At Main, data is more than information: it is a strategic advantage. Nowhere is that more visible than in Market Intelligence, a team operating at the intersection of technology, research, and investing.
Bridging Data, Strategy, and Investing
Daan joined Main in September 2021, bringing a strong academic background in Data Science with degrees from TU Eindhoven and Tilburg University. Even during his studies, he gravitated toward the business-oriented side of data. “I liked using data to generate actual insights rather than focusing purely on the technical side.”
Today, Daan leads the Market Intelligence team, which provides strategic, data-driven insights to deal teams, portfolio companies, and investors. In addition, the team contributes to Main’s thought leadership and plays a key role in continuously strengthening the firm’s data capabilities across the organization.
A Strategic Function at the Heart of Main
Deep market understanding is essential for a specialized software investor – and Market Intelligence is dedicated to building exactly that. “We combine quantitative analysis with qualitative research, from expert interviews to surveys and desk research,” Daan explains.
The team supports the full investment lifecycle: from identifying attractive markets and sourcing potential targets to helping portfolio companies define and execute their growth strategies. At the same time, Market Intelligence contributes to internal efficiency by automating processes such as sourcing, outreach, and reporting, further embedding data into Main’s way of working.
AI also plays a central role within Market Intelligence. In its data and research work, the team extensively applies AI-driven solutions, largely through self-trained models and internally developed tools and workflows. As Daan says, “It is hard to say anything about this tech development if you haven’t tried it yourself, so we are actively deploying and experimenting with AI in our own processes.”
Scaling Across Regions
As Main expands across the Benelux, DACH, the Nordics, France, and the US, Market Intelligence has scaled alongside it. Based in The Hague, the team supports all offices, ranging from early-stage market exploration to advanced analysis in more established regions.
According to Daan, success in this environment requires analytical sharpness and prioritization. “You need to quickly digest a large amount of information and filter out what matters. Colleagues expect a clear expert view from us – no ifs, buts, or maybes.”
Curiosity is equally important: “We analyze many different markets and trends, so a genuine interest in how industries and businesses evolve makes a big difference.”
Maintaining Data Quality at Scale
Main’s proprietary software database, now covering around 35,000 companies, is a core asset for the firm. But with scale comes complexity.
“As Main scales, both our data and the team working with it grow,” Daan explains. “That requires a clear roadmap and governance structure: deciding which initiatives to prioritize, ensuring data accuracy via trusted validation, and integrating external sources effectively.”
AI and the Future of Enterprise Software
AI is reshaping the software landscape and is a key focus area for Market Intelligence. Daan recently co-authored Main’s whitepaper, “Why Enterprise Software Is Well Positioned to Capitalize on a New Phase of AI Driven Growth”.
While market reactions to AI developments have been strong, Daan remains measured. “I personally believe the reaction we are seeing on public markets is overstated. That said, I do believe that we will start working differently with the software systems that we are used to.”
He emphasizes that adoption is not straightforward in the enterprise software landscape: “AI needs context and guardrails and is still complex to deploy at enterprise scale. Trusted vendors that help clients in adopting smarter ways of working can significantly speed up adoption and capture value.”
For Main, this means continuously reassessing investment strategies to adapt to current trends, while staying grounded in the firm’s focus on mission-critical software.
What It Takes to Thrive in Market Intelligence
For Daan, the appeal of his role lies in the variety, pace, and impact of the work. “I rarely know what I’ll be working on next week. It’s a high-pressure environment where your input directly matters and is genuinely valued.”
That dynamic has become even more pronounced over the past year.
“Stepping into the lead role in Market Intelligence at the same time as the acceleration in AI forced us to revisit a lot of assumptions we previously held about software markets. Questions that used to be a given, like “what does the future of software look like?”, became much harder to answer, but also more relevant. I enjoy that part, as it forces us to think more openly, take a more ‘what if’ approach, and ultimately help guide colleagues on where to focus. It also means you have to get comfortable taking a stance in situations where there is no clear answer yet.”
His advice to anyone considering a role in Market Intelligence? Develop both technical and commercial skill sets. “Technology is rarely used in isolation; it always serves a business objective.”
“Deepen your technical capabilities, but also build exposure to business decision-making, strategic thinking, and investment decisions.”
