How AI is changing SaaS funding with Ventech’s Audrey Soussan - The SaaS Revolution Show Recap

Podcast: The SaaS Revolution Show

Published: 2025-11-20

Duration: 30 min

Summary

In this episode, Audrey Soussan discusses how AI is transforming the landscape of SaaS funding and investing, highlighting the shift towards AI-focused investments at Ventec and the importance of tailored support for entrepreneurs during their growth journey.

What Happened

In this episode of The SaaS Revolution Show, host Alex Thiema welcomes Audrey Soussan, a general partner at Ventec, to discuss the evolving landscape of SaaS funding influenced by AI. Audrey shares her extensive experience in the venture capital space, noting her 15 years at Ventec and her insights into the changing tech industry. She explains that Ventec is a multi-specialist fund focusing on various tech sectors, with a current emphasis on AI, digital health, and other emerging fields. Audrey highlights that their latest fund, Ventec 6, has raised 175 million euros, enabling them to invest in early-stage companies primarily in France, Germany, and the Nordics.

Audrey recounts the specific case of Insighted, a Dutch company where Ventec was the first institutional investor. She emphasizes the unique journey of Insighted, which was bootstrapped for several years before their involvement. Despite the current trend towards rapid funding, Insighted's path shows that bootstrapping can yield successful outcomes, as they were generating revenue before receiving institutional investment. Audrey also discusses the collaborative approach Ventec takes, working closely with local funds in regions where they don't have a presence, ensuring they maintain strong connections and support for their portfolio companies throughout their growth journey.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How is AI influencing SaaS funding?

Audrey highlights that AI is currently a major focus for Ventec, reflecting a broader shift in the market. As companies increasingly leverage AI, investors are adapting their strategies to prioritize these technologies, understanding that they will play a critical role in the future of SaaS.

What is Ventec's investment strategy?

Ventec is a multi-specialist fund that invests primarily in early-stage tech companies. They focus on sectors like AI, digital health, and more, with ticket sizes typically ranging from 1 to 6 million euros for initial investments, and they can reinvest up to 15 million euros per company.

How did Ventec support Insighted during its growth?

Audrey explains that Ventec was the first institutional investor in Insighted and had a board seat. Their engagement included regular communication, which allowed them to tailor their support based on the company's specific challenges and leverage their extensive network for operational help.

What are the benefits of bootstrapping for SaaS companies?

Audrey points out that bootstrapping can lead to strong revenue generation before seeking external funding. The case of Insighted illustrates that a well-managed bootstrap strategy can set a company up for successful institutional investment and eventual acquisition.

What role do local funds play in Ventec's investment approach?

Since Ventec prefers to have local teams on the ground in their primary markets, they often collaborate with local funds in regions where they don't have a presence. This strategy helps them to source deals effectively while ensuring that they maintain strong connections within the local ecosystems.