Only 9% of public software companies trade above 10x revenue — do you know which metrics separate them from the 68% stuck below 5x?

In episode #389, Ben Murray breaks down what public comps reveal about how premium SaaS valuations are actually created. You can't value a private SaaS business straight off public multiples, but the correlations between metrics and enterprise value tell you exactly what buyers reward — and if you're a founder or CFO eyeing an exit, these are the numbers that will decide whether you land the index median or the premium multiple.

• The real distribution of public software multiples — 68% below 5x revenue, 23% at 5–10x, and just 9% above 10x — and what it takes to reach the cream of the crop.
• How net revenue retention maps to valuation: NRR below 100% earns a 3.1x EV-to-revenue multiple, the index median sits at 5.7x, and companies above 120% NRR command 9.3x.
• Why retention sits at the top of the valuation pyramid and drives premium multiples in bear markets and bull markets alike.
• Why two companies hitting the same Rule of 40 get different valuations — and why 30% growth + 10% EBITDA beats 30% EBITDA + 10% growth.
• How to pressure-test your own exit readiness: if you can't confidently enter your metrics into a valuation calculator, your finance data foundation isn't ready for due diligence.

Tune in to see where your SaaS would land on the valuation curve — before a buyer runs the numbers for you.

Resources Mentioned

• Ben's SaaS Exit Readiness blog post (four pillars + valuation framework): 
• Contact Ben for help on preparing for an exit: https://www.thesaascfo.com/contact/