SaaS Financial Model Training Videos

Model architecture

Forgotten which sheet is which?

There is a very quick overview of each of the 29 sheets in the SaaS model. I’ve mapped them out just in case it is useful when checking out the videos!

CHECK OUT THE SHEETS

Overview

• The first video in the SaaS financial model explains the basic modelling concepts.
• Boring I know, but important to understand exactly what to do and what not to do as it will save you time in the long-term!

This includes:

• Formatting
• Sparklines
• Columns
• Grouping
• Navigation

Overview

• I’m going to give you my thoughts on how I would approach filling in the model. If you have never used a huge template like mine or have much financial modelling experience, this will really help you to understand what you should be doing.
• It’s important to internalise that this model will feel overwhelming to you at the start. You just need to start and keep learning more details over time. Eventually, it will make more sense to you.
• Understand that my models have facilitated learning experiences, not a destination you want to get to ASAP because “an investor wants one”.

Read

• I highly recommend reading this blog if you have not already How to fill in a financial model template
• I don’t care how senior you are, you’ll learn at least one new thing. You have to do the exercise that I explain in order to triangulate (as I will constantly reiterate to you in the videos).

Overview

• Learn how to use basic vs. detailed functionality built into the model
• I give you options depending on the level of detail that you want to get into

Overview

• I invented a structure that allows you to update the model with Actuals for 11 months without having to change a tonne in the model (joy!)
• You input your financials in here
• Only two numbers (clients/revenue) filter into the forecast model

Overview

• If you have a lot of annual contracts then you need to decide how to forecast them
• This sheet lets you deal with your annual contracts
• This may mean nothing to you, but if you have a lot of ARR you’ll know why this matters!

Overview

• Very little to do in this sheet other than set some assumptions such as discounts

Overview

• Nothing to do in this sheet other than look at it.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course. 

Overview

• The depreciation and tax sheet enables you to do funky calculations assuming you are profitable.
• The title says D&A and tax. There is no amortisation in my model because it is irrelevant to startups. I’m just used to calling it D&A because I was a banker.
• You don’t have to do anything if you don’t understand the sheet.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• The KPI sheet is super useful to understand if your model and business makes sense.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course. In the basic version, I’m going to talk about thinking about using KPIs. The old one is a bit nerdier.

Overview

• How are you going to use the funds? What is your runway? We are going to go through this sheet briefly so you understand how to use it. When you have completed your model, you can use this sheet to calibrate the raise you need and runway.
• If you want a ‘little’ more detail you can read and watch the video my runway calculator page.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• They are charts 😉

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• Another ways at looking at revenue.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• This is one of the most important sheets in the model
• Pay a lot of attention to it

Overview

• Set the pricing in your model

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• If you have expansion revenue, it is dealt with in here

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• If you have professional services, you include them in this sheet

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• All calculations. You can ignore unless you want to learn.

Overview

• The staff sheet is the core expense sheet in the model. It enables you to do quite a lot, but also simply. Most of the sheet is for the various departments you have.
• The end allows you to add the various costs that you will have, which are mainly staff-related. Included are also the other general costs.

Overview

• This sheet comprises of automated staff calculations and your other costs.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• We deal with the main marketing sheet

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.
• I built in a market saturation function which most people won’t use. If you really need me to explain, ask.

Overview

• Core marketing sheet if you pay to acquire customers
• Also simple assumptions for organic users

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• If you do email marketing as a user growth channel

Overview

• Sheet for blogging and social media user acquisition.

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• Some companies have channel partnerships on a CPA/CLP basis. Set how you acquires customers in this sheet
• Note that this sheet is dealt with a little differently than others due to the CPA part (It sort of skips a normal funnel… and yes, it was a pain to figure out the logic)

Note

• I’m reusing an old video from the original course.

Overview

• Added on checking the model (Please read below)

Note

• I made this for the ecommerce model and can’t see I did for SaaS. So stuffing it here in case learnings are transferable to this model
• “This is the last video. I’ve sort of covered this in previous videos, but we will briefly go through some sense checks you should do to ensure you don’t send something to investors that make you look dumb (assuming you are raising- the model isn’t just for VC addicted startups).”