Lucas Lovell of Paddle: Scaling SaaS with Merchant of Record
In this episode of Software Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Lucas Lovell, VP of Product at Paddle, to discuss how SaaS companies can simplify global expansion and compliance through the Merchant of Record (MOR) model. Lucas shares his fascinating journey from studying law in Australia to co-founding a multilingual customer support startup in Paris, and eventually joining Paddle in London. Over the past four years, Lucas has played a pivotal role in scaling Paddle’s product and engineering teams while driving innovation in the SaaS payment landscape.
Lucas delves into the challenges SaaS founders face when expanding internationally—ranging from sales tax compliance to localizing pricing and payment methods—and explains how Paddle’s all-in-one billing platform helps companies overcome these hurdles. He highlights the importance of thinking strategically about payments as a growth lever and shares actionable insights on tailoring pricing models to match local purchasing power.
Whether you're an early-stage founder or leading a mature SaaS company, this episode is packed with practical advice on navigating global markets, leveraging AI-driven growth, and staying ahead of evolving consumer protection regulations. Tune in to learn how Paddle empowers SaaS businesses to scale faster and focus on what matters most: building great products and serving their customers.
- Transitioning from law to tech: Lucas’s journey from legal studies to SaaS entrepreneurship.
- The rise of Paddle: How the company grew from 100 employees to over 300, including its acquisition of ProfitWell in 2022.
- What is Merchant of Record (MOR)? Simplifying global payments, compliance, and tax filing for SaaS founders.
- Localization strategies: Why offering local currencies and payment methods boosts conversion rates by up to 10%.
- Pricing models for SaaS: The shift toward value-based and consumption-based pricing in AI-driven markets.
- Regulatory challenges: Navigating sales tax compliance, privacy laws, and subscription billing regulations like the FTC's click-to-cancel rule.
- AI's impact on SaaS growth: How verticalized AI applications are reshaping industries and accelerating innovation.
- Advice for global expansion: Lucas’s tips for prioritizing markets, addressing localization nuances, and leveraging payments as a growth lever.
- Scaling responsibly: Balancing operational efficiency with customer experience when entering new regions.
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Lucas delves into the challenges SaaS founders face when expanding internationally—ranging from sales tax compliance to localizing pricing and payment methods—and explains how Paddle’s all-in-one billing platform helps companies overcome these hurdles. He highlights the importance of thinking strategically about payments as a growth lever and shares actionable insights on tailoring pricing models to match local purchasing power.
Whether you're an early-stage founder or leading a mature SaaS company, this episode is packed with practical advice on navigating global markets, leveraging AI-driven growth, and staying ahead of evolving consumer protection regulations. Tune in to learn how Paddle empowers SaaS businesses to scale faster and focus on what matters most: building great products and serving their customers.
- Transitioning from law to tech: Lucas’s journey from legal studies to SaaS entrepreneurship.
- The rise of Paddle: How the company grew from 100 employees to over 300, including its acquisition of ProfitWell in 2022.
- What is Merchant of Record (MOR)? Simplifying global payments, compliance, and tax filing for SaaS founders.
- Localization strategies: Why offering local currencies and payment methods boosts conversion rates by up to 10%.
- Pricing models for SaaS: The shift toward value-based and consumption-based pricing in AI-driven markets.
- Regulatory challenges: Navigating sales tax compliance, privacy laws, and subscription billing regulations like the FTC's click-to-cancel rule.
- AI's impact on SaaS growth: How verticalized AI applications are reshaping industries and accelerating innovation.
- Advice for global expansion: Lucas’s tips for prioritizing markets, addressing localization nuances, and leveraging payments as a growth lever.
- Scaling responsibly: Balancing operational efficiency with customer experience when entering new regions.
Subscribe Now
Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to *Software Spotlight* on your favorite podcast platform or visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe
Join Our Newsletter
Get actionable insights delivered straight to your inbox every two weeks. Subscribe at [softwareoasis.com/subscribe](https://softwareoasis.com/subscribe) for exclusive content from industry leaders like Lucas Lovell.
Why Subscribe?
Stay ahead with expert advice on SaaS trends, market strategies, and career growth tips tailored for tech professionals.
Creators and Guests
Host
Michael Bernzweig
Michael Bernzweig is a tech entrepreneur and podcast host. He founded Software Oasis in 1998, pioneering software distribution. Now, he connects businesses with top tech consultants and hosts the Software Spotlight, Career Spotlight, and Consulting Spotlight podcasts, providing valuable insights to professionals.
Guest
Lucas Lovell
Lucas Lovell is Director of Product at Paddle, specializing in global SaaS expansion, AI-driven payments, and localization strategies. With entrepreneurial roots in Australia and France, he excels in scaling startups internationally.
