Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners, shares a clear message for growth-stage CEOs in 2025: focus on what you can control, and build for durability. In this solo episode, Chris breaks down insights from Edison's annual meeting and latest Growth Index report to explain why sustainable, cash-efficient businesses are outperforming those chasing headline valuations.
From managing investor expectations to rethinking working capital strategy, Chris outlines what separates top performers from the rest, and why free cash flow and capital discipline are now at the heart of lasting success.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why durable growth matters more than hypergrowth in today's market
What investors look for beyond the rule of 40
How working capital efficiency can boost your company's valuation
What mistakes SaaS leaders are still making with profitability metrics
How to create long-term value by charging smarter and planning better
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:59) How media impacts market confidence
(02:25) Focus on what you can control
(03:19) What durable growth really looks like
(04:58) Using the Growth Index to benchmark success
(06:47) Common cash flow mistakes in SaaS
(08:31) The truth behind adjusted EBITDA metrics
(10:14) Pricing strategies that boost long-term valuation
