Vincent Monteparte and MBA Student Sameer Thapa Co-Author Research on How AI Is Reshaping SaaS Valuations

Vincent Monteparte, a Graziadio board member and Executive MBA alumnus (MBA '21) of Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, and Full-Time MBA student Sameer Thapa have co-authored a new three-part research series examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the valuation of Software as a Service (SaaS) companies and redefining deal activity across the middle market.

The series analyzes recent SaaS transactions to explain why some companies are seeing declining valuations while others are reaching record prices as AI capabilities become a key differentiator for investors. The research also explores how the industry is shifting away from traditional subscription models toward new AI-driven systems.

The first installment of the series looks back at market trends through 2025, identifies a new valuation standard for SaaS companies, and highlights which types of firms are struggling to keep pace with evolving investor expectations. The research suggests that companies relying heavily on traditional subscription models may face increasing pressure as the industry shifts toward AI-enabled platforms.

Part two of the series explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence on SaaS valuations. The authors analyze how AI integration is creating significant differences in company performance, helping some firms achieve premium valuations while others face steep market discounts.

The final installment presents a forward-looking playbook for founders and investors. It outlines strategies for adapting business models to AI-driven systems while examining potential challenges as the market evolves, including the "physical ceiling" of AI growth, such as energy bottlenecks and data center constraints that could shape SaaS profitability in 2026.