Event category: BetaKit Keynote Stage

SaaS metrics helped us understand the power of SaaS business models. With the right inputs, we could predict a company’s future (and invest accordingly). We’ve now grown accustomed to the traditional set of SaaS metrics as just part of how to operate a SaaS business. It’s hard to conceive of what to do without metrics like CAC payback, LTV:CAC, average ACV, or the magic number.

Here’s the thing: the traditional SaaS metrics playbook can be extremely misleading when it comes to managing a vertical SaaS, PLG, or usage-based company. How do we benchmark our CAC payback period, for example, if growth comes from our R&D investments rather than from sales & marketing? Of what value is LTV:CAC if we see 150%+ net dollar retention, making our LTV essentially limitless?

Kyle Poyar from OpenView will unpack the metrics playbook for this new era of software – and what you should aim for at each stage of growth.

The PLG movement gained prominence during the boom times. But it’s even more relevant today amid a recession. This is because PLG can deliver CAC-efficient growth, while also reducing costs across your company. Get the PLG playbook to help you navigate the downturn from Blake Bartlett, software VC and the guy who coined the term “product-led growth” way back in 2016. 

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, startups are facing major shifts in how work gets done — and who does it. Faced with rising pressure to stay lean and competitive, some companies are significantly reducing headcount to adopt an “AI-first” model, trading traditional teams for smaller, more agile groups powered by smart tools and agents.

This session explores the real-world challenges and bold decisions tech leaders are making: from workforce reductions to radically redefined roles, to rethinking who (or what) you hire next. We’ll unpack the rise of tiny teams, share strategies for navigating workforce change with intention, and explore what an efficient, AI-augmented org chart really looks like.

Can you build the future in real time? One fearless builder is about to try—live. Watch Hai Nghiem from the AGI Ventures Canada as he codes, creates, and iterates at lightning speed by using vibe coding tools like Claude Code, v0, Figma Make, Cursor and more. This isn’t just a demo—it’s a real-time look at how ideas can go from “what if” to “what’s next” in minutes. No slides. No fluff. Just pure innovation, unfolding live.