How to tell when a SaaS startup is ready for IPO

GUEST: If you’re a founder, early employee, or investor of a growing SaaS startup, chances are that the word “Exit” has crossed your mind. Generally, you have two options: get acquired or go public. While the former has long been a viable option, the public market for SaaS businesses is relatively new. Salesforce.com was the first of its ilk to go public (in June 2004); the stock priced 30 percent above the initial filing range and ended its first day of trading up 56 percent.