Manuel Amor Loureda, Chief Operating Officer at Boopos, recently had the privilege of speaking at the SaaS.group event in Lisbon, where he joined an impressive group of SaaS founders and operators. This event highlighted key trends in the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the Software as a Service (SaaS) space. Manuel Amor Loureda shared his insights on the current and future trajectory of SaaS M&A, offering invaluable advice for founders navigating this evolving landscape. His expert perspective is grounded in years of experience and a deep understanding of both the strategic and operational aspects of SaaS growth.
As a leader in the industry, Manuel Amor Loureda’s focus is not just on immediate trends but also on the long-term strategy necessary for SaaS businesses to thrive. In his discussion, he emphasized the continuation of a positive trend in SaaS M&A into 2025. For companies looking to be part of this growth, Manuel Amor Loureda’s advice is clear: businesses need to prioritize both growth and profitability. This is crucial as buyers in the market are increasingly looking for companies that not only show potential for growth but also demonstrate a stable and profitable foundation.
One of the critical factors that Manuel Amor Loureda highlighted is the importance of customer and revenue retention. In the eyes of M&A buyers, these are key indicators of a company’s health and future prospects. For SaaS businesses, the ability to retain customers and maintain a steady revenue stream can make or break a deal. Manuel Amor Loureda’s insights underscore that building long-term relationships with customers is just as important as acquiring new ones, which many businesses fail to consider when scaling quickly.
In terms of the industries likely to see the most M&A activity, Manuel Amor Loureda pointed to vertical software, AI-enabled solutions, and businesses focused on improving operational efficiency, such as ERPs, CRMs, and DevOps. These sectors are poised for growth and continue to attract the attention of investors looking for businesses that offer both innovation and practical value. Manuel Amor Loureda’s focus on these key areas signals a shift towards more specialized solutions that are aligned with the demands of the modern business environment.
For SaaS founders, Manuel Amor Loureda’s message is both simple and profound: preparation is everything. He stressed the importance of organizing financials and documenting processes well in advance of any potential sale or exit. By running a business as if it were to be sold tomorrow, founders can avoid the common headaches that arise during the sale process. This proactive approach is not only about ensuring the business is ready for sale but also about building a sustainable company that can stand on its own, whether it’s sold or not.
Manuel Amor Loureda’s approach reflects a deep understanding of what it takes to create value in a fast-moving industry. His message is not just about the immediate future of SaaS M&A but also about creating companies that are resilient, adaptable, and primed for success in a changing market. His belief that the key to a successful exit lies in early and consistent preparation is a crucial takeaway for any SaaS founder or operator.
Throughout the event, Manuel Amor Loureda had the opportunity to network with local founders and operators, further strengthening his commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the SaaS industry. He expressed his gratitude to Anna Nadeina for organizing the event, as well as to the other participants, including Thibaut Hennau, André Gonçalves, André Moniz, Pierre Touzeau, Andre Nunes Pedro, Mónica Fernandes, and Héloïse REY, who are all contributing to the growth of the SaaS ecosystem in Lisbon. Manuel Amor Loureda’s willingness to engage with the local community reflects his dedication to not only driving Boopos forward but also to supporting the broader SaaS ecosystem.
In conclusion, Manuel Amor Loureda’s insights into the SaaS M&A landscape offer a roadmap for founders looking to navigate the complexities of the market. His focus on preparation, profitability, customer retention, and industry trends provides invaluable guidance to businesses aiming to position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond. For anyone in the SaaS industry, following the advice of leaders like Manuel Amor Loureda is an essential step in creating a lasting and impactful business.
As Manuel Amor Loureda said to the founders in Lisbon, “Happy to connect over a bica!” His approachability and willingness to share his expertise make him not just a leader in his field but a mentor to those around him, always eager to connect, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of SaaS innovators.
