SMB tech needs its own spotlight
Hi! I’m Rock Irvin, Founder and President of The January 23rd Company. I am pleased to introduce our new blog about the unique operating, growth, and M&A experience of SMBs (small and midsize businesses) in software and tech-enabled services – SaaS Beyond Startups.
Why do this blog?
Well, because I’ve found shockingly little content that contemplates and addresses the unique operating, growth, and M&A experiences of tech SMBs and the people who run them. And, candidly, I understand why. It’s just not sexy to the masses.
Tech media and news are largely focused on VC-funded startups and the largest technology companies in the world. While startups are the scrappy companies building our future and Big Tech companies are the unmistakable driving force of today’s economy, they have two things in common: money and power.
Well-heeled VC firms, like Sequoia Capital, invest billions to back those unicorns-in-the-making that were started in the garage / basement / dorm room. Meanwhile, you have a 1-in-3 chance of correctly answering thw question “What is the largest company in the world?” by simply naming the largest three tech companies - Apple, Microsoft, or Nvidia - all of which are valued over $3 Trillion.
These companies also affect our lives. 5 years ago, approximately 317 people knew how generative AI could be used in our everyday lives. Now AI startups are boosting indexes to new highs, catalyzing billions in new tech capex investents, and ushering in “The Year of Efficiency” or the AI-powered future for companies from fast fashion to insurance.
It’s sexy and relevant to talk about the money, power, strategies, tactics, goals, and metrics of game-changing startups and titans of technology, but this content misses the mark for 99% of SMBs that don’t have additional investor capital available to them when they run out.
How can you expect this blog to be different?
The strategizing, building, selling, servicing, and managing people with your bootstrapped budget is this blog’s undertaking. Each post will take a distinctly SMB take focus on topics that I (and others) have heard discussed, debated, or yelled across the negotiating table. Here are some ideas that will be kicked around.
“Why are the SMB SaaS buyer valuations and seller valuation on different planets?”
“What are the VC metrics that are setting SMBs up for failure?”
“Shouldn’t we experiment with revenue models more?”
“Is your company a feature, a product, or a business?”
… and plenty more.
I hope this spurs conversation and suggestions for more topics.
Feedback welcomed requested.