Talking SaaS, What Makes a Good Pitch?, WeWork and the Letter B, more – Mattermark Daily

In today's Mattermark Daily, we delve into the world of SaaS, the art of crafting a compelling pitch, and explore the intricacies of WeWork and the letter "B." The post "Talking SaaS, What Makes a Good Pitch?, WeWork and the Letter B, more – Mattermark Daily" offers a wealth of insights and perspectives from industry experts.

First and foremost, we take a closer look at what makes a good pitch. Sarah Guo, a partner at Greylock Partners, has created an in-depth guide titled "What Do I Look For in a Pitch?" Her article emphasizes that the purpose of a tight pitch deck is not merely to "sell" potential investors but to ensure that the founder fully understands their own value proposition. Guo's guide not only outlines the structure of a narrative but also explicitly identifies the key aspects of a business that are crucial for success in a venture capital-driven environment.

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Next, we turn our attention to the state of SaaS content marketing. Ryan Law and Emily Smith of Cobloom have compiled an extensive set of statistics and analysis in their report "The State of SaaS Content Marketing 2017." Their research concludes that while nearly every SaaS company engages in content marketing, the effectiveness of these efforts varies greatly from company to company. The report highlights the importance of understanding what resonates with your audience and how to create content that drives engagement and conversions.

Akash Sharma of Chargebee delves into the customer lifecycle in his article "Aristotle's SaaS: A Compendium of Advice for Understanding The Customer Lifecycle." Sharma, channeling his inner poet, provides a detailed exploration of the customer journey, citing numerous examples, guides, and methodologies to help SaaS businesses better understand and serve their customers. By gaining a deeper understanding of the customer lifecycle, businesses can tailor their strategies to meet the evolving needs of their clients and foster long-term loyalty.

Matt Allen, an architect at Amazon Web Services, argues in his article that unless your portfolio companies are investing in the best tools to keep their engineers efficient, "Your Whole Tech Portfolio is F#$%ed." Allen's perspective, shaped by his experience operating and mentoring startups, underscores the critical role of technology in driving business success. By prioritizing the right tools and technologies, businesses can enhance their operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately deliver better value to their customers.

From the investors' perspective, Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital reiterates in her InspireFest 2017 appearance that there are new faces in venture capital, and she emphasizes the importance of investing in underrepresented groups. Hamilton's message serves as a reminder that diverse perspectives and experiences can drive innovation and help shape the future of the industry.

In conclusion, today's Mattermark Daily covers a wide range of topics, from crafting effective pitches to the intricacies of SaaS content marketing and the customer lifecycle. With insights from industry experts and actionable advice for founders, investors, and businesses alike, this newsletter provides a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and developments in the SaaS landscape. Whether you're a founder looking to pitch your idea or an investor seeking the next big opportunity, Mattermark Daily has something for everyone.