AI, Venture Capital, and the Future of SaaS: What Startup Founders Need to Know

AI, Venture Capital, and the Future of SaaS: What Startup Founders Need to Know

Author: Lighter Capital - We Help Startups Grow March 12, 2026 Duration: 33:49

What does AI really mean for SaaS companies and startup founders? And why has venture capital suddenly cooled on SaaS funding?

In this episode of Bootstrapped: The Lighter Side, Melissa Widner speaks with Marc Verissimo, Chair of Lighter Capital and former Chief Risk Officer at Silicon Valley Bank, about the economic forces shaping the future of SaaS, startup funding, and venture capital.

Marc explains how he analyzes the economy—from 10-year bond yields and labor participation to productivity growth and political risk—and what founders should actually pay attention to when planning for the next few years.

The discussion explores how AI will change the SaaS ecosystem, why SaaS companies remain foundational because they generate the data AI relies on, and why recent venture capital pullbacks from SaaS may be cyclical rather than permanent.

They also discuss tariffs, geopolitical shifts, and regulatory volatility, and how these factors impact startup growth, funding availability, and long-term economic outlook.

If you're building a SaaS company or navigating today’s startup funding environment, this episode offers practical insights on risk management, capital strategy, and economic trends every founder should understand.


For founders who've chosen to build their B2B software companies without giving up the reins, Bootstrapped : The Lighter Side offers a necessary conversation. This isn't about chasing venture capital at all costs; it's a practical dialogue focused on sustainable growth and creative problem-solving. You'll hear specific tactics for extending your runway, refining your sales process, and navigating the unique challenges of scaling a product-led business entirely on your own terms. Each episode digs into the real mechanics of founder-led growth, from managing cash flow in uncertain times to exploring alternative funding avenues that don't require sacrificing equity. The podcast regularly features founders who have walked this path successfully, sharing their unvarnished stories and hard-won lessons. It’s a resource for those moments when you need a blend of strategic advice and genuine camaraderie, reminding you that building a substantial, independent company is not just a dream but a viable, deliberate path. Tune in for honest discussions that cut through the noise of the startup world, brought to you by Lighter Capital, a team dedicated to helping startups grow.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 37

Bootstrapped : The Lighter Side - The Podcast For B2B SaaS Founders
Podcast Episodes