SaaS North 2024 Recap

SaaS North 2024 Recap

What an incredible time we had at SaaS North 2024! From engaging with some of the brightest minds in SaaS to showcasing our expertise at our booth, this year’s conference was a fantastic opportunity to connect with tech leaders from across the industry. We were thrilled to meet so many attendees who stopped by to chat with us, share insights, and enter our contest.

Key takeaways from the event included:

Scaling SaaS Companies: The Hiring Playbook

Our very own Kristina McDougall joined Michelle Brooks and April Hicke for an insightful and spicy panel discussion on scaling SaaS companies through strategic hiring. They shared some great insights:

• Open co-founder communication (and even therapy!) is essential for smooth scaling.

• Define success and how to measure it before deciding who should do the job.

• If the wrong person is on the team, fail fast—but with kindness, as your team is watching.

• Beware the lure of pedigree; what works in a large corporation may not fit your scaling needs.

• Invest in top performers—just one exceptional hire can transform your trajectory.

Invest in Founders, Not Companies

Janet Bannister’s keynote inspired us with her founder-first philosophy. Through Staircase Ventures, she’s redefining venture capital by supporting founders holistically—with executive coaching, peer groups, and even family stipends.

Canada’s SaaS Power Moves

The BetaKit live podcast featuring Inovia's Chris Arsenault shed light on the resilience of Canada’s SaaS ecosystem. Billion-dollar valuations and strong growth rounds signal that Canadian companies are playing the long game, rather than selling to the first U.S. bidder.

Going Global, Staying Local

Andrew McLeod of Certn shared the highs and lows of expanding internationally. His advice? Embrace local business cultures, prioritize trust, and don’t underestimate the power of a pint outside the boardroom.

Championing Women-Led Innovation

The Firehood was back this year, showcasing their dedication to female founders, awarding $200K+ in funding to two incredible startups—Oasis Learning AI and Instagrooms Inc—led by visionary women transforming education and pet care.

The energy at SaaS North was palpable, and the insights shared will fuel the growth of Canada’s tech ecosystem for years to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us—let’s keep the momentum going as we shape the future of tech together!