SaaStr CEO and Founder Jason Lemkin discussed the state of SaaS, AI, and venture funding in 2025.Growth is prioritized over profitability in today's market; companies are valued based on growth multiples.AI-native companies are seeing easier fundraising due to their growth rates and innovation.SaaS companies are either experiencing rapid growth or stagnation, with little in between.Founders are advised to slow down the VC funding process and show thoughtful execution.Hiring the right first sales rep is crucial for accelerating growth from $1M to $3M+.AI is dominating VC funding in 2025, making it essential for startups to have an AI component.Efficiency matters, but growth remains the top priority for companies like Shopify and PagerDuty.AI-driven companies like Cursor AI and Wiz are showing exceptional growth rates.Raising funds without a strong AI focus is challenging; personalization and AI curiosity are key for successful fundraising.The sales and marketing playbook is evolving, emphasizing the importance of strategic hiring and adapting to new market dynamics.