TLDR: The Thing Is, Maybe 10%-15% of Venture-Backed Startups Are Still Running the 2021 Playbook. In 2024.
Key points:
- SaaS companies still running the 2021 playbook are the best of the best
- These top companies are able to secure funding and continue to grow at epic rates
In a recent article by Jason Lemkin, the discussion revolves around the fact that only a small percentage of venture-backed startups are still running the 2021 playbook in 2024. Despite a challenging period for many in the SaaS industry, the top companies are thriving and able to maintain the status quo from 2021.
The companies that can still run the 2021 playbook are considered the best of the best in SaaS, venture, and Cloud. These companies are not only growing at epic rates, but they are also acquiring significant funding that allows them to continue operating as they did in the past. While the majority of unicorns may struggle to do so, the top 20% are still able to burn through millions per month and offer competitive salaries to attract top talent.
While not every startup can fully compete with these top companies, it is essential to recognize that there is still a pocket of the 2021 playbook that exists in the industry. Software spending continues to grow, reaching all-time high rates, and the AI Boom is a reality despite some skepticism.
Ultimately, the competitive landscape remains complex, and while efficiency and cost-saving measures are important, it is crucial to understand that a subset of venture-backed startups is still following the growth trajectory of 2021. The best talent is drawn to these companies, and they continue to raise significant capital to fuel their growth and dominance in the market.
