I surveyed 200+ founders making $1K-$100K+/month to find out how successful founders came up with their SaaS idea.

In this video I break down the 8 proven methods they used—with real examples from dozens of founders.

Spoiler: 72% found their idea through their work. Your next SaaS might be hiding in plain sight.

Links from the Pod

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

Free 9-5 Audit (find your SaaS idea at your day job)

75+ Marketplace opportunities

Get early access to my upcoming book

SaaS Launchpad

Huge thanks to all of the folks who filled out the survey!

HamiltonRock · pinggg · Opening chess trainer · Trophy Labs · Slotly · CalFull · TemplateDocs · CREflow · Siteshot Pro · Praemostro ApS · saasyDB · Parable · Glow Social · WA Reminders · GuideWhale · MySQLSync · TrakRF · PostFast · Hutch Staging · TraitLab · SavvyIdeas · Photo Studio App · OpenGraphs · AdKit · Mega Seating Plan · Vanilo · CompanyEnrich · StreamThing · Samir Alibabic · VermietAssistent · Geocodio · Explosync · PictoMento · Favourites.io · Bridify · BlueGamma · Phos Site LLC · Airsailer · WaltDesign and Development · GiveMeLeads · Builder Prime · Questo è Cheto · Tododrive · Facility Kinetics · Glacier Peak Studios · Acodei · FitscorePro · Overcentric · QuantixAI · Deductible Duck · DocuPotion · k9 Security · Buuky · ZLS.app · AFM Ventures GmbH · Deporte Virtual · GivFlow · HyperEnv · ResponseHub · RentKit · PromoPulse · Omega Benefits Inc. · Spindle · Gradsift · Prima Facie Bonkers, Inc. · Sporting Scouter · AutomatePOD · SetHero · Jenesis Software · Gentext AI · Tracker · SignWell · Prophy.ai · StructuredAF · TinyCal · Apiable Oy · Quil · Tiiny Host · Astalty · Heyo · AuthoredUp · Gobo · TimeClout · Humap · Try That LLM · BridgeCurrent · Radio Cult · ShowMojo · Stitchwork · WPConcierge · Changebot · Birgu Consulting SRL · Simplebooklet · LangFast · BizSpeed · Profitdent · StaffReservations · SkuVault · Rootabl · CheckoutJoy · Redokun · Sinosend · Huditech UG · Ask Edgar · Castos · Prokurio · Certify · Leadsie · Training Tilt · VerificationManager · Dump Truck Dispatcher, Inc. · SessionLab · BriefTech · Design Master Software · Glacier Peak Studios · Abstract Leap · Teamfluence · Launch Guardian · Cloudhooks · The INFIN · BigMailer · GoRails · Easy Tee Golf · WellFunded Philanthropy · Inbox Zero · Sonas · Tempesta Media · Plark · humadroid.io · Affable Link · StatusGator · DrawSQL · BlueGamma · StreamPilot · Bolero · Obnex Technologies AB · LazySubs · Xolution Technology · Gem Logic · Lesson Launchpad · Mawi · endless webservices GmbH · PostMentor · Retentional · OKZest · Assemblia AI · Pagedeck · On-Call Optimizer · Ostinato · Start in Wyoming, Inc. · Civic Review · Podsqueeze · Stockistly · DevZing · DropInBlog · OneAccord · Bookr · Fleetworks · OrderNerd · Fingarde Technologies Inc · Checkout Page · Flare · Parseur · SocialKit · Hovercode · DialogShift · Singing Carrots · DropEvent · Supadata · CapaPlanner · RoutineFactory · AuctionIT · Outseta · detamoov · Quill Therapy Solutions · Prism · Metro Retro / Ludi · Shrpa · DYDOMITE · EmployTest · UpSheets · Anchorpoint · T.LY URL Shortener · Reviewflowz · LinkMatch · OutboundSync · Bluite · Constructive Software · Dynamic Leads · Loadster · DrugPatentWatch · Student Voice AI · Jitbit · Nusii Proposals · Join It · Bad Statement, Inc · Upstream Edge...

SaaS is an incredible business model, with recurring revenue, high margins, and big exits. But there’s a dark side most founders don’t see until it’s too late.

In this ep, I break down the uncomfortable truths every founder should know before they dive in.

Links in the Pod:

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

MicroConf Europe September 21-23 · Reykjavik, Iceland

Rob Walling shares how he's seeing AI affect the SaaS landscape, explains why he doesn’t believe AI will ever kill SaaS, and outlines where the biggest opportunities are for ambitious bootstrapped founders today.

Links from the Pod

Watch this video on YouTube

MicroConf Mastermind Matching

Subscribe to the Rob Walling YouTube Channel

MicroConf Connect

Is learning to code still worth it in 2026?

Rob Walling breaks down what’s actually happening in the industry, why coding is still one of the highest-leverage skills you can learn, and how he’d approach learning to code if he were starting from scratch today.

Links from the Pod

MicroConf Mastermind Matching

MicroConf Mastermind Guide

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the Rob Walling YouTube Channel

SaaS Launchpad and “The DNA of a Great SaaS Idea”

Frontend Mentor

Boot.dev

In this video, Rob Walling breaks down 6 real reasons your MVP flopped from solving the wrong problem to over-promising what your product can’t yet deliver, and shows you exactly how to fix each one.

Links from the Pod

MicroConf US - Portland - Use Promocode ROB50 for $50 off

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the Rob Walling YouTube channel

SaaS Launchpad and “The DNA of a Great SaaS Idea”

The Mom Test

Rob Walling shares the Certainty vs. Uncertainty Framework, the system he’s used to build six companies and invest in over 250 startups to help you stop mistaking “busy” for “effective,” and focus on what truly drives progress.

Links from the Pod

MicroConf Europe Tickets are on Sale - Reykjavik, Iceland - Sept 21-23rd, 2026

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the Rob Walling YouTube Channel

Episode 720 | How to Prioritize Your Focus (In Both Your Startup and Personal Life)

The SaaS Playbook

Buy Back Your Time

Rob Walling breaks down the five phases of Product-Market Fit, showing how founders can identify where they are on the spectrum and what specific actions will move them forward.

Most founders think product-market fit is a switch that suddenly flips on, but it’s not!

Links from the Pod

TinySeed Application are open until 2/17/26

TinySeed Applications Live Q&A- February 11th, 10AM EST

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the MicroConf YouTube Channel

Every founder is asking the same question: “Am I falling behind on AI?”

In this video, Rob Walling breaks down the five ways startups are using AI and which ones actually work. He covers everything from using AI as your core product to leveraging it for growth and operations, including real-world examples from SaaS founders.

Can’t find a developer, and now you’re frustrated with the hiring process?

G2i gives you access to over 8,000 pre-vetted engineers ‍‍ - no AI-generated resumes, just real, experienced candidates ready to join your team.

Start your 7-day free trial at https://g2i.co/microconf and mention MicroConf for $1500 off your first invoice!

Links in the pod:

Watch this video on YouTube

Subscribe to the Rob Walling YouTube Channel

Get Your Tickets for MicroConf Europe 2026

Get Your Tickets for MicroConf US 2026

Use promo code ‘ROB50’ to get $50 off your ticket.