Welcome to yet another edition of our weekly roundup, where we handpick the best news, must reads, podcasts, and more in the SaaS space that are worth your attention. Here’s what you need to know and check out.
Table of Contents
News of the week
Microsoft launches Dataflex, a relational database for Teams apps
The Redmond giant is continuing to add new capabilities to Teams. The latest is Dataflex, a relational database that allows developers to create, deploy, and manage Power Platforms apps right from the MS Teams itself. The low-code tool also comes with artificial intelligence and predictive capabilities.
In addition, Microsoft is also opening up Teams to third-party developers that can integrate their apps into meetings. The developers will be able to start testing the integrations later this month.
Microsoft is working on an Azure-powered Cloud PC service
Microsoft is shedding its avatar of a legacy software maker… not only it has some major offerings in the SaaS space, it’s prepping to offer Windows as desktop-as-a-service too. It’s working on bringing a virtual Windows PC experience, and it might launch as soon as 2021.
Affirm partners with Shopify to exclusively power Shop Pay installments in the U.S.
E-commerce software Shopify is on a roll in terms of offering new features. It has announced that its Shop Pay feature which was announced not-so-long ago will be powered by Affirm in the US. By opting for the Buy now, Pay later feature, users will be able to pay for amount in four equal, bi-weekly, interest-free payments.
Safety first: Announcing 11 new G Suite security features
The internet giant is announcing a slew of updates to improve the security of G Suite offerings. While Gmail is getting BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification) to verify the legitimacy of emails, Meet is getting some interesting features to ensure that host can have a better control of who joins the meeting. In case the attendee is ejected once, s/he won’t be able to join back unless invited by the host, and similarly, if the user’s knocking request has been denied multiple times, they won’t be able to request to join the meeting. Google Chat is also getting a bunch of updates.
Box and Google Cloud deepen strategic partnership to transform work in the cloud
Cloud provider Box has announced the expansion of its partnership with Google, as it’ll use Google Cloud for data storage, offer Google Cloud’s Document AI service under Box Skills kit and more. Box will also be offering support for Google Authenticator.
Tiger Global-backed SirionLabs launches SirionAE to make contract management easier for SMEs
Contract management software SirionLabs has launched SirionAE to offer a cost-effective way for companies to understand risk analysis, diligence, and compliance when it comes to contracts. The feature is available to SirionLabs customers as well as a standalone product.
SaaS companies that got funded this week
Talkdesk worth $3 Billion With Franklin Templeton, Och Backing
Amidst the pandemic, call center software are booming. Talkdesk has reportedly raised $143million that takes its valuation to more than $3billion. The round was led by Franklin Templeton and Willoughby Capital, and the company will be spending it on R&D and expanding its customer base.
Dragoneer invests $120M in CampusLogic’s financial aid platform
Financial aid platform for students, Campuslogic, has raised $120million growth investment. The company provides financial resources to college and university students. The funding was led by Dragoneer, and the company will be using it for strategic acquisitions and product development.
Digital design platform Ceros raises $100M
Content creation platform Ceros has announced the $100million fundraise that was led by Sumeru Equity Partners. The company provides a platform for its clients such as JP Morgan, Red Bull and more to create digital experiences.
Singapore-based marketing SaaS startup Insider gets $32 million to enter the US
Marketing software Insider has landed $32million funding as part of its Series C round. Led by Riverwood Capital, the startup would be using the money to enter the states, adding new features, and expanding its team.
Accel backs CyCognito in $30M Series B to expand cyber risk tool
Vulnerability management software CyCognito has garnered a $30million Series B funding led by Accel. The startup will be using the funding to expand its capabilities for assessing risk, as well as hiring.
Must reads
Airtable and the Low-Code/No-Code future of software
5 keys to keep your SaaS business from falling behind
Listen to
Eric Vishria – the past, present, and future of SaaS and software
Benchmark Capital’s General Partner Eric Vishria talks to Patrick OShaughnessy about the evolution of the software industry. He also shares why software companies are valued so high these days, and what’s the future of the space looks like.
GitLab hits $2.7b valuation is 20x+ revenue multiple, 160%+ in Net Revenue Retention, 10,000 customers
In this episode, host Nathan Latka gets GitLab‘s Sid Sijbrandij on the hot seat to talk about the company, its remote-first culture, how open source space has changed over time and more.
Nick Francis of Help Scout
Help Scout is among the leading companies in the help desk software space, yet it’s quite different from its rivals. Its CEO Nick Francis shares why he’s building for the long term, how he keeps himself focused on things that matter, and his learnings from bad hiring, among many more.
Watch
Building a bootstrapped, profitable SaaS business out of India
Wingify, the company behind VWO, is among the most popular SaaS companies out of India. Not only because it has existed for a decade, but also because it’s completely bootstrapped. Its founder Paras Chopra sheds light on his journey, conscious decisions he has made with Wingify to bring it to where it’s today, and more.
