Editorial Standards

How we build trustworthy valuation guidance

SaaS Valuation publishes playbooks and calculators used by founders, operators, and advisors to make high-stakes decisions. This page explains how we research each guide, how we validate data, and what review process keeps our content accurate and useful. We prioritize clarity, defensible methodology, and founder-friendly explanations over hype or speculation.

Our research process

Each pillar or cluster guide begins with a review of published benchmarks from investor reports, public SaaS disclosures, and transaction data shared in trusted industry databases. We compare trends across ARR bands, business models, and retention profiles to identify ranges that remain stable across multiple sources. We avoid one-off anecdotes unless the data is corroborated by other evidence.

When we publish frameworks such as the Rule of 40, burn multiple, or revenue multiple ranges, we document the calculations and the assumptions that underpin them. If a metric depends on definitions that vary (for example, EBITDA vs. free cash flow), we note the trade-offs and offer guidance on which definition to use for the specific valuation context.

Fact checking & review cadence

Every resource is reviewed before publish by a valuation analyst and then updated on a quarterly cadence or when new market data materially shifts benchmarks. Articles show a “last updated” date so readers can assess freshness. If a benchmark changes rapidly, we add editorial notes explaining what moved and why.

We do not publish auto-generated filler content. Templates, checklists, and examples are written by human contributors with direct SaaS operator or advisory experience. If we reference a third-party dataset or report, we cite it within the article or in the resources hub context so readers can verify the source independently.

Author accountability

Articles list the lead author and are written under their real name. Authors have either SaaS operator experience, M&A advisory exposure, or finance leadership backgrounds. We maintain internal author bios that describe this experience and provide citations when necessary. We will expand public author pages as our contributor team grows.

If you spot an error or want to request clarification, contact us with the article URL and the specific section in question. We will confirm receipt within two business days and publish corrections alongside an update note.

Calculator methodology

Our calculators aggregate multiple valuation methods to present a defensible range. We weight revenue multiple, earnings multiple, and discounted cash flow outputs based on the company’s ARR band, growth profile, and margin structure. We also apply qualitative risk adjustments for factors such as IP ownership, customer concentration, and legal readiness. The output is a starting point for discussion—not a substitute for formal advice.

For transparency, each calculator guide includes the exact formulas and sensitivity levers used. If you are preparing for a transaction, we recommend pairing the calculator with the exit readiness and efficiency pillars to identify the operational improvements that most directly influence valuation.