Upliift, the permanent equity partner dedicated to niche European software businesses, is delighted to announce the first appointments to our Advisory Board of seasoned European software operators. This group of outstanding senior leaders have broad coverage across European geographies, functions and verticals,  plus a vast range of experience across the spectrum of market sizes from SMB through to mid-market and enterprise. The Advisory Board serves as an important resource to our team and portfolio CEOs, giving unparalleled access to guidance,  coaching, and expertise.

Initial Advisors:

Bernd Mährlein, Germany

Bernd is a seasoned revenue leader with a proven track record in establishing and expanding European operations for US and Israeli technology companies. Currently, he collaborates with select SaaS start-up CEOs to build and evolve their Go-to-Market operations.

Jessica Venturini, Italy

Jessica brings more than 20 years of Go-to-Market experience in the software and services industry.  After starting her career in global corporations like Siemens and Yahoo!, Jessica was part of the leadership team at Board International. In her various roles, Jessica has developed and executed growth strategies through international expansion, business development and sales excellence, creation of strategic alliances and customer success.

Onno Krap, Netherlands

Onno is an International Finance Executive (CFO) with an extensive experience in public, private as well as PE backed companies. He was previously CFO of Kinly Holding BV and prior to this CFO of Exact Software BV.

Phill Robinson, UK

Phill is one of the most accomplished Chair person, CEO, and Non-Executive Board Member in the European software industry. Recently he founded Boardwave, a powerful community of European Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs and investors. Prior to this he was CEO at Exact Software (NL) and IRIS Software (UK).

Pietro Ferrari, Italy

Pietro brings more than 20 years of software experience as a technologist. Formerly Chief Technology Officer at Board International where over the course of his tenure, he led the team through major technology transitions such as the advent of in-memory computing, the shift to the Cloud and SaaS model.

Sion Lewis, UK

Sion has considerable leadership and management experience in growing successful SaaS businesses in Europe, including as CEO of Ciphr, GM EMEA at GoTo, and CEO of Accountancy and Education divisions at IRIS.