Quick definition · 2 min Builder & startup term

SaaS

SaaS (software as a service) is software you pay for by subscription and use in your browser, instead of buying and installing it.

Think of it like

Renting vs owning. You pay monthly for access, always up to date, instead of buying a boxed copy.

Example

Netflix, Notion, and most AI tools are SaaS: a monthly fee for ongoing access.

Why it matters

SaaS is the default business model for software, including most AI products. The acronym is everywhere.

Where you’ll see it
NotionFigmamost AI tools
Next step How SaaS makes money: AI Business → Pricing, growth, and monetization.
Related terms
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