jiaxyz/

Jia's Website: https://jia.xyz/

To learn more about Ben check out the links below:

Subscribe to Ben’s daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page

SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/

Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout

Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today’s episode, Ben sits down with Edward Barrow, founder and CEO of Cloud Capital, for a timely and in-depth conversation about the challenges facing CFOs, controllers, and tech leaders as cloud and AI spending rapidly becomes one of the largest and most complex line items on the P&L. With spend on compute, tokens, and infrastructure rising—sometimes to over 30% of revenue—understanding, forecasting, and optimizing cloud and AI costs is no longer optional for SaaS leadership teams.

Edward brings hands-on experience in both scaling software companies and overseeing strategic finance for cloud-native businesses, sharing research-backed insights and actionable strategies. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping unit economics, why traditional forecasting methods won't cut it in 2027, and what new controls and collaboration between finance and engineering are essential for sustainable growth. If you're preparing for 2027 budgeting and want to stay ahead of the curve on cloud and AI cost management, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

00:00 Helping CFOs manage cloud spending

05:43 AI investment in software businesses

09:10 Balancing growth and profitability

13:03 AI and Token Cost Management

14:02 Understanding and managing cloud costs

18:13 Automated financial forecasting tools

20:50 Allocating and budgeting production costs

27:11 Commitment challenges in tech projects

27:51 Challenges of long-term tech commitments

33:46 Planning cost optimization steps

34:55 CFOs adapting to cloud and AI

Links:

Edward Barrow’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ebarrow/

Cloud Capital’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloud-cap/home/

Cloud Capital’s Website: https://www.cloudcapital.co/

To learn more about Ben check out the links below:

Subscribe to Ben's AI in finance trends newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Subscribe to Ben’s SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page

SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/

Join Ben’s SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout

Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray