Vertical SaaS companies
Software-as-a-service businesses that cater to specific industries. Predicted by David Friedberg to be a major business loser in 2024 due to the rise of custom-built software enabled by AI tools.
First Mentioned
1/6/2026, 5:05:08 AM
Last Updated
1/6/2026, 5:08:01 AM
Research Retrieved
1/6/2026, 5:08:01 AM
Summary
Vertical SaaS companies represent a specialized segment of the software industry focusing on industry-specific workflows, compliance, and operational needs. While traditionally characterized by high customer retention and deep operational embedding, the sector is currently facing significant disruption from advancements in Artificial Intelligence. According to the All-In Podcast's 2024 predictions, these companies are considered potential 'losers' as AI tools enable businesses to develop custom in-house software, bypassing traditional SaaS providers. Despite this, firms like Scale Venture Partners continue to invest in the space, viewing AI and machine learning as catalysts for 'Cognitive Applications.' The market remains robust with a projected value of $123.34 billion by 2025, supported by successful examples like Procore in construction and Veeva Systems in life sciences.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Investment Focus
Series A and Series B rounds for Cloud and SaaS infrastructure
Key Business Metric
High customer retention and high switching costs
Core Value Proposition
Industry-specific workflows, compliance requirements, and operational pain points
Primary Technological Threat
AI-enabled custom in-house software development
Projected Market Size (2025)
$123.34 billion USD
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
12.3% through 2030
Timeline
- Scale Venture Partners launches Scale Studio to analyze and benchmark SaaS-metrics like growth, efficiency, and churn. (Source: Wikipedia)
2018-01-01
- Significant venture capital activity in vertical SaaS, including Qualia's $65 million Series D and Squire's $59 million Series C. (Source: The State of Vertical SaaS (2021) - Fractal Software)
2021-12-31
- The All-In Podcast predicts Vertical SaaS companies will be 'losers' in 2024 due to AI-driven disruption and custom in-house software development. (Source: E160: 2024 Predictions! Markets, tech, politics, and more)
2024-01-01
- Projected date for the vertical SaaS market to reach a total valuation of $123.34 billion. (Source: What is Vertical SaaS? 15 Companies Redefining Industries)
2025-12-31
- End of the current forecast period for the industry's 12.3% compound annual growth rate. (Source: What is Vertical SaaS? 15 Companies Redefining Industries)
2030-12-31
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaScale Venture Partners
Scale Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in Series A and Series B rounds. Scale has invested in over 380 Cloud, SaaS, and infrastructure companies over the past 20 years. Of these investments, 159 have resulted in exits, including IPOs for companies like Bill.com, Box, DocuSign, HubSpot, RingCentral, Root Insurance, and WalkMe. Scale believes that innovations in Cloud, AI, machine learning, and data are combining to transform enterprise software and infrastructure through what the company calls "Cognitive Applications". Today, Scale continues to make early investments in markets like DataOps, DevOps, digital health, Fintech, infrastructure, open source, productivity, vertical SaaS, security, and AI-enabled apps. Scale offers a Scaling Platform that uses executive networks, go-to-market playbooks, private communities, and Scale Studio benchmarks to help startups founder-led growth to a repeatable go-to-market machine. Scale launched a data-product, Scale Studio, in 2018 to analyze and benchmark SaaS-metrics “Vital Signs” like: growth, efficiency, churn and burn. Scale is based in Foster City, California.
Web Search Results
- Top 18 Vertical SaaS Ideas - Fuzen
Vertical SaaS companies can offer advanced features and customizations that general software can't match. This leads to increased efficiency and better outcomes for users. Some of the successful examples of Vertical SaaS companies include Shopify for e-commerce, Procore for the construction industry, and Veeva Systems for the life sciences sector. These companies have thrived by providing solutions that directly address the specific needs of their respective industries.
- Top Vertical SaaS Companies to Know Today - 733Park
Vertical SaaS companies that solve real problems, retain customers, and scale with discipline are in high demand. Founders exploring a strategic exit, growth partnership, or acquisition should work with an advisor who understands the market. 733Park specializes in vertical SaaS M&A and growth advisory. We help founders plan ahead, engage the right buyers, and drive high-value outcomes through a focused, hands-on process. [...] Top vertical SaaS companies solve problems that are specific to one industry. Their products reflect how users actually work, with features built around core workflows, compliance needs, and real operational pain points. Retention is a key strength. Long-term contracts, high switching costs, and tailored service drive loyalty. The strongest companies become embedded in their clients’ operations, powering essential day-to-day functions. ## Why Vertical SaaS Outperforms Horizontal Platforms [...] Investor interest in vertical SaaS remains strong, especially in platforms that show consistent growth, high retention, and clear market leadership. Many companies are moving beyond pure software and into financial services, data products, and industry-specific automation.
- Software Is Dead? Not So Fast — Vertical SaaS Is Thriving - Medium
## Vertical SaaS in Action: Real-World Examples Abstract arguments aside, let’s talk concrete examples. Vertical SaaS is not a theoretical concept — it’s happening, across many industries, with impressive results. A tour of today’s market shows thriving vertical software companies in sectors that range from agriculture to aerospace. These aren’t niche lifestyle businesses; many are unicorns and even decacorns reshaping their respective industries. Let’s highlight just a few: [...] The success of these real-world examples dispels the notion that software has become a commodity. On the contrary, it shows software is segmenting into higher-value, customized offerings. Vertical SaaS companies often start by solving one acute workflow problem in an industry, then expand into adjacent needs, layering more value. For instance, Benchling (a biotech lab software startup) began as a digital lab notebook for scientists and grew into a broader R&D data platform now used by hundreds [...] reinvention. Vertical SaaS, by contrast, usually earns its expansion through credibility in the niche. When you solve a hard problem for an industry, your customers trust you to tackle the next one. This dynamic is why vertical SaaS businesses can sustain high growth for long periods and command loyalty that any generic software would envy.
- What is Vertical SaaS? 15 Companies Redefining Industries
This industry-specific approach is paying off. The vertical SaaS market is projected to reach $123.34 billion by 2025, driven by companies aiming to deliver deeper value and specialized functionality to their customers. With a compound annual growth rate of 12.3% through 2030, it’s no surprise that vertical SaaS has become one of the most attractive models for both startups and investors. [...] Vertical SaaS platforms, on the other hand, focus on a single industry or market segment. Every feature, workflow, and integration is designed specifically for that niche. For example, Procore is purpose-built for construction teams, while Clio serves legal professionals with features like document versioning, time tracking for billable hours, and court deadline management. This focused approach brings some major advantages. Vertical SaaS solutions typically: [...] # What is Vertical SaaS? 15 Companies Redefining Industries Dayana Mayfield SaaS The SaaS landscape is rapidly evolving, and one of the most significant shifts is the rise of vertical SaaS—cloud-based software designed for specific industries. Unlike horizontal SaaS, which offers broad solutions across sectors, vertical SaaS focuses on the unique needs, compliance requirements, and workflows of a single niche.
- The State of Vertical SaaS (2021) - Fractal Software
IPOs of vertical SaaS companies like Blend, Procore, and Toast are proof of the massive upside for companies building industry-specific software. [...] A substantial amount of VC dollars flowed into early- and mid-stage vertical SaaS companies this year, too. Qualia, a real estate software provider founded by Fractal co-founder Nate Baker, raised a $65 million Series D that officially tipped the company into unicorn territory. Squire, a software platform for barbershops, raised a $59 million Series C just months after closing a $34 million Series B. On the earlier side of the fundraising spectrum, Cents, a laundromat SaaS provider, hauled in [...] These examples highlight the appetite for vertical SaaS companies along three primary vectors: private equity or financial acquisitions; strategic acquisitions by vertical SaaS unicorns; and strategic acquisitions by horizontal SaaS companies. This is good news for vertical SaaS founders and their investors, who have several M&A options to realize a meaningful exit as an alternative to an IPO.