Working at Main - Jeffrey Sanya

At Main, every team member plays a valuable role in our success. Jeffrey Sanya, recently promoted to Investment Director, reflects on his journey at Main—from joining a smaller, fast-growing team to contributing to the strategic growth and success of our investment portfolio. In this edition of the Working at Main series, Jeffrey shares how responsibility, collaboration, and a clear vision have defined his career and Main's ongoing growth.

When Jeffrey Sanya joined Main Capital as Private Equity Analyst in 2017, he was drawn by more than just an ambitious job description. “What inspired me most was the entrepreneurial energy of the team and the firm’s clear focus on the dynamic and growing B2B software market,” he shares. At the time, Main was already carving out a name for itself as a long-term player with a vision to become a thought leader in its domain.

“I was looking for an opportunity to take on significant responsibility early in my career while developing a wide range of relevant skills, beyond just theoretical financial knowledge,” Jeffrey recalls. “Main’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent was a perfect fit, and I knew I’d be stepping into a firm with a real competitive edge in the market.”

Building Success from the Ground Up

Reflecting on his early days at Main, Jeffrey describes an environment that demanded creativity, initiative, and hard work. “When I started, Main was about 1/5th of its current size in terms of employees and 1/20th in Assets Under Management. We didn’t have the specialized support teams we now have, like Performance Excellence or Market Intelligence. Back then, we wore many hats and figured things out ourselves. It brought a very entrepreneurial spirit to the table and made you feel like you were truly part of building this success story.”

Now, Main has grown into a robust organization with specialized knowledge in every area critical to its success. “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. The team has expanded significantly, and with it, the resources and expertise to drive our investments forward. Personally, my role has evolved from operational execution to more strategic initiatives, like portfolio development and dealflow generation. It’s exciting to be part of shaping the long-term vision for the firm.”

As a newly promoted Investment Director, Jeffrey is justifiably proud of his contributions to Main’s growth. Next to being chairman of supervisory board of Mains portfolio company WeFact, he highlights the recent acquisition of MEGA International and Alfabet by Main’s portfolio company, Bizzdesign.

“These two acquisitions created a globally leading player in the Digital Transformation Software market,” Jeffrey explains. “It was rewarding to see how this strategic move scaled the business significantly, resulting in measurable revenue growth and a truly global presence.”

From due diligence to post-acquisition strategy, Jeffrey played a key role in driving the success of the transaction. “What I value most about these experiences is not just the deals themselves, but the relationships we build along the way. Partnering with founders and CEOs, supporting them through challenges, and helping them unlock opportunities is where the real impact lies. It’s deeply fulfilling to see these collaborations succeed.”

The Culture of Main

What truly sets Main apart, Jeffrey says, is its proactive and entrepreneurial culture. “Our investment strategy is clearly defined, and we have a deep understanding of what makes B2B software companies successful. This clarity, combined with the energy and drive of the team, creates a truly unique environment.”

One of Jeffrey’s proudest moments at Main was seeing the firm recognized as a top-performing private equity fund and the most active software investor worldwide by Preqin. “It’s not just about the awards: it’s about what they represent. They validate our belief that our investment philosophy helps software companies achieve their next phase of growth.”

Dynamism and Continuous Learning

When asked what keeps him motivated, Jeffrey points to the variety and impact of his role. “No two days are the same. Whether I’m working with software entrepreneurs, guiding management teams, or mentoring junior colleagues, there’s always something new to learn and contribute to. It’s this dynamism that keeps me energized and invested in my work.”

Jeffrey also highlights the unique position of the Benelux region. “The Netherlands is known for its technological innovation and high-ranking technical universities. It’s a hub for new software companies and a frontrunner in digital adoption within Europe. This positions Dutch companies particularly well for international expansion.”

Looking to the Future

As Main continues to grow, Jeffrey sees even greater possibilities ahead. “The future holds exciting opportunities to partner with international software companies, leveraging the experience we’ve gained over the past 20 years. With our expanding pool of talented individuals, I’m confident we’ll continue to drive success in the years to come.”

His advice for newcomers to Main? “Embrace the fast pace of change and take on as much responsibility as you can. And if you fall, which you will, fall forward. Every experience here is an opportunity to learn and grow.”