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Profitable from Day One : How a Bootstrapped SaaS Found a Successful Exit
“My key priority was securing a buyer capable of both shaping a long-term strategic vision for DropFunnels and seamlessly transitioning ownership. The team at FE International had already identified the perfect buyer within their extensive network, ensuring a perfect match for the company’s future growth. ”
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PayPal Acquires Swift Financial: Newsletter August 11, 2017
This week PayPal announced that it will acquire Swift Financial, a small business capital lending house. PayPal reportedly made the strategic move in order to supplement their own working capital service for small businesses. The main value of the acquisition will likely come from the new level of detail in the data PayPal has available to evaluate prospective small businesses. The online payments giant is looking to complete the acquisition this year, with no comment yet of any impact on current small businesses using PayPal merchant services.
Oracle Releases Update to SaaS Suite of Products: Newsletter August 4, 2017
Oracle recently released a complete refresh to its entire SaaS suite of products. Its most recent update includes new applications and features for four of their suites (SCM, CX, ERP, and HCM), as well as an improved user interface. This is good news for SaaS and e-commerce business owners, as the updates improve customer experience, aiming to increase conversion and upsells. They even add advanced features like social listening, which monitors social media for opportunities. If you are a SaaS or e-commerce business owner and use Oracle or are considering switching to them, you can read more about the complete update here.
Microsoft Shuts Down Paint: Newsletter July 28, 2017
After 32 years of commitment, Microsoft is killing off Paint – or trying to. Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it would be discontinuing the program, which was followed by an outcry of Paint fans. In response, Microsoft stated that the app would be available in its Windows Store for free in the future. For those that were worried a staple of their childhood would be permanently forgotten, you’ll still be able to foster your inner creativity!
Microsoft Q4 2017 Earnings Report: Newsletter July 21, 2017
The fourth quarter of Microsoft’s 2017 financial year reported $23.3 billion in revenue. Specifically, Office 365 revenue surpassed license revenue for the first time, up 43 percent, whereas traditional Office licensing was down 17 percent. Microsoft’s transition to Office 365 has proven to be successful – changing its business, distribution and development models, as well as simultaneously migrating customers. Clearly moving towards a SaaS model has worked very well for Microsoft.
Internet Trends: Update for Online Entrepreneurs
Keeping up to date with the most recent market trends, and making timely adjustments to your business’ strategy and operations, is critical for business owners and entrepreneurs—especially in tech. The recently released Internet Trends 2017 Report from the Code Conference offered several key insights into the current trends and future forecasts of the online ecosystem. Based on the report’s data, the following 4 areas will be critical for online business owners to focus their marketing and advertising efforts
ChartMogul Releases Freemium Product: Newsletter July 14, 2017
This week, ChartMogul released Launch, a new free subscription plan for businesses that earns less than $10,000 MRR. The plan includes most of the standard features and existing customers who qualify can transfer from their paid plan to Launch. Read more about the details in the News Briefs section below.
Google Introduces New AdSense Formats: Newsletter July 7, 2017
Google introduced new AdSense formats this week, where mobile ads will now match how your website looks. In an effort to improve user experience, publishers will be able to choose from three different formats, depending on how content is displayed on their sites. To learn more, read the News Briefs section below.
Google Fined for Favoring Google Shopping Over Competitors: Newsletter June 30, 2017
This week, the European Commission slapped a $2.7 billion fine on Google for allegedly favoring Google Shopping over competitors. The European Union (EU) considers this as illegal according to antitrust rules. Learn more about this story in the news briefs below.
Etsy Announces Second Round of Layoffs: Newsletter June 22, 2017
Etsy announced its second round of layoffs as it plans to cut 15% of its workforce. After a recent poor stock performance and a $400,000 loss in Q1, Etsy is looking for strategic solutions. Amazon’s Handmade marketplace, launched back in October 2015, is now seen as a serious competitor that is driving Etsy to focus on increasing repeat customers and driving more sales. You can read more about how Etsy is sharpening focus on key growth initiatives.
