There’s something really magical that happens when you gather with your peers. People with the same interests, the same challenges, the same unknowns. Folks who not only understand you, but also thrive in the same state of startup terror or euphoria.
While SaaStr Annual has massively grown over the past few years, the core of what makes it great remains the same – gather with your tribe, share that knowing nod, and learn from each other.
Unless you’ve been there, it’s really hard to explain how electric the atmosphere is. It is, after all, a conference with founders talking about the scintillating topic of enterprise software. It should be a snoozefest, and yet, it’s anything but.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what your peers had to say below. And though there are many great reasons to attend the SaaStr Annual 2021 – the amazing networking, incredible no-fluff content, built-in fun – these are the top 6 takeaways from past attendees:
#1 – Learn from the best
#1 – Learn from the best We’re all trying to achieve the impossible, to defy the laws of the universe each day, and grow our businesses from ideas to IPO. So when the most successful SaaS execs from Calendly, Box, Vimeo, TripActions, Databricks, Atlassian, Shopify, HubSpot and so much more are onstage candidly sharing their triumphs, failures, and zen learnings, you need to make sure you’ve got a thick notebook and a front row seat.
#2 – Share that knowing nod
The reality is that lots of days at a startup suck. No matter how much is going right, there’s always something else that’s on the verge of coming off the rails. No normal, rational person would sign up for the insane and incessant pressure. So when you have the opportunity to connect folks who are pushing a different boulder up that same hill, people who get it – there’s a camaraderie that you can’t find anywhere else.
#3 – Find your tribe
With ~ 5,000 SaaS founders, execs and investors registered to attend in one location over three days, even the most introverted person is going to make connections. This year, we’re creating even more opportunities to find your peers by role, department, and company stage, as well as more ways to connect with investors, partners, and potential hires.
SaaStr is all about the networking, and we’re committed to building even more meeting opportunities into this year’s event. While it’s not official yet, we’re looking into creating a massive meeting space just for networking, so that folks won’t have to hunt for a quiet place to take a 1:1. And we’re building in more breaks between sessions, so you can spend time more time connecting before rushing to the next must-see session.
#4 – Work fun and haha fun
Startups are intense. On TV they’re endless beer and ping pong with witty banter, but in reality, they are also a lot of missed dinners and distracted “vacations.” It’s nearly impossible to let it all go and have fun. Don’t fret, we get it. We’ll bake the haha fun into the work fun so you can enjoy yourself guilt-free.
#5 – Build a stronger team
#5 – Build a stronger team You know that long-term-vision-thingy you don’t really step back from and re-evaluate as often as you wish you did? That time you keep meaning to dedicate to gather the management team, but never quite get around to? Well, this is your chance to step out of the weeds, to bring your team and make a week of it. Use it as the most productive off-site you’ll ever have. There’s no better investment you will make this year.
#6 – Get Funded!
While every SaaStr event boasts an impressive attendee list packed with VCs, nothing holds a candle to the more than 400 investors who show up for the SaaStr Annual! VCs fly in from over 20 countries, with nearly every firm in the Bay Area that invests in SaaS represented. And very few investors come to SaaStr alone… most buy a Team Pack and bring their Partners. Many have at least one team on their list they’re planning to meet, and they’re all looking to discover the next big thing while they’re on site.
Whether you’re a unicorn-in-the-making wanting to meet a proven 10-time unicorn investor, an established startup raising your A or B, or an early-stage founder looking for your first Angel, the VC you want will be there. And you should be too.
So do everyone a favor – yourself, your management team, your investors and employees who are counting on you. Join us September 27-29 at the 100% Outdoors, Open Air, Vaccinated, and Tested San Mateo Country Fairgrounds for 2021 SaaStr Annual. Learn from the best in the business. Connect with other execs trying to achieve the impossible. Have a beer with a potential investor. Meet with your customers and prospects (and maybe even your next VP hire). Feed your poor, tired soul. Find inspiration. Just. Be. There.
And do it now before ticket prices go up at the end of the month!
