Discern is a performance analytics and benchmarking platform for SaaS and software companies, offering real-time, system-validated benchmarks and deep analytics to help organizations understand and contextualize their business performance. Discern enables companies to compare their own operational data against up-to-date industry benchmarks, providing critical context for decision-making in a rapidly changing SaaS landscape.
Discern addresses the challenge that many SaaS operators face: understanding whether their metrics are strong, weak, or typical compared to the broader market. Unlike traditional benchmarks—often outdated and released annually—Discern delivers fresh, actionable insights by directly collecting and validating data from participating companies' systems. This allows executives and operators to react quickly to market shifts, optimize business efficiency, and present more compelling narratives to boards and investors.
Their platform is used by a range of SaaS and software-driven organizations, from scale-ups to established players. Notable customers include VTS, ScalePad, Lansweeper, PSPDFKit, Extole, LSpedia, Comply365, Dotmatics, Viz, Clarify, within3, Colab, theator, snappt, trgscreen, drivewealth, and chatmeter. These companies leverage Discern for board preparation, investor presentations, and strategic planning, ensuring their decisions are supported by both internal performance data and reliable, real-time market comparisons.
How was Discern started?
Discern was founded by a team with extensive experience in data analytics, SaaS operations, and software leadership. Key founding members include Kevin Gould (Co-founder and President of IHS Markit), Daniel Guetta (Professor and Director of the Columbia Data Analytics Initiative), Bill Farbach (CFO of Facet Wealth and other SaaS firms), Bob DeSantis (President & COO of Conga), Pablo Dominguez (Operating Partner), Aaron Kennedy (VP of Operations at ScalePad), Dave Frignoca (CRO at Lansweeper), Sam Fleder (COO at PSPDFKit), Rob Costanzo (CFO at Extole), and Riya Cao (CEO at LSpedia). This diverse team brings together expertise in both building software businesses and advanced analytics, underpinning Discern’s credibility in the space. Learn more about the team on their About page.
Who uses Discern?
Discern primarily serves SaaS companies and software-driven businesses seeking to benchmark their performance and make data-informed decisions. Their customer base spans growth-stage startups to mature software organizations, especially those preparing for board meetings, investor pitches, or strategic shifts. Companies like VTS, ScalePad, Lansweeper, PSPDFKit, and Extole use Discern to gain clarity on how their metrics stack up against real-time market data.
What makes Discern different?
Discern stands out by providing real-time, system-validated benchmarks rather than relying on static, infrequently updated industry reports. Their platform integrates directly with company systems to validate data accuracy and ensure benchmarks reflect current market dynamics. This approach enables faster, more confident decision-making and gives SaaS leaders a more accurate picture of their position in a shifting industry.
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