25 CEOs & Founders to Watch Out For in 2025

Jan 30, 202529 Mins Read
25 CEOs & Founders to Watch Out For in 2025

SaaS is more than a business model—it’s a culture of innovation, persistence, and problem-solving. Behind every great SaaS product is a leader who challenges the status quo, creating tools and systems that reshape industries and solve real-world problems. These leaders don’t just run companies; they inspire teams, connect communities, and drive meaningful change in the tech world.

In 2025, the SaaS space will be shaped by leaders who do more than create products. They build cultures, connect communities, and inspire teams to achieve the extraordinary. These are the individuals we’ve spotlighted in this list: 25 SaaS CEOs & founders whose influence stretches far beyond their titles.

This isn’t just a list of names. It’s the result that the Sprouts platform generated after analyzing key indicators like ARR growth achieved under their leadership, the depth of their thought leadership on platforms like LinkedIn, and the innovative ways they’ve solved complex challenges in the SaaS ecosystem.

There’s no ranking here—just a celebration of brilliant minds making a difference.



Dave Gerhardt isn’t just a marketer—he’s a community builder, thought leader, and innovator who’s helped shape the modern B2B marketing playbook. After rising through the ranks of marketing and helping Drift achieve a $1B valuation, Dave took his expertise to Privy, where he drove the strategy leading to a $100M+ acquisition. But instead of coasting on his success, Dave took a leap of faith to create Exit Five, now one of the largest and most engaged communities for B2B marketers.

Exit Five is more than just a platform—it’s a full-fledged ecosystem of resources, including a podcast, newsletter, private community, and live events that bring marketers together to share, learn, and grow. With over 5,000 members and a dedicated full-time team, Dave has turned Exit Five into a must-visit hub for marketing professionals at every level.In addition to leading Exit Five, Dave is the author of Founder Brand, a guide for executives who want to leverage their personal story to build stronger connections with their audience. He’s also a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor, known for his ability to simplify complex marketing strategies and make them actionable.



Lloyed Lobo has spent over 15 years building businesses and communities that empower entrepreneurs to succeed. As the co-founder of Boast.AI, Lloyed built a fintech platform that simplifies R&D funding for businesses, helping them innovate without the financial burden. But his impact doesn’t stop there. Through Traction, a global community of over 100,000 entrepreneurs and innovators, Lloyed has created a space where the fastest-growing companies share their insights, challenges, and successes.

A software engineer by education and community builder by passion, Lloyed’s ability to bring people together is at the heart of his success. His mantra, “If you build a community, you won’t become a commodity,” has guided his work, from bootstrapping Boast.AI to eight-figure ARR to writing a bestselling book on community-led growth.

His journey is marked by a relentless drive to take ideas from zero to one, and his influence extends through podcasts, conferences, and mentorship. Whether he’s connecting founders, scaling companies, or building new ventures, Lloyed’s passion for impact is evident in everything he does.



April Dunford has one mission: to make complex products easier to understand and impossible to ignore. With over 25 years of experience as a VP of Marketing at fast-growing tech firms, April has become the go-to expert in product positioning for B2B companies. Her consultancy, Ambient Strategy, has helped over 300 businesses, including industry giants like Google, Epic Games, and Postman, refine their positioning to achieve breakout growth.

April’s first book, Obviously Awesome, is widely regarded as the definitive guide to positioning, offering actionable frameworks for creating narratives that resonate. Her newly released book, Sales Pitch, takes her expertise further by helping companies craft winning sales stories that convert.

What sets April apart is her ability to connect strategy with execution. Her speaking engagements are a masterclass in cutting through jargon to deliver practical, high-impact advice. And her consulting work has consistently delivered measurable results, helping companies position themselves not just as players in their market but as leaders.

Whether she’s working with startups or established enterprises, April’s insights are a game-changer. Her work is essential reading for anyone in SaaS looking to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.



Rand Fishkin is a name synonymous with SEO, but his impact stretches far beyond search engine optimization. As the founder of Moz, Rand built one of the most influential platforms in digital marketing, leading the company for over 16 years. Since 2018, he’s focused his attention on SparkToro, a SaaS platform that democratizes audience research, giving businesses the tools they need to understand and engage their customers more effectively.

Rand’s journey is chronicled in his candid and widely acclaimed book, Lost and Founder, which offers an unvarnished look at the realities of building and scaling a startup. His honesty and authenticity have earned him a loyal following, making him a sought-after speaker at global conferences and a trusted mentor to countless entrepreneurs.

At SparkToro, Rand is tackling one of marketing’s biggest challenges: how to find actionable audience insights without relying on invasive data practices. His passion for ethical marketing and transparency is evident in both his product and his thought leadership.

Outside of SaaS, Rand is a proud feminist, an amateur chef, and a relentless advocate for underdog entrepreneurs. Whether he’s building tools or sharing his insights, Rand’s work continues to inspire and empower marketers around the world.



As the CEO of Gainsight, he has turned the company into the definitive platform for customer success management, helping businesses of all sizes prioritize retention, satisfaction, and long-term value. Under his leadership, Gainsight has not only grown its ARR but also become a thought leader in the SaaS ecosystem, championing the importance of customer-first strategies.

Nick’s leadership style is defined by empathy, humor, and an unwavering focus on culture. He’s the kind of CEO who makes time for mentorship, advocates for diversity in tech, and ensures his team feels connected to the company’s mission. His insights on leadership, shared through LinkedIn posts and conference talks, have inspired countless entrepreneurs and SaaS professionals.

What makes Nick truly stand out is his ability to see the big picture. For him, customer success isn’t just a department—it’s a philosophy that drives sustainable growth. As Gainsight continues to set the standard for customer-centric business, Nick’s influence on the SaaS industry remains unparalleled.



Peep Laja is on a mission to transform how companies understand and connect with their customers. As the founder of Wynter, he has built a platform that empowers businesses to gain actionable insights into their target audience’s thoughts, priorities, and challenges—all within 48 hours.

Peep’s entrepreneurial journey spans multiple successful ventures, including ConversionXL and the How to Win podcast, which has become a go-to resource for marketers and SaaS founders seeking strategies to dominate their markets. Wynter, his latest brainchild, is a reflection of his belief in the power of data-driven decisions to improve messaging, reduce CAC, and increase conversions.

Beyond the numbers, Peep is a prolific thought leader known for his sharp, no-nonsense takes on SaaS growth, product positioning, and marketing strategy. He’s a frequent speaker at industry conferences, where his talks often challenge conventional wisdom and encourage companies to rethink their approach to growth.

When he’s not revolutionizing SaaS marketing, Peep is writing, podcasting, or mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. His dedication to empowering businesses through customer insights makes him a standout leader in the SaaS world.



Palash Soni co-founded Goldcast with a clear mission: to transform how B2B marketers engage their audiences through video. Since its inception at Harvard Business School in 2020, Goldcast has grown into a market leader in the enterprise digital events space, counting 400+ B2B firms, including Mailchimp, LG, and Zuora, as its clients.

Goldcast’s innovative approach puts video at the heart of the customer journey, enabling marketers to create engaging, consumable content that drives intent and builds brand authority. Under Palash’s leadership, the company has raised over $40M and built a global, bi-continental team dedicated to reshaping digital marketing.

What sets Palash apart is his commitment to understanding the evolving needs of marketers. He regularly collaborates with industry leaders to refine Goldcast’s offerings, ensuring the platform stays ahead of the curve. His journey from HBS to leading a rapidly scaling SaaS company is a testament to his strategic vision and entrepreneurial grit.



As the founder of Reforge, Brian has built a platform that equips professionals with the frameworks, tools, and strategies they need to achieve scalable growth. With a background that includes serving as VP of Growth at HubSpot, Brian’s expertise spans marketing, product management, and customer acquisition.

Reforge’s programs, which focus on topics like growth strategy, experimentation, and retention, have become a gold standard for professionals looking to upskill in SaaS. Under Brian’s leadership, Reforge has cultivated a community of some of the sharpest minds in the industry, creating a ripple effect of growth-oriented thinking across companies worldwide.

Brian’s approach to growth is anything but generic. His blog and talks often dive into the nuances of what makes strategies work—or fail—emphasizing the importance of systems over tactics. With Reforge continuing to expand its influence, Brian remains a central figure in shaping how SaaS companies grow sustainably.



David Spitz spent over three decades as an investment banker specializing in the software industry before founding BenchSights in 2021. His goal? To revolutionize how SaaS companies use benchmarking to accelerate sales and engage clients. BenchSights’ platform automates the traditionally manual process of benchmarking, turning it into a strategic advantage for businesses.

David is perhaps best known for his role in establishing the highly acclaimed Pacific Crest/KeyBanc SaaS Survey, which became a staple for SaaS IPOs during its 12-year run. His deep understanding of the SaaS landscape, combined with his passion for solving inefficiencies, has driven BenchSights’ growth as a must-have tool for SaaS leaders.

Through BenchSights, David is helping companies unlock the power of real-time data to inform go-to-market strategies and operational decisions. His career-long commitment to optimizing SaaS businesses makes him a leader whose insights carry weight in boardrooms and beyond.



Sudheer Koneru has spent his career reimagining how businesses operate, and Zenoti is the culmination of that vision. As the founder and CEO, Sudheer has built an enterprise SaaS platform that helps wellness and beauty businesses streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive revenue.

Zenoti’s impact is felt across thousands of spas, salons, and fitness centers worldwide, making it a market leader in its category. Under Sudheer’s leadership, the company has achieved impressive growth while maintaining a customer-first philosophy. His ability to navigate the complexities of scaling a global SaaS business has earned him recognition as a visionary in the industry.

Beyond Zenoti, Sudheer is an advocate for using technology to solve real-world problems. His journey from product management roles to leading a global SaaS company is a testament to his ability to combine strategic thinking with execution. Sudheer’s work continues to inspire SaaS founders looking to make a tangible difference in their industries.



Alex Turnbull is the leader of bootstrapped success in SaaS. As the founder and CEO of Groove, Alex built a profitable SaaS company from the ground up, growing it to $5 million in ARR without external funding. His story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and lean entrepreneurship.

Groove’s journey became a beacon of inspiration when Alex adopted the #buildinpublic approach, sharing Groove’s milestones, challenges, and successes with complete transparency. His blog documenting Groove’s early days and the path to $100K ARR became a go-to resource for SaaS founders, offering real-world insights into product development, customer acquisition, and scaling.

Alex is now focusing on his next venture—a customer service platform powered by AI—while continuing to share his knowledge with the broader SaaS community. His approach combines strategic experimentation with a relentless focus on profitability, proving that businesses can grow without sacrificing control or values.

When not building products, Alex mentors other founders, contributes to SaaS communities, and speaks at conferences, making him a vital figure in the ecosystem.



Avni Barman is redefining the entrepreneurial landscape for young women as the founder of Gen She, a platform designed to empower and support the next generation of female leaders. Through Gen She, Avni has created a vibrant community that provides mentorship, resources, and opportunities for women to excel in business and tech.

Her expertise spans digital marketing, venture capital, and community building, and she leverages this knowledge to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Under Avni’s leadership, Gen She has expanded to host nationwide events, leadership summits, and accelerator programs tailored to young women entering the business world.

A tireless advocate for equity, Avni works to dismantle barriers that limit women’s participation in entrepreneurship. Her efforts include fostering partnerships with industry leaders, launching educational initiatives, and advocating for systemic changes to increase representation in tech and venture capital.

Avni’s vision for Gen She goes beyond mentorship—it’s about cultivating a movement where women not only enter the field but thrive as founders, innovators, and changemakers.



Rukmangada Kandyala is revolutionizing test automation with Testsigma, a platform designed to simplify and streamline software testing for modern development teams. With over two decades of experience in software development, SaaS, and cloud solutions, Rukmangada combines deep technical expertise with a vision for solving real-world challenges in DevOps.

Testsigma enables businesses to scale test automation without the need for extensive coding expertise, making it accessible for teams of all sizes. By prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and seamless integrations, Rukmangada has positioned Testsigma as a leader in the test automation space, helping companies deliver high-quality software faster.

Rukmangada’s career includes pivotal roles in product management and network monitoring systems, where he honed his skills in creating scalable solutions. His passion for innovation is matched by his commitment to customer success, which drives the continuous evolution of Testsigma.

Through his work, Rukmangada is shaping the future of software testing, empowering businesses to stay agile in an increasingly competitive landscape.



Steve Lucas is a seasoned SaaS leader who has spent nearly 30 years at the forefront of enterprise software innovation. As the Chairman and CEO of Boomi, he is driving the company’s mission to help organizations seamlessly connect applications, data, and people through its powerful integration platform.

Before Boomi, Steve held leadership roles at some of the biggest names in tech, including Salesforce, Marketo, and SAP, where he played instrumental roles in scaling operations and delivering record-breaking growth. At Marketo, he spearheaded its transformation, leading to a $4.75 billion acquisition by Adobe.

Steve’s approach to leadership is as much about people as it is about products. He’s an advocate for fostering inclusive cultures and empowering teams to think creatively. Beyond his corporate achievements, Steve is deeply involved in raising awareness for Type 1 diabetes, serving on nonprofit boards to support research and advocacy efforts.

Under his guidance, Boomi continues to innovate, expanding its platform’s capabilities to meet the demands of modern businesses while staying true to its mission of simplifying complex integrations.



Adam Singolda has reshaped the world of content discovery with Taboola, the leading native advertising platform that connects users to personalized recommendations. From its humble beginnings in Israel to serving billions of recommendations daily, Adam has built Taboola into a global powerhouse that’s redefining how publishers and advertisers engage with audiences.

Adam’s unique approach combines data-driven insights with a deep understanding of user behavior, allowing Taboola to deliver value to both advertisers and consumers. His vision for “content you love, at the moment you need it” has made Taboola a key player in the digital advertising space, partnering with leading publishers worldwide.

A natural storyteller, Adam regularly shares his journey as a founder, offering candid advice on scaling businesses, building teams, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of media and technology. His relentless pursuit of innovation, combined with his emphasis on creating meaningful user experiences, ensures that Taboola remains at the forefront of the industry.

With a focus on growth, personalization, and partnerships, Adam is paving the way for a more connected and engaging internet.



KK Mookhey is a pioneer in the cybersecurity industry, with over two decades of experience safeguarding enterprises against evolving digital threats. As the founder of Network Intelligence, KK has grown the company from a one-person operation in 2001 to a global organization with 600 employees, serving clients across the US, Middle East, and Asia.

In 2023, KK led the acquisition of Ilantus, adding Identity and Access Management to Network Intelligence’s robust cybersecurity portfolio. His commitment to education and skill-building is evident in the Institute of Information Security, which trains professionals worldwide in cutting-edge security practices.

KK’s expertise spans pen-testing, governance, risk management, and incident response, and his thought leadership is reflected in his books and articles on cybersecurity. A seasoned speaker, he has presented at Blackhat and other prestigious events, sharing insights that help shape the future of cybersecurity. When not working, KK is an avid mountaineer, constantly pushing his boundaries in both professional and personal pursuits.



Joel Graber is transforming B2B sales pipelines with Modern Outbound, an agency that generates over $18M in pipeline monthly for its clients. With a decade of experience selling complex B2B products, Joel honed his skills in opening doors and starting meaningful conversations with buyers, which became the foundation of Modern Outbound.

His team operates as specialists in outbound technology, email deliverability, campaign strategy, and data management, creating tailored solutions for SMBs and enterprise clients alike. Joel’s hands-on, results-driven approach has enabled his agency to contribute over $1 billion in new pipeline opportunities across 300+ companies in just four years.

Joel’s passion for sales doesn’t stop at generating leads—he thrives on creating efficient, scalable outbound machines that drive long-term results for his clients. His commitment to transparency and innovation has made Modern Outbound a trusted partner for businesses aiming to scale effectively.



Melanie Fellay is redefining enablement for modern teams as the CEO of Spekit, a platform designed to provide employees with the knowledge they need, exactly when and where they need it. Frustrated by inefficiencies in ramp times and scattered knowledge systems, Melanie founded Spekit in 2018 to bridge the gap between content, training, and workflows.

Since then, Spekit has raised $60M in funding and supports a diverse range of customers, from leading airlines to innovative tech startups. The platform’s simple yet powerful design allows organizations to embed training and guidance directly into their workflows, enabling teams to boost productivity and close more deals.

Melanie’s global upbringing in Switzerland and the Bahamas, coupled with her fluency in three languages, adds a unique perspective to her leadership style. Her passion for solving real-world problems and her dedication to creating intuitive solutions make her a standout figure in the enablement space.



Razat Gaurav is an accomplished SaaS leader with a proven track record of scaling global technology businesses. As CEO of Planview, Razat leads the company’s efforts to revolutionize portfolio management and work management for enterprises. His vision combines innovation with a purpose-driven culture, unlocking value for customers worldwide.

With expertise in supply chain management, digital transformation, and enterprise software, Razat has been a trusted advisor to CXOs navigating complex organizational changes. At Planview, he has spearheaded initiatives that enable organizations to achieve agility and resilience in their operations.

Razat’s leadership is grounded in fostering collaboration and empowering teams to reach their full potential. His focus on customer-centric solutions ensures that Planview remains a leader in its field, driving measurable impact for businesses globally.



Burak Aksar is at the forefront of revenue intelligence with Spiky.ai, a platform that helps scale winning behaviors across revenue teams. With a background in AI research at IBM and entrepreneurial roots, Burak brings a creative, data-driven approach to solving some of the most pressing challenges in sales and revenue operations.

Spiky.ai leverages AI to demystify complex revenue intelligence processes, empowering teams to optimize performance and boost outcomes. Burak’s philosophy of “speed is key” drives the company’s rapid innovation and ability to adapt to market needs.

As a connector and builder, Burak’s passion for creating meaningful experiences shines through in his work. By embracing unconventional methods and fostering agility, he is reshaping the way revenue leaders approach their biggest challenges.



Katherine Kostereva leads Creatio with a vision to provide businesses the freedom to automate any idea in minutes. Under her leadership, Creatio has become a global leader in no-code platforms, enabling organizations to launch millions of workflows daily in over 100 countries.

With a commitment to fostering a community-driven culture, Katherine has built a global network of employees, customers, and partners who share a passion for innovation and collaboration. Creatio’s AI-native platform is reshaping the way businesses approach workflow automation and CRM, empowering teams to achieve efficiency and agility.

Based in Boston, with over 800 employees across six offices and local presences in 14 countries, Katherine ensures that Creatio remains at the forefront of technological advancements while staying deeply connected to its global community. Her leadership style combines strategic vision with genuine care, making her a standout figure in the SaaS world.



Mike Murchison is the CEO of Ada, the world’s leading customer service AI platform. With a mission to revolutionize how businesses interact with customers, Ada automates billions of conversations for global brands like Meta, Verizon, and Square.

Mike’s passion for AI began during his time as a customer service agent, where he identified gaps in existing solutions and envisioned a platform that could enhance both customer and agent experiences. Since founding Ada in 2016, Mike has scaled the company to become a trailblazer in AI-powered customer service, helping businesses deliver seamless, personalized interactions.

Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and a Goldman Sachs Builders and Innovators Award recipient, Mike champions Canadian innovation while advocating for AI-first strategies globally. His vision for an automated yet human-centric future makes him a leader to watch in SaaS.



Nimish Joshi co-founded Amnic to simplify team collaboration with a platform that merges seamless document management and real-time communication. His experience in SaaS and product development has enabled Amnic to deliver a solution tailored to the needs of modern, distributed teams.

At Amnic, Nimish focuses on creating intuitive user experiences that foster productivity while reducing the friction often associated with team workflows. His passion for solving everyday collaboration challenges drives the continuous evolution of the platform.

Through his leadership, Nimish has built a culture that prioritizes innovation and user satisfaction, ensuring Amnic remains a trusted partner for businesses navigating the hybrid work landscape.



Bhavin Shah is a three-time entrepreneur and the driving force behind Moveworks, a generative AI platform designed to boost enterprise productivity. By combining natural language processing with AI-powered automation, Moveworks transforms how employees interact with enterprise systems, surfacing information and completing tasks effortlessly.

Under Bhavin’s leadership, Moveworks has become the enterprise copilot for organizations like Databricks, DocuSign, and Palo Alto Networks, offering conversational automation across Microsoft, Salesforce, and other critical systems. His ability to bridge cutting-edge technology with practical business solutions has solidified Moveworks as a leader in the SaaS space.

Prior to Moveworks, Bhavin founded Refresh.io, which was acquired by LinkedIn. His passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems continues to drive innovation at Moveworks, making him a prominent figure in the enterprise SaaS industry.



Neil Gandhi is a bootstrapped founder who has redefined efficiency in SaaS with Paage.io, a platform built specifically for SaaS Account Executives. Neil’s entrepreneurial journey includes building multiple SaaS apps, one of which, PandaPose, was acquired after achieving profitability.

At Paage.io, Neil combines his deep understanding of SaaS workflows with his passion for product innovation. The platform simplifies the lives of account executives by centralizing their workflows and improving productivity, earning praise from its growing user base.

Neil’s candid approach to sharing his entrepreneurial experiences has resonated with many in the startup community. By emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness, Neil exemplifies how founders can create impactful products without the need for external funding.

These 25 leaders are shaping the SaaS industry in remarkable ways, each bringing their unique vision, expertise, and impact to the table. Stay tuned for more lists like this as we continue to spotlight the people driving meaningful change in SaaS and beyond.

Note: The data for this list was collected as of January 10, 2025.