The corporate world can be thrilling, but for many executive women in tech, it comes with its own set of limitations. Long hours, endless meetings, and often feeling like their potential isn’t being fully realized. Sound familiar?

If you’ve been daydreaming about building something of your own, something scalable and meaningful, you’re not alone. 

I’ve seen an increasing trend among executive women in tech who are using their skills to start SaaS (Software as a Service) businesses as side hustles. These ventures offer flexibility, financial independence, and a chance to create something that truly matters.

In this article, I’ll walk you through why SaaS businesses are an ideal side hustle for executive women, how they can lead to financial independence, and how to overcome the common barriers to starting. By the end, you’ll see why so many women in tech are embracing this path—and how you can too.

1: Why SaaS Businesses Are Perfect for Women in Tech

SaaS businesses have unique advantages that make them especially appealing to executive women in tech.

Flexibility Fits Your Lifestyle

Unlike many traditional businesses, SaaS ventures can be built incrementally. You don’t need to quit your job or invest endless hours upfront. 

One of my clients managed to start her SaaS business while working full-time at a leading tech company. She dedicated just five focused hours each week and launched her MVP (Minimum Viable Product) within six months.

Scalability is Built In

SaaS businesses can grow without requiring a proportional increase in effort. Once the software is developed and validated, it can serve thousands—or even millions—of users without additional manual input. 

This scalability means your business can grow alongside you, offering a substantial revenue stream with minimal ongoing involvement.

You’re Already Equipped with the Skills

As an executive woman in tech, you already have the leadership, problem-solving, and tech-savviness required to build a SaaS business. The gap isn’t in your capabilities—it’s in making the time and creating a roadmap to get started.

Action Step: 

Reflect on your expertise. What specific skills or experiences could you leverage to identify and solve a problem through SaaS?

2: Financial Independence Through SaaS

Revenue Potential Without a Glass Ceiling

Corporate jobs often come with capped earning potential. A SaaS business breaks that ceiling. With recurring revenue models, a well-built SaaS product can generate consistent income while scaling to meet demand.

Bootstrapping is Possible

You don’t need millions in venture capital to launch a SaaS business. Many of my clients start with lean budgets, focusing on validating their idea and building an MVP. One client launched her SaaS using a no-code platform and landed paying customers before investing in further development.

A Sustainable Backup Plan

SaaS businesses aren’t just about earning extra income; they’re a safety net. Several of my clients started their SaaS ventures while still employed, eventually transitioning full-time once their businesses were financially viable. Having this “Plan B” offers a sense of security that’s invaluable in today’s unpredictable job market.

Action Step: 

Think about a recurring problem in your current role or industry. Could this become the basis for a SaaS solution?

3: Overcoming Common Barriers

Despite the many benefits, starting a SaaS business comes with its challenges. The good news? They’re all surmountable.

Time Management

“I don’t have enough time” is a common concern. But here’s the thing: progress doesn’t require giant leaps—it requires consistent steps. 

One of my clients, Niki, launched her SaaS business while juggling a demanding 60-hour workweek at a leading tech company. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time,” she committed to carving out five focused hours per week to work on her idea. 

By following a clear roadmap and staying consistent, she successfully launched her business in just 10 weeks. Her story proves that with the right strategy and mindset, it’s possible to build a thriving SaaS business alongside a full-time job. 

Fear of Failure

Starting something new is daunting, especially when stepping outside your corporate comfort zone. But fear often fades when you have a proven roadmap. That’s where coaching can make all the difference. By providing clarity, accountability, and tools, I help my clients move past fear and into action.

Building Confidence

Many women I work with struggle with “imposter syndrome,” doubting whether their idea is good enough or if they have what it takes to succeed. This is why early validation is critical. 

Conducting customer interviews and testing ideas ensures you’re building something people want—boosting both your confidence and your odds of success.

Action Step: 

Block out one hour this week to brainstorm SaaS ideas or conduct a customer interview. Every small step builds momentum.

Why I’m Excited to Help Executive Women in Tech Build SaaS Businesses

After coaching over 1,100 executives, I noticed a pattern: the women in tech I worked with had incredible potential but often struggled to take the first step toward entrepreneurship. They faced unique challenges—balancing demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and a desire to create something meaningful.

This realization inspired me to focus my coaching practice on helping executive women in tech launch their SaaS businesses. I’ve developed a step-by-step process that simplifies the journey, from idea generation to product launch.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming: I’ve created a new coaching program tailored specifically for executive women in tech who are ready to build profitable, scalable businesses. This program combines everything I’ve learned from coaching women like you—actionable frameworks, personalized support, and proven strategies for success.

Building a SaaS business isn’t just a side hustle—it’s a pathway to financial independence, flexibility, and impact. It’s about taking your tech expertise and channeling it into something scalable, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own SaaS business but don’t know where to begin, I’d love to help. My new program, designed specifically for executive women in tech, is launching soon. Sign up for my Inbox Club to be the first to hear about it and gain early access.

Your SaaS journey starts with one step. Let’s take it together.