Our team is made up of seasoned operators, functional experts, and M&A professionals.
Meet the people who will put your company’s success first
Board
Primary focus: Platform and Portfolio Management
Alex brings operational experience as a full-time member of executive teams at various $50m – $2bn EV European B2B software/software-enabled services companies backed by HG, Apax, KKR, and EQT. He brings an investor and operational perspective on value creation and a playbook focused on growth – having experience across strategy, M&A, transformation, product management, pricing, and go-to-market.
Before Upliift, Alex was leading strategy, product and transformation as a member of several executive teams. This included architecting a fundamental strategic pivot, product management and go-to market transformation at Exact Software, building out the product function at capital markets data leaders, RIMES, and working with private equity firms on strategy projects at McKinsey and Company.
Alex studied at INSEAD MBA school and Oxford University, where he graduated with an MPhysPhil in Physics and Philosophy. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling, sailing and spending time with his wife and two young children.
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Primary focus: M&A
Michael brings deep experience of executing a disciplined software holding company acquisition strategy.
He spent more than 8 years at Constellation Software as the Head of M&A at one of the portfolios.
Michael led a team of investment and business development professionals based out of Europe and oversaw all aspects of the M&A process, from deal sourcing to transaction management and integration.
Outside of work, he loves to be with his family and is focused on Triathlon and CrossFit.
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Alongside his role as Non-Executive Chairman at Upliift, Oliver is the Founder and Managing Partner of Expedition Growth Capital.
Backed by some of the world’s leading charitable endowments, entrepreneurs and institutional investors, Expedition is a pan-European growth equity fund. The firm is focused on €10m-€30m investments in rapidly growing, bootstrapped software companies with leadership positions in emerging segments of business software.
Oliver was instrumental in shaping the Upliift vision and bringing this to life. Expedition and Upliift’s shared DNA enables a symbiotic appreciation for durability, growth and software operating excellence, with visibility and experience across the widest possible view of the bootstrapped European software landscape.
Oliver holds a MA in Economics and Management from the University of Oxford, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is an honorary fellow of Jesus College, Oxford.
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Advisory Board
Bernd is a seasoned revenue leader with a proven track record in establishing and expanding European operations for mostly US-based technology companies.
He currently leads the EMEA expansion for eCommerce Product Discovery Platform Constructor.io and previously built Cloud Security Scale-Up Lacework in Central & Southern Europe, following successful ventures in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for Endpoint Security Company Cybereason, as well as the Database platform MongoDB (Nasdaq: MDB).
Bernd’s software Go-to-Market career began with direct sales roles at SAP HQ and M&A data room provider Intralinks. Currently, he collaborates with select SaaS startup CEOs to build and evolve their GTM operations.
Bernd grew up playing competitive Rugby and in his free time, enjoys being immersed in the world of sports with his two kids or exploring the great outdoors with his wife and dog Wilma.
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Onno is an International Finance Executive (CFO) with an extensive experience in public, private as well as PE backed companies. Combining innovation and technology into sustainable value creation has been his passion throughout his career.
He was previously CFO of Exact Software BV (International software company headquartered in the NL) while the company was taken private in 2014 and subsequently successfully transitioned through various ownerships cycles. More recently, Onno was the CFO of Kinly Holding BV, an international visual collaboration company.
Onno is on the supervisory board of Planon BV, a truly global leading software provider for IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management Systems), serving the world’s most successful companies.
Onno lives in The Hague Netherlands, is married and has two children. Running, golf and sailing are his other occupations.
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Phill is one of the most accomplished Chairpeople, CEOs, and Non-Executive Board Members in the European software industry.
Having been most recently CEO at European software leaders Exact Software (NL) and IRIS Software (UK), Phill spent his earlier career as part of the founding EMEA Executive teams at Siebel Systems and Salesforce – during which he moved to Silicon Valley to take up the position of Chief Marketing Officer before returning to the UK.
Phill is also the Founder of Boardwave, a powerful community of European Founders, CEOs, Chairs, Independent NEDs and their investors – building strong connections that accelerate success in European software.
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Sion joined Ciphr as its CEO on 1 February 2023. Ciphr operates in the fast-growing human capital management (HCM) market and is backed by ECI.
Sion has considerable leadership and management experience in growing successful SaaS businesses, and most recently served as general manager of EMEA at GoTo, a business communications and IT support specialist and one of the world’s largest SaaS companies.
Prior to GoTo, Sion spent most of the last decade as a member of the IRIS executive team, as CEO of the Accountancy and Education divisions. IRIS is the UK’s largest privately held software company backed by Hg.
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Portfolio Team
Jidde Douma is an experienced finance leader with a broad range of experience working with scale-ups and larger companies. He has supported the growth of multiple software ventures as a fractional CFO and has a proven track record working with larger PE-backed firms, specifically in the software/SAAS industry.
Jidde combines firsthand value creation experience with a strategic view, leveraging 10+ years of driving strategic planning, M&A, post-merger integration, and pricing projects. He believes the finance function is a key enabler for a company’s growth, both limiting downside risk and facilitating strategic risk-taking.
With a master’s in accounting and control, Jidde combines his strong educational background with practical experience to drive success. He is married and has two children, with whom he loves spending time. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, drumming, and going to the gym.
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Before joining the Upliift team, Sebastien had been focusing on providing cross functional operational support to portfolio companies at Vitruvian Partners and Expedition Growth Capital.
Prior to this, Sebastien held hands-on operational roles at PE-backed software companies where he ran a portfolio of value creation initiatives focusing on GTM, pricing, and related areas.
Sebastien spent nearly 7 years as a consultant for Oliver Wyman and The Boston Consulting Group.
He holds an MBA from INSEAD, an MPhil in Economics from Cambridge University and a MA in Economics – Econometrics from the University of Geneva.
Outside of work, Seb enjoys travelling, playing a wide range of sports, socialising and spending time with his two children and his wife.
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Pietro is the former Chief Technology Officer at Board International where he started his career, where he was part of the founding team who built the company from inception to global leader.
Pietro brings more than 20 years of software experience as a technologist. As CTO, he was responsible for the product strategy, product development, and operations. He built the R&D and the Product Management teams, developing and promoting a culture of innovation and execution. 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.
Pietro was also part of the leadership team that developed and executed the growth strategy and value creation plan.
He is originally from Milan, now enjoys living in Como with his wife, two kids and infinite equipment for all water sports that he has no time to practice.
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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, where during her 10+ tenure she was instrumental to the growth of the business from a niche regional player to a global market leader.
In her various roles, Jessica has developed and executed growth strategies through international expansion, business development and sales excellence, creation of strategic alliances, customer success. She was nominated among the “Top 50 Women in SaaS 2019” by The Software Report.
Having lived in Ireland and Germany in the past, Jessica is based in the north of Italy, where outside work she enjoys horse riding and spending time with family and friends.
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Lucy Jacobs is a marketing professional with a 30-year career in high-growth software companies. She has made significant contributions to renowned companies including Oracle, Siebel Systems, and Salesforce during periods of rapid growth in Europe.
Lucy gained experience of marketing a European niche software business, while VP Marketing at Invenias. Her tenure was marked by expanding the customer base to over 1,000 clients and profitability, ultimately resulting in the successful acquisition by Bullhorn, backed by Insight Partners.
In her spare time she enjoys walking in the countryside with her cockapoo and going to the gym.
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Before joining the Upliift team, Marlon (Anthony Don) Schmidt spent nearly two years at a strategy, M&A, and transformation consulting company in Dubai, where he worked on various projects in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, gaining valuable international experience. Prior to that, he completed internships in the USA and Croatia within the healthcare industry.
He holds a BSc in International Management and an MSc in Management from Modul University Vienna, where he graduated with distinction and received the Dean’s List award for academic excellence.
Outside of work, Marlon enjoys staying active by going to the gym and taking his dogs for strolls around the city. He also likes socializing with friends, cooking, and exploring new cities when possible.
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Sara is a Marketing Assistant, and as a part of the Upliift Portfolio Team, she works closely with the Chief Marketing Officer to ensure the webpage remains up to date and supports with content creation, data analysis, and event management.
She recently graduated in Journalism with a focus on Strategic Communication. During her studies, Sara worked as a Social Media Manager at a Public Relations Agency Millenium Promotion, where she gained valuable experience in creating analytical reports, managing social media and content management systems, and creating various content for a wide range of clients.
Sara is enrolled in an educational program focused on Internet Marketing & Branding. Outside work, she finds joy in culinary experimentation and enjoys relaxing with a fine TV series.
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Tanya Yaryhina is a professional in finance and audit with more than 15 years of experience. Tanya has had an international career working in multiple industries and geographic regions, with a particular focus on audit, financial reporting, and financial transformation management.
Having started her career at EY where Tanya worked in the audit department for almost 10 years, she moved to the business side where she led financial functions across multiple segments, including the setup of an international accounting department and the implementation of ERP systems and played a key role in international M&A activities. Tanya believes that a solid financial foundation and continuous improvement drives value creation.
Having started her career at EY where Tanya worked in the audit department for almost 10 years, she moved to the business side where she led financial functions across multiple segments, including the setup of an international accounting department and the implementation of ERP systems and played a key role in international M&A activities. Tanya believes that a solid financial foundation and continuous improvement drives value creation.
Tanya originates from Ukraine and now lives in the Netherlands.
In her spare time, Tanya makes teddy bears, enjoys playing board games, and hiking, and is happy to spend time with her family.
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M&A Team
Sebastian’s responsibilities include deal origination, execution and oversight, along with supporting the other members of the M&A team.
Prior to Upliift Sebastian spent 5 years as M&A Director at Jonas Software, a division of Constellation Software Inc., and a year as M&A Director for ClearCourse.
He closed 22 acquisitions over that time and worked on countless others.
Sebastian is from the UK and lives in the Chilterns.
He originally has an accounting background, moving into M&A in 2017, for the excitement that deal making brings.
In his spare time Sebastian enjoys watching Arsenal, playing golf (poorly), karting and spending time with his wife and 3 daughters.
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Darko’s responsibilities include investment origination and execution.
Prior to joining Upliift Darko was part of the investment team at Constellation Software Inc., where he spent three years focusing on European software companies.
He started his career at Ernst & Young for five years, followed by eight years as an investment professional in the private equity industry.
Darko lives in Zagreb, Croatia. He is a CFA charter holder.
In his spare time, Darko enjoys hiking and spending time in nature.
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Teresa is Upliift’s Head of Origination and is responsible for driving and maintaining origination focus across the firm. She spends her time identifying, analyzing, and engaging with extraordinary entrepreneurs and management teams in vertical software companies across Europe, with a particular focus on the DACH region.
Teresa has worked in the investment world for over 10 years with responsibilities including the set-up of an origination function at a consumer brand-focused growth capital fund and the lead of an origination team at a mid-market, software-focussed Private Equity fund. Born and raised in Germany, Teresa completed her studies at Maastricht University and Erasmus University Rotterdam before making London her home.
In her spare time, Teresa enjoys capoeira training, dancing, theatre and performance arts, music, long walks with a good (audio)book, and traveling to the remotest corners of the planet.
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Jérémy focuses on investments in France & Spain.
Prior to joining Upliift Jérémy was part of the M&A team at Believe, a French Music-Tech listed company.
He previously spent 7 years working in M&A (advisory and corporate) / investment roles in various tech-related sectors, prior to joining Believe.
Jérémy is originally from Perpignan, France, and now lives in Paris. He is a graduate from SKEMA Business School where he studied Corporate Finance.
Besides French, Jérémy speaks English and Spanish.
In his spare time, Jérémy enjoys exercising, cooking, spending time with his family and learning bass.
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Valentina is as an M&A Manager supporting investment origination and execution.
Prior to joining Upliift, she spent three years at Constellation Software working on a number of transactions within European portfolio.
Valentina started her career working as a sell-side advisor in an M&A boutique.
Valentina lives in Zagreb, Croatia.
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Nicola is an M&A Manager focusing on investments in Italy.
Prior to Upliift, Nicola spent the last year as CFO of RE-Lender, a lending crowdfunding company.
Before this Nicola was at Bain and Company where he focused on working with Banks and Telco firms and in Intesa Sanpaolo in the CIB division as VP in the Coverage and M&A team for Telecom, Media & Technology industry.
He studied at L. Bocconi University in Milan, where he graduated with a Master of Science in Management.
Outside of work, Nicola enjoys CrossFit and kick boxing along with spending time travelling.
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Ivana is a Research Analyst, her role at Upliift is to identify and analyse European vertical software markets and to empower portfolio companies.
Ivana obtained a master’s degree in finance from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb. During her studies, she worked as a student assistant at the Department of Finance and the Department of Marketing. She was a recipient of a scholarship for students with outstanding academic achievements and received the Dean’s appreciation for extracurricular activities during her studies. Ivana was a team leader in a student association, where she actively promoted financial literacy among young people. Prior to Upliift, she gained work experience in a voluntary pension fund as a fixed-income analyst.
Ivana enjoys spending quality time with her dog in nature and socializing with friends.
Ivana obtained a master’s degree in finance from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb. During her studies, she worked as a student assistant at the Department of Finance and the Department of Marketing. She was a recipient of a scholarship for students with outstanding academic achievements and received the Dean’s appreciation for extracurricular activities during her studies. Ivana was a team leader in a student association, where she actively promoted financial literacy among young people. Prior to Upliift, she gained work experience in a voluntary pension fund as a fixed-income analyst.
Ivana enjoys spending quality time with her dog in nature and socializing with friends.
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Andro is a Research Analyst, and as a part of Upliift Portfolio Team, he leverages his analytical skills to conduct market research, identify trends and opportunities in European vertical software markets. His responsibilities include sourcing potential M&A targets, supporting investment due diligence, and providing market intelligence to help Upliift’s portfolio companies grow.
Prior to joining Upliift, Andro has worked as an equity analyst at Croatia Insurance Voluntary Pension Fund, creating valuation models and analyzing company financial reports. He also worked at the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, developing power pricing models and feasibility studies for energy entities. He attended the Business Mathematics and Economics undergraduate program at Zagreb School of Economics and Management.
Outside of work, Andro enjoys spending time with his family and friends, does orienteering, and plays padel as hobbies. He also has a great interest in following global equity markets and asset management.
Prior to joining Upliift, Andro has worked as an equity analyst at Croatia Insurance Voluntary Pension Fund, creating valuation models and analyzing company financial reports. He also worked at the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar, developing power pricing models and feasibility studies for energy entities. He attended the Business Mathematics and Economics undergraduate program at Zagreb School of Economics and Management.
Outside of work, Andro enjoys spending time with his family and friends, does orienteering, and plays padel as hobbies. He also has a great interest in following global equity markets and asset management.
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Melissa joined Upliift as an Origination Associate to support the company’s strategy in sourcing and nurturing long-term relationships with potential targets.
She began her career in Barcelona in an event organization, developing key skills that paved the way for the next 6 years in Talent Acquisition Management, based in Lisbon. During her experience, she managed both in-house and outsourcing recruitment processes for markets such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and Germany. In recent years, she has worked with a focus on the IT & Cybersecurity sector, working with executives to optimize hiring strategies and improve the candidate experience.
She studied Languages, Communication, and Media at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, in Milan, and later pursued a Master’s in Event Management at the Universidad Autonoma of Barcelona.
Outside of work, Melissa is a passionate traveler and a food lover. She enjoys relaxing at home with a movie or going out with friends to discover cultural and/or musical events. She loves the sun, the sea, socializing, reading, and learning new languages.
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Candelaria is an Origination Associate on the Originations Team, where she works closely with the Head of Origination and the M&A team to initiate first contacts with owners of promising software companies.
She holds a degree in Psychology and brings a wealth of experience as a Talent Consultant. In that role, she developed strong, long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Her responsibilities included conducting market research to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and engaging decision-makers to understand their key pain points in the talent sector.
Outside of work, Candelaria enjoys working out and has a passion for cooking, often experimenting with new recipes.
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