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Read more about the Main Insight Events in the Nordics, North America, Benelux and DACH.
Tech should make us better at what we already do best."
In a fast-moving landscape, technology should never outpace purpose. Jason Raats, newly appointed Lead Product, Tech & AI in the Performance Excellence team, has been instrumental in building Main’s Market Intelligence practice from the ground up. In this edition of Working at Main, Jason reflects on how his technical background, data-driven mindset, and curiosity have shaped his journey, and how Main’s commitment to long-term innovation has laid the foundation for its new tech and AI capability.
When Jason joined Main almost five years ago as a Market Intelligence Analyst, he saw more than just a new role; he saw the opportunity to build something meaningful from scratch.
“While my previous roles were challenging and enjoyable, I was seeking a new domain where I could apply my technical background (I studied Computer and Data Science at the Technical University of Delft) to build something long-term,” Jason explains. “Main was starting to develop its Market Intelligence role, and because we exclusively invest in software companies, it was the perfect environment to combine my interests in tech, data, and strategy.”
From the very beginning, Jason was drawn to Main’s focus on the B2B software landscape and the potential to influence investment decisions with meaningful, structured insights. “It was exciting to be able to shape how Market Intelligence could support the investment teams with not just deal sourcing and market research, but also portfolio growth, and to build that capability from the ground up.”
Jason’s growth at Main
Over the years, Jason’s role evolved as Main grew. From conducting market research and connecting with technical partners to organizing tech events and supporting portfolio teams, Jason developed a wide spectrum of skills.
“One of the most valuable lessons was learning to distinguish what really matters in a sea of data,” he reflects. “As more team members joined, my role naturally shifted toward prioritization, team development, and automation. Those experiences now help me advise portfolio companies on how to understand their customers and build better products.”
A major milestone was the development of the Pulse Platform, Main’s internal data infrastructure that integrates external data sources, automates insights, and empowers faster, smarter decision-making. “Building that platform helped us scale rapidly while maintaining quality. It’s now a core part of how our investment teams operate.”
Leading Tech, Product & AI
Today, Jason is entering a new chapter as Lead Product, Tech & AI in Main’s Performance Excellence team, a move that reflects both his expertise and Main’s growing focus on innovation.
“I’m excited to work closely with our portfolio companies to help them modernize their cloud infrastructure, overcome post-merger integration challenges, and innovate with AI. Our goal is to support them in building products that truly serve their customers, because in a fast-moving landscape, technology should never outpace purpose.”
He sees a clear opportunity, and responsibility, in helping teams separate hype from meaningful impact. “AI is everywhere right now, but real value comes from knowing how and when to apply it. That’s where I want to contribute most.”
Looking Ahead: AI, Efficiency, and Real Impact
As for the future of private equity? “AI will absolutely play a huge role in the next five years. It will impact how software is developed and how it delivers value to users,” Jason says. “That said, I’m also keeping an eye on emerging technologies like quantum computing and robotics. However, it may take some time for these technologies to have a noticeable impact on our focus area of B2B enterprise software companies. For all emerging technologies, it’s important to remain critical about their true added value – no need to join a hype train for fear of missing out.”
At Main, Jason plans to continue working at the intersection of tech strategy and operational excellence, both for the portfolio and within Main itself. “I’m focused not only on helping our companies scale smartly, but also on improving our internal processes. Tech should make us better at what we already do best.”
At Main you will enter a dynamic work-environment and collaborate cross-border, together with a young, ambitious and international team. Check out our vacancies to see if there's a match for you.
Due to the increase in the number of companies in our portfolio and increasingly data-driven work, we are further expanding our Market Intelligence team.
To strengthen our fast-growing operations in our office in Düsseldorf, we are looking for a new colleague with a proactive mindset and strong analytical skills to join our team as a Business Analyst.
To strengthen our fast-growing operations in our affiliated office in Boston, we are looking for a new colleague with a proactive mindset and strong analytical skills to join our team as a Business Analyst.
To strengthen our fast-growing operations at our head-office in The Hague, we are looking for a new colleague with a proactive mindset and strong analytical skills to join our team as a a Financial Fund Controller.