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Ryan Baker
Formerly Co-founder & CEO of Timely (acquired by EverCommerce). Now investing in and advising founders.
Ryan Baker is a prominent figure in the tech startup and investment space, particularly focused on B2B SaaS companies. Here's an overview of his background and current roles:
Professional Experience
Co-founder and Former CEO of Timely: Ryan Baker co-founded Timely, a booking and payments software company for the beauty and wellness industry. He served as CEO for nearly a decade, growing the team to 135 employees and working with thousands of customers globally. Timely was acquired by EverCommerce in July 2021.1
Current Investment and Advisory Roles: After his tenure at Timely, Baker has transitioned into investing in and advising early-stage B2B SaaS startups. He is currently involved with several companies:
- Investor/Adviser at Loaded: A software solution for the hospitality industry, helping manage revenue, labor, and cost of goods.1
- Investor/Adviser at Aeroplanned: A resource planning software tailored for flight schools.1
- Investor at Tractor Ventures: Provides revenue-based financing for AU/NZ-based tech startups.1
- Investor at aglow: A beauty industry membership platform that recently raised $1.25 million.2
Education and Skills
Baker holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Otago, completed between 1996 and 1998. His skill set includes expertise in SaaS, startups, and business strategy.3
Investment Philosophy
Ryan Baker is known for backing founders who have deep industry knowledge and are solving day-to-day problems in niche markets. He particularly focuses on B2B SaaS startups that address specific industry challenges.1
Recent Investment: aglow
In August 2024, Baker invested in aglow, a Sydney-based tech startup that provides a membership revenue model for the beauty industry. This investment aligns with his background in beauty-tech from his time at Timely.2
Ryan Baker's experience as a successful entrepreneur in the beauty-tech space, combined with his current focus on investing and advising, positions him as a valuable asset to the startups he supports, particularly in the B2B SaaS sector.