Software is the Future

Software as a Service isn’t something new. Yet it can’t be denied that it’s seen a massive boom in popularity since the 2020 lockdowns.

Companies turned to Software as a Service (SaaS) during the pandemic, and I'm guessing that more and more programs will be needed as time goes on.

Starting up a SaaS can be an overnight success in some cases. It’s simply a matter of finding a gap in the market and plugging it with your own solution.

SaaS is a term describing business applications that are delivered on a subscription basis. It's perfect if you’re looking at something that can adjust to your budget, rather than the other way around for once.

It can also be described as a cloud service that provides software applications virtually through the internet.

There are three main business models that are popular in the SaaS industry.

?? SaaS Startups → These startups offer automation of various tedious processes. Think Calendly for example. Instead of physically booking a meeting and getting put on hold for hours, it allows you to finish the process in a couple of clicks.

?? SaaS CRM Startups → These SaaS companies appeal to customers that have low-risk policies. They are subscription-based platforms offering quick deployment, always-on availability, and mobility to customers.

?? Micro-SaaS Startups →? These have small teams consisting of 1-3 members. The Micro-SaaS ideas usually cover a very niche specialization and perform a specific task such as keyword analysis for SEO.

SaaS Startups Around the World

?? Pigment is a business planning platform based in Paris that makes it a point to be suited for every industry.?

It allows you to sync data, gives you real-time reports, and helps you assign contingency plans, all within a matter of minutes

Funding: $163.9M Total Funding (Series B).

?? imBee forced itself into the marketplace when departments couldn’t figure out how to communicate effectively in a virtual environment.

From Hong Kong, the company provides conversational tools that connect multiple departments and help them engage with customers and prospects.

Funding: $5M Total Funding (Series A).

??California-based Spin Technology, an AI-powered SaaS data protection platform, is a welcome startup for industries that are wary of cyber attacks, as well as data compromises.

The software monitors and backs up G Suite, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce data.

Funding: $16.5M Total Funding (Series A).

SaaS Startups in MENA and Pakistan

SaaS startups in the MENA and Pakistan regions are ripe for picking, with startups that cater specifically to the region, and others targeting a broader client base.

?? SubsBase prides itself in being one of the former types of SaaS startups, claiming the title of the sole subscription and recurring revenue management platform catering to the MENA region.

Based in Egypt, it targets the MENA region with customized features.

Funding: $2.65M Total Funding.

?? Menaflow is a Dubai-based marketing automation software built for businesses in the Middle East.

The company has an easy setup process that connects you with several industry-first features that help you better engage with MENA region consumers.

Funding: $125K Total Funding.

?? Postex is a Pakistan-based online payment solutions service. It offers businesses payment collection for all cash on delivery orders up front and has a dashboard that monitors the status of all dispatched deliveries

Funding: $8.6M Total Funding.

A So Far Untapped Market

In the MENA region, countries are being introduced to an intangible data revolution where they had to shift their interests to digital-based from oil-based since the 2020 lockdown.

SaaS programs played a vital part in transitioning public and private sector projects into the digital age, automating tasks that would’ve needed physical interference.

It’s been reported that the cloud application services segment will total $2.3 billion by the end of 2022, accounting for 40% of the total investment made on public cloud services.

And with the rapidly increasing need to use digital alternatives, the market will only grow more relevant.

Until next time. ????