Oz Merchant

I help SaaS startups and ecommerce businesses launch & scale | Startup & Pitch Coach |
Mindset + People + Processes | Founder of ecomsellersHQ, SalesUptix, Founders Local, Wellistic.

Funding Success Formula:

10 Mindsets of Winning Founders

Are you a founder who is planning on raising money from investors?
How prepared are you?
Does your mindset support your goal of raising money?
Do you know which mindsets you need?This short guide will reveal the needed mindsets before you start your pitch. First impressions are critical when speaking to VCs. When you open your mouth you can either hurt your case or help it.Use this guide to ensure you are helping your position in front of their eyes so you get the investment you are looking for.

Get your hands on the guide

Pitch Review

Are you preparing to pitch?Would you like a professional set of eyes to review it and offer feedback?SPECIFICS:

PRICE: $200 $100

Note: All pitch deck reviews are kept confidential unless you have given me express permission otherwise.

• Let's Review Your Pitch

Services

I work with startup founders and entrepreneurs to help them gain traction and scale their businesses. See the FAQs for specifics on how I work with companies.

Read more testimonials from companies I have worked with.

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About

SaaS FOCUS:
I have nearly 2 decades of experience building and scaling six startups, some venture backed and some bootstrapped. Over that period, I've played in key executive go-to-market roles from sales, success, and marketing. I'm intimately familiar with the challenges and complexities of building out a successful SaaS business.My area of expertise is in B2B SaaS companies, with contract values that are typically $5,000 to $50,000, and sales cycles that are 90 days or less.I bring that expertise and understanding to a small number of early-stage, growth-focused B2B SaaS companies. I partner with entrepreneurs as an advisor and mentor during their growth phase.I help them lay the correct foundation for growth, see around corners, avoid expensive mistakes, and assemble world-class teams. I provide advice on the most effective and efficient way to grow top-line revenue.Most importantly I help founders prepare to pitch. Having worked with hundreds of founders on their pitches, and having helped raise $147.2M, I can help you be ready.ECOMMERCE FOCUS:
I also have extensive experience in analyzing ecommerce businesses and helping them scale and become profitable.Whether you are building an online private label brand or operating as an online wholesale reseller, I've got you covered. I will strategize with you to determine the best way to grow the business and launch new products.I will help you find funding and vet out offers to make sure you are getting the best ROI on that capital.AND MORE:
I am the Program Director for Founder Institute Raleigh (the world's largest pre-seed accelerator program).Since 2022, I've been running a practice pitch night in the Triangle, NC market. These are in-person presentations with other founders and startups helping give you feedback. This monthly event has become a staple in the community for startups. If you are in the area, please come see us. Join our Meetup to get the latest updates.

10 Facts about Me

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In the Media

FAQS

Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is an early-stage SaaS entrepreneur who is building a high-growth business. I typically define this business as having ACVs (average contract values) of $50k or less and sales cycles of less than 90 days. I prefer them to have at least $30k in MRR, though it isn't a specific requirement.

How many clients do you work with?
I keep my advising business relatively small. I typically work with no more than 3-4 companies at one time. Because of this, I require a discovery call before working together. The purpose of the discovery call is to assess mutual fit, and not to sell you on my advising services.

How long does an advising engagement last?
Most of my engagements last between 3-4 quarters, but that is not a requirement. My minimum commitment is for at least one quarter together. I always work with companies and people that I believe will be a good fit long term. My long-term job is to position you and your business to operate without my advice.

Do you have an advising "system"?
I do not. I believe that each relationship requires something very different given the age of the business, the founder, product, team, etc. My goal is not to come in and give "one-size-fits-all" advice. My goal is to listen, learn, and collect as much context as possible before making a recommendation of any sort.

How do we start the relationship?
Once we have a discovery session and believe there is a mutual fit, I simply require the first month's payment before getting started. Once that payment is complete, we schedule an initial 1-hour session to do a deeper dive into your business, set expectations, learn about specific challenges, etc.

How often do we meet?
I typically meet with each customer weekly or bi-weekly based on the package selected. The benefit of our advising relationship is that you can text or email me at your convenience. I will typically respond right away, but I also guarantee a 24-hour response. If you find yourself in a situation where you need immediate guidance and believe a meeting is the best forum, I will always work to schedule something as soon as possible.

Do you do in-person meetings?
As of right now, all of my sessions are virtual through Google Meet. If you'd prefer a phone call vs. Meet, that's absolutely fine.

How long is a session?
Advising sessions typically last 60 minutes. However, there are times when a client might need to speak with me for just 10 minutes, and other times a challenge may require the full 60 minutes. I don't run a "pay-per-minute" type of service. My goal is to provide valuable advice to my clients.

How often should I reach out?
You should reach out as often as possible. The point of our relationship is for me to provide strategic guidance when you need it. Some clients reach out once per week, while others reach out once per day. Don't be shy to text or call me.

When are you available?
I typically make myself available between 10am and 5pm ET Monday through Friday. If you need me outside of those hours, I will always do my best to free up some time to connect.

How do we schedule our sessions?
I have a very simple Calendly link that gives you access to my schedule.

How else do you help between sessions?
I can help in countless ways. On the SaaS front, we can review a plan, talk through a decision, discuss GTM strategies, pitch deck review and prep, sales and customer success playbooks, review forecasting and projections, etc.On the ecommerce front, we can also discuss new product launches, exploring new manufacturers, cutting costs in the supply chain, plan for cash flow, discuss bookkeeping and exit planning, explore other channels and global markets, etc.I also have a network of capital and funding options. I can help you find the right funding provider and assess the offers to make sure you are getting good ROI on the capital.Plus, I have several M&A partners who buy and sell ecommerce and SaaS businesses.Whether you need a microloan, invoice or revenue financing, short-term working capital, term loans, or a line of credit, I have a contact for you.I can help make introductions to my large network of operators and individual contributors. I can send interesting and useful articles, podcasts, and webinars that I believe are high quality, and much more.

If I need something in between sessions, how quickly can you respond?
I always try to have a 24 hour response time. If something requires a faster response, the best way to reach out is via text.

How can I provide you direct feedback?
You can provide feedback at any time throughout our relationship. I prefer candid, direct feedback to make sure we are working together as effectively as possible.

How much time do I have to make a decision to move forward or not?
As much as you need. There is no urgency for you to make a decision to work with me. I prefer the right founder and the right company at the right time.

What is your rate?
I offer two packages: Weekly meetings are $2,500 per month, and bi-weekly meetings are $1,500 per month. All packages come with access via phone, email, and text 10am to 5pm ET, Monday through Friday. (Note: If you are pre-revenue or funding, talk to me, in some cases, I can offer a scaled rate.)

How do I set up a call to learn more?
To get the process started, you can schedule a time to discuss your objectives with the calendar link below.

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Funding Success Formula
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