This year, we’re thrilled to unveil the 3rd annual Vertical SaaS 50, in partnership with Avid, Headline, and Bain Capital Ventures.
As with last year’s inaugural list, we compiled a set of the most compelling companies based on submissions and conversations with founders and investors. We then further narrowed down the candidates by stage (pre-seed through Series A), geography (North America), funding history (less than $25M raised) and momentum.
Over the past three years, vertical software has undergone a massive evolution—none more dramatic than what we’re seeing today with the rise of vertical AI. We’re witnessing unprecedented growth across industries, including those historically resistant to digital transformation. At Avid, we’ve seen this firsthand with companies like Basis - at Headline, it’s Heidi Health and at BCV, Lightsource is leading the way.
The first wave of AI tools found traction in desked industries like legal, where knowledge work could be more easily abstracted. But what’s most exciting about this year's VSaaS 50 is the emergence of AI-powered software in deskless, high-touch industries—utilities, energy, biotech, supply chain, manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond. These are sectors where software adoption has traditionally been slow, yet the impact of AI + vertical SaaS is proving transformative.
As software becomes cheaper and more accessible, we believe the most valuable platforms will win by driving industry-specific workflows, vibrant user communities, and world-class GTM execution. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to serve industries hungry for modernization—by earning their trust through thoughtful, purpose-built products.
This year’s Vertical SaaS 50 highlights the companies we believe are poised to become category-defining leaders in the industries that need them most. If you’re building the next generation of Vertical SaaS and Vertical AI solutions please email taylor@headline.com, zeeza@avidventures.com or cmelaskyriazi@baincapital.com, we’d love to chat.
Written by Taylor Brandt, Partner at Headline, in collaboration with Zeeza Cole, Partner at Avid Ventures.