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Why Net Revenue Retention Matters to Software Investors

A single metric captures whether existing customers are growing or shrinking — and it tells investors a great deal.

By Priya Raman, Technology & Business Reporter

Updated 1 min read

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Why Net Revenue Retention Matters to Software Investors
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Net revenue retention measures how much revenue a software company keeps and grows from existing customers over a year, after upgrades, downgrades and cancellations. It is one of the most closely watched numbers in the industry.

How it is calculated

Take revenue from a group of customers a year ago and compare it with revenue from the same customers today.

Why above 100% matters

When the figure exceeds 100%, the existing customer base grows on its own, even before new customers are added.

What drives it

Product value that expands with use, clear upgrade paths and strong customer success teams all push retention higher.

Key takeaways

  • How it is calculated
  • Why above 100% matters
  • What drives it

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About the author

Priya RamanTechnology & Business Reporter

Priya reports on how AI, software and cybersecurity are changing the way companies operate and compete.

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