The Complete Story of How Kyle Poyar Went From Studying Cities to Teaching SaaS Giants
Learn How Founders Build Their Brand, Content Strategy and Create Viral Moments.
Introduction
A guy who once wrote about climate change patterns now helps the biggest SaaS companies figure out their growth moves. No fancy Silicon Valley background. No tech startup exits. Just pure obsession with what makes companies grow.
Kyle Poyar started his journey by learning how cities deal with climate change. Then roles in paint chemistry and municipal government work - about as far from tech as you could get. But he learned something crucial from each task: how to spot patterns in complex data and turn them into actionable insights. That skill would later become his superpower in the SaaS world.
For 8 years at OpenView Ventures, Kyle literally lived in the data. Not just surface-level stuff - he went deep into the numbers that actually matter. Pricing strategies. Growth metrics. The kind of stuff most people find boring until it makes them millions.
But here's what makes Kyle's story hit different... he started sharing everything he learned online. Not in some polished, pre-packaged way. Raw, real insights about what actually works.
Growth Unhinged, his newsletter, kicked off in March 2021 with zero subscribers and pretty much - zero plans. Just Kyle, his spreadsheets, and a burning need to help founders stop guessing about growth.
But today, he's got 60,000+ people waiting for his emails every week and 77,000+ LinkedIn followers who trust his takes.
Here’s proof that people are hungry for real insights…
His breakdown of Canva's cancellation flow hit 9,206 likes and 460 comments. A post about stopping customers from leaving. Another post on his AI pricing analysis got another 3,900+ engagements. Even his customer success takes pull 2,500+ people into the conversation.
But before all this, Kyle was that guy in the room with too many questions. At Simon-Kucher, he learned how the big companies think about pricing. At OpenView, he saw how startups turn into giants. Every role taught him something about why some companies explode while others fade away.
Now, as co-founder of Tremont, he's putting all those lessons to work. But he hasn't stopped sharing. His posts break down:
- AI's impact on SaaS pricing.
- Hidden growth patterns in the data.
- Why customers actually stick around.
- What the next wave of companies is doing differently.
Here’s the best part. Nothing's theory. It's all backed by real numbers from the 1,000+ SaaS companies he's studied. When Kyle talks about pricing, it's because he's seen what works. When he spots a trend, it's because the data shows it.
Today, I'm showing you everything on:
- His founder story and why it matters (to you)
- The exact content strategy driving his growth
- How he turns complex data into engaging stories
- Where he sees the biggest opportunities hiding
- What's next for Growth Unhinged
From studying environmental adaptation to becoming LinkedIn's most trusted voice in SaaS growth - this is how Kyle built it all.
Let’s get into it...
The Founder Story
On LinkedIn today, what many people see is a guy who business leaders turn to for growth advice - a completely different person from the kid who won top honors for writing about climate change.
But back at Johns Hopkins University, Kyle Poyar had different plans. Top of his class, Magna Cum Laude, and departmental honors - Kyle wasn't just studying environmental science, he was excelling at it. His senior thesis didn't just pass; it grabbed the department's highest award.
When he landed the Ernest F. Hollings scholarship at NOAA, everyone assumed his path was set. But then, his transition from climate change to consulting was only years away.
Life has a funny way of messing up your plans. In 2009, climate legislation failed in Congress. Environmental jobs were vanishing. The economy wasn't exactly rolling out the red carpet for climate researchers.
But instead of waiting it out, Kyle made a bold move. Simon-Kucher & Partners needed someone who could analyze data and spot patterns. Sure, Kyle's patterns were usually about climate adaptation, not business growth. But of course, analytical skills are analytical skills.
For 6 years, he climbed every rung of the consulting ladder at Simon-Kucher. Started as a fresh-faced consultant in 2010, jumped to manager in 2012, and hit director by 2014. Working with pre-IPO and post-IPO tech companies taught him something crucial - success leaves patterns, if you know where to look.
March 2016 changed everything. Walking into OpenView Ventures, Kyle brought something different to the table. Not just another consultant - this was someone who saw patterns others missed.
The next few years added strong building blocks to his knowledge of how companies grow. Every project added another piece to the puzzle. Pricing strategies. Growth metrics. Sales compensation. Customer retention. It wasn't just work - it was research for what would come next.
His projects followed clear patterns…
- 31% on pricing and packaging
- 31% on product-led growth
- The rest is a mix of demand generation and sales comp strategy
Each one teaching something new about the blueprint of a company growth.
Eight years at OpenView turned Kyle into the go-to voice for growth strategy. From Director of Market Strategy to VP of Growth to Operating Partner in 2021, he didn't just climb the ladder - he redefined what each role could do.
The real gold came from the data. Over 1,000 SaaS companies shared their pricing strategies with him. Seven years of benchmark studies reveals to him patterns nobody else was seeing. When Kyle talked about product-led growth or usage-based pricing, it wasn't theory - it was backed by thousands of data points.
2020 brought Kyle another dimension of growth. As a board observer at Highspot, Kyle saw how high-growth companies make decisions from the inside. No more guessing about what worked - he was in the room where it happened.
By March 2021, the world had gone online for about a year. And while everyone else was still adapting to remote work and hoping they could go back to shaking hands over deals, Kyle launched something different - Growth Unhinged.
Growth Unhinged wasn't supposed to be a successful newsletter empire. It started simple - just sharing what he'd learned about helping companies grow.
The growth tells its own story. Zero subscribers in 2021. Hit 40,000 readers by January 2024. Crossed 50,000 by mid-year. Now sitting at 60,000+ subscribers who wait for his insights every single week.
His LinkedIn following exploded to 77,000+. Not because he was chasing numbers, but because he shared real insights that actually helped people grow their companies. 1000s of people now engage his posts every single day.
The secret wasn't complicated. Every post, every newsletter came from real experience and hard data. No fluff. No theory. Just practical insights about what actually works.
October 2024 marked his boldest move yet - co-founding Tremont. After years of studying how companies grow, Kyle stepped into the founder's shoes himself. But unlike most founders who go quiet to build, he doubled down on sharing what he learns.
Now he's taking everything he learned about growth and putting it into practice. But his plans stretch beyond just building a company. He’s also…
- Tracking how growth patterns evolve.
- Helping more companies scale effectively.
- Building a stronger newsletter community.
- Diving deeper into how AI reshapes pricing.
Well, think about it… that environmental researcher kid who studied how cities adapt to change is still studying adaptation today. Just that now it’s more about helping companies adapt to shifting markets, new technologies, and evolving customer needs.
The impact spreads wider every week. Founders don't just read his newsletter - they build strategies around it. When Kyle talks about AI's impact on pricing or why some companies grow faster than others, people listen because they've seen his insights work.
His approach to sharing knowledge hasn't changed since the OpenView days. Every insight comes from real data. Every strategy has been tested. When he surveys companies about pricing or studies growth patterns, the sample sizes are massive - we're talking 1,000+ companies sharing real numbers.
The annual SaaS benchmarks he creates are like the industry's report card, showing exactly where companies stand and where they could go. When he digs into topics like:
- Why customers actually stick around
- How AI changes pricing decisions
- Where the next opportunities hide
- What makes growth sustainable
It all comes from studying real companies and making real decisions.
His journey from environmental studies to SaaS growth expert shows something powerful - expertise isn't about following a straight path. It's about taking what you learn at each step and building on it.
These days, Kyle splits his time between growing Tremont and sharing what he learns along the way. And he's doing it while staying true to his core values. In his own words, the goal is to stay a creator, not chase influencer status. Keep things real. Help others grow.
Looking ahead, Kyle's focused on more than just growing his own ventures. He's building a new way of thinking about growth - one that's based on patterns and data rather than guesswork and gut feelings.
For Kyle, it's been quite a ride from those early days studying environmental science. But in a way, he’s still doing what he's always done - studying patterns, analyzing data, and helping others adapt to change.
The journey from climate science to SaaS growth expert wasn't planned. But that's often how the best stories work. You start in one place, life throws you some curves, and you end up exactly where you need to be.
Kyle’s LinkedIn Content Strategy
Before we get into the content strategy, his writing style is just really good.
Kyle writes like he's sharing secrets with a friend. No corporate speak. No buzzwords. Just clear insights about what's working right now. Every post follows a clear pattern:
- Hook with a bold statement
- Back it with data
- Break down exactly how it works
- End with actionable steps
# 1
Case Study Breakdowns
Kyle's case studies work because he flips the typical format on its head. Instead of long-winded company histories, he zooms in on one specific decision or feature that changed everything. His breakdowns follow a simple rule: if readers can't copy it, it's not worth sharing.
Each case study has three parts:
- The exact moment or feature that matters.
- Why it works (backed by numbers).
- How others can steal the strategy.
He doesn't just tell you what companies did - he shows you the thinking behind their decisions. When he breaks down a pricing change or a product feature, you're not just learning what worked. You're learning why it worked and how to make it work for you.
January 8, 2021 post about Product-Led Growth hiring:
(243 reactions, 38 comments, 4 reposts)
He analyzed how companies like ServiceNow and MongoDB were building PLG teams, showing exact job requirements and team structures that signal the PLG shift.
Another example dropped October 27, 2024: "ICYMI: Steal this move from Canva, it's brilliant"
(2,949 reactions, 114 comments, 61 reposts)
# 2
Data-Driven Insights
When most people share data, they just throw numbers at you. Kyle does something different - he shows you why the numbers matter.
Having surveyed over 1,000 SaaS companies, he doesn't just spot trends. He explains why they're happening and what they mean for your business.
His data posts follow a clear pattern:
- Start with a surprising number
- Explain what's driving the change
- Show what successful companies do differently
- Give readers clear next steps they can take immediately
The magic isn't in the data itself - it's in how he connects dots others miss. When he spots a trend, he digs until he finds the "why" behind it.
Take his December 13, 2024 post about GTM predictions:
(676 reactions, 139 comments, 21 reposts)
He broke down exactly how AI tools are moving beyond basic outbound emails and marketing content, backing each prediction with data from his research across hundreds of companies.
April 7, 2024 post about Customer Success:
(1,679 reactions, 136 comments, 53 reposts)
He reframed churn as a business problem rather than a CS problem, backing it with specific data points about how different departments impact retention.
# 3
AI and Future Trends
What makes Kyle's AI content different is his focus on practical impact over hype. Instead of speculating about AI's future, he breaks down exactly how it's changing business models today.
His analysis cuts through the noise to show what AI means for pricing, growth, and customer success.
Each AI post follows three principles:
- Start with the business impact
- Show how companies are adapting
- Give clear steps for what to do next
August 1, 2023 post on free-to-paid conversion:
(1,505 reactions, 147 comments, 77 reposts)
He analyzed data from 1,000+ products to show exact conversion benchmarks for different business models, from self-serve (3-5% is good) to sales-assisted approaches.
# 4
Tactical Frameworks
Most people share what to do. Kyle shows you exactly how to do it. His frameworks aren't just theoretical models - they're battle-tested strategies from studying hundreds of successful companies.
What makes his frameworks stick is their simplicity. He breaks complex business problems into clear steps anyone can follow. No jargon, no fluff - just practical steps backed by real results.
November 6, 2024 post on Product-Market Fit:
(759 reactions, 110 comments, 40 reposts)
He shared Maja Voje's framework from working with 350+ startups, breaking down exactly how companies can measure and improve their PMF.
Look at his July 9, 2020 post about customer churn:
(2,241 reactions, 208 comments, 71 reposts)
Instead of generic tips, he gave six specific actions:
- Moving from monthly to annual plans
- Improving customer onboarding
- Targeting the right customers
- Building more integrations
- Expanding use cases
- Measuring product health
# 5
Content Pillars
1. SaaS Growth Strategy
Growth isn't just about getting bigger - it's about getting better. Kyle's growth content stands out because he focuses on sustainable strategies over quick wins. Drawing from his years at OpenView and thousands of company studies, he shows what actually drives long-term success.
Every Thursday, he drops insights about how companies actually grow. Not theory - real strategies backed by data. His framework focuses on:
- Revenue optimization strategies
- Product-led growth tactics that work
- Customer acquisition methods that scale
2. Pricing Innovation
Pricing isn't just about numbers - it's about value. Kyle's become the go-to voice for SaaS pricing because he understands this better than most. Through his research and hands-on experience, he's uncovered patterns in how successful companies price and package their products.
His posts cover:
- Usage-based pricing adoption
- AI's impact on pricing models
- When and how to raise prices
Each post combines data from his research with real examples of companies making these changes work.
3. Customer Success & Retention
Customer success isn't a department - it's a key growth strategy. Kyle flips the script on retention by showing how it starts long before customers think about leaving.
Instead of generic "keep your customers happy" advice, he shares specific retention strategies:
- Churn prevention frameworks
- Success metrics that matter
- Customer journey optimization
His July 2020 post about churn proved this approach works - over 2,500 people engaged with real, actionable insights.
4. Market Analysis
What sets Kyle's market analysis apart is his focus on what's next, not just what's now. He doesn't just report trends - he explains why they matter and what companies should do about them:
- Industry shifts like AI adoption
- Competitive strategy changes
- New market opportunities
His October 2024 analysis of AI's impact on pricing models shows this in action - 3,900+ engagements because he didn't just spot the trend, he explained how to adapt to it.
Kyle’s Most Viral Moments
"*Steal this brilliant move from Canva*" (9,206 reactions, 460 comments, 269 reposts)
Kyle noticed something interesting when trying to cancel his Canva subscription – instead of making it difficult, they made it smart. His breakdown of their retention strategy struck a chord because it revealed how a simple cancellation flow could turn potential churn into long-term loyalty.
Here's why it worked:
- Opens with a "steal this" hook
- Uses concrete pricing examples ($12.95 vs $29.99)
- Shows the exact UX decisions that influenced behavior
- Breaks down the psychology behind loss aversion in detail
- Turns a potential negative (price increase) into a powerful retention strategy
- Provides a complete blueprint others could immediately copy for their own products
"We're moving away from charging for *access* to software and toward a model of charging for the *work delivered* by a combination of software and AI agents.
" (3,448 reactions, 246 comments, 209 reposts)
When everyone was talking about AI, Kyle focused on something more practical – how it's changing SaaS pricing models. Instead of vague predictions, he mapped out exactly how different industries are adapting their pricing to reflect AI's value…
- Starts with a clear market shift
- Uses Salesforce as a concrete example
- Shows specific pricing models by industry
- Explains why traditional metrics need updating
- Maps out exactly how different products can charge for AI value
- Provides a complete framework for transitioning from subscriptions to usage-based pricing
"ICYMI: Steal this move from Canva, it's brilliant." (2,949 reactions, 114 comments, 61 reposts)
Kyle took his viral Canva analysis deeper, adding new insights about how smart UX design and pricing psychology work together. This wasn't just a rehash – it added layers to the original insights. And yes, the post has worked before - it can work again…
- Built on previous viral content
- Shows real retention numbers
- Makes UX principles practical
- Connects pricing to user psychology
- Breaks down complex strategies into simple steps
- Provides a complete playbook for improving cancellation flows
"Let's stop calling churn a Customer Success problem 🙅♂️" (2,241 reactions, 208 comments, 71 reposts)
Instead of blaming CS teams for churn, Kyle showed how retention is a company-wide responsibility. He backed it with real data from portfolio companies that solved their churn problems…
- Uses real company data
- Challenges common wisdom
- Shows concrete success metrics
- Maps the entire customer journey
- Provides six specific, actionable solutions
- Transforms a departmental issue into a strategic advantage
"99% of SaaS companies say they're focused on their ICP..." (1,816 reactions, 208 comments, 93 reposts)
Kyle exposed the gap between claiming ICP focus and actually having it. Instead of vague advice, he provided specific metrics companies could use to measure their ICP focus.
Here's why it worked:
- Opens with a provocative stat
- Provides practical benchmarks
- Shows clear measurement tools
- Breaks down implementation steps
- Maps out a complete ICP strategy
- Transforms an abstract concept into measurable actions
Wrap Up
Here's what makes Kyle different - he turns complex business decisions into clear action steps. He doesn't just explain what works - he shows you exactly how to make it work.
Now, here's what you can do:
- Start posting on LinkedIn
- Study what exactly works
- Back claims with data
- Make it actionable
Until next Wednesday,
Keep growing.
Learn How Founders Build Their Brand, Content Strategy and Create Viral Moments
Each week, I breakdown a founder brand, their journey and how you can weave their strategies into yours.
About the author
I'm ANDREW MCGUIRE
SaaS Pipeline Strategy Consultant
I'm helping SaaS Founders build their founder brands and create a pipeline strategy that actually works—by applying what I've learned doing this at SaaS companies for the past 15+ years.
Now, I'm living in Bend, Oregon where I take advantage of all the outdoor adventures.
If you can't find me, I'm probably doing an X3Bar workout, sweating in a sauna or freezing in a cold plunge.
Now I'm on a mission to help you understand pipeline strategy tactics and how founders build their brands on LinkedIn.
Connect with Me Here: