How Ben Grozier Built ClassCover: Startup, SaaS & EdTech Lessons | Ep 312 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Ben Grozier, Co-Founder and CEO of ClassCover and Director of EPC Sports, joins Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, to share the story behind one of Australia's leading EdTech platforms. Drawing on his experience as a professional tennis coach, teacher and entrepreneur, Ben reveals how a simple frustration within the education sector evolved into a technology business used by thousands of schools. This episode explores software product development, startup validation, SaaS growth, product leadership and scaling technology businesses, offering practical lessons for founders, product managers and business leaders.

Ben explains how ClassCover was born after witnessing the inefficiency of schools relying on endless phone calls to secure casual teachers. He reflects on building the first version of the platform in 2011, admitting that instinct played a greater role than formal product validation in the early days, while highlighting the importance of timing, trusted partnerships and learning directly from customers. Andrew and Ben discuss why founders must own the product vision, create clear workflows and prioritise the right features, ensuring developers have the direction needed to build software that solves genuine business problems.

The conversation also explores why launching a lightweight minimum viable product and building strong customer relationships remain essential for long-term success. Ben shares how reserving budget for sales, marketing and customer feedback allowed ClassCover to evolve through real-world use rather than assumptions. Together, Andrew and Ben discuss the value of listening to customers, earning trust through hands-on support and maintaining realistic expectations as startups grow through continuous iteration instead of chasing rapid, unsustainable growth.

Ben offers valuable insights into scaling a SaaS business, particularly the realities of selling to enterprise and government customers where procurement cycles can span many years. He introduces the concept of "runway resilience", explaining why sustainable revenue from customers within a founder's control creates the stability needed while larger contracts progress. The discussion also covers leadership, highlighting the importance of focusing on high-impact work, creating psychologically safe teams and embracing vulnerability, curiosity and continuous learning throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Looking ahead, Ben shares ClassCover's vision of becoming the leading professional platform for educators by expanding into recruitment, professional development, networking and additional education services. Rather than spreading resources across multiple industries, ClassCover continues to deepen its expertise within education, strengthening its value for teachers and schools alike. Andrew concludes by reinforcing that enduring technology companies are built through deep industry knowledge, meaningful customer relationships and a commitment to evolving alongside the people they serve.

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