Software’s Economic Powerhouse
Last year, software giants added a whopping €170 bn to the UK’s value‑added growth, and they’re the beating heart behind 2.7 million jobs. As the world embraces subscription‑based tech, we’re stepping into a future where the impact of SaaS will only grow.
Why SaaS is the New Superhero
Picture a startup that’s built on recurring revenue, scalable infrastructure, and a subscription model that keeps customers coming back. That’s the modern-day superhero, and the market loves its capes.
When Paddle Meets Profitwell: A CEO Coffee Chat
I’m the co‑founder and CEO of Paddle, and recently I sat down with Patrick Campbell, the brain behind Profitwell. We swapped stories, pulled back the curtain, and dug into what it really feels like to lead a startup.
Patrick’s reputation speaks for itself: he’s the guy who cuts through jargon to show the gritty truth of building a million‑dollar business—the highs, the lows, and yes, the ugly bits. Proud to partner with a startup that’s, like mine, helping the SaaS universe grow.
Five Lessons from Two Startup Kings
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Say No to Part‑Time Co‑Founders
Patrick taught us that the moment a founder needs to go full‑time is an inflection point. If you keep their vibe half‑the‑way, you’ll later face conflicting egos that can derail the whole ship.
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Freemium: It’s About People, Not Cash
Everyone whispers “freemium” as if it means a half‑price discount. It’s actually a gateway—offering a free, bite‑sized slice of what you’re selling, so prospects get hooked on your brand before they sign up for the premium.
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The Freemium Recipe
Your free tier has to beat the competition. If it’s weak, you’ll just wash out your audience. Patrick spent two years sculpting his freemium product to make sure it genuinely attracted the right users.
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The CEO’s “A‑ha” Moment
Growing from a squad of five to a hundred means you’re suddenly a power player. Every word you say can lift—or break—someone’s day. Being self‑aware and fostering open communication is the only way to keep the team humming.
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Break the Title Bias
New hires often bring preconceived notions of what a CEO looks like. That mental shorthand can doom good relationships. We countered it by showing our CEO side—complete with open doors, real transparency, and a focus on unfiltered dialogue.
Beyond the Tips: The Trio of Founder Success
We’ve already walked the founder path, but three pillars keep the ship steered right: stay sharp on vision, protect culture while scaling, and keep sharpening performance like a chef keeps his knives razor‑sharp.
Pull these together, and every new founder should see that the road ahead—though dusty—will lead to a bright, turbo‑charged future.
