Mainsail Partners

Mainsail Partners is a San Francisco-based growth equity firm specializing in investments in bootstrapped business-to-business (B2B) software companies. Established with a unique focus on profitable, founder-owned businesses that have not previously raised institutional capital, Mainsail provides both capital and strategic operational support to accelerate growth. The firm manages over $2.2 billion in committed capital, demonstrating its significant presence and capacity within the growth equity landscape.

Mainsail's investment strategy is centered on partnering with founders who seek to scale their operations without relinquishing full control. They typically make equity investments ranging from $25 million to $150 million, targeting companies with strong recurring revenue and a proven product-market fit. While they are flexible in taking either minority or majority stakes, their core value proposition lies in their ability to provide hands-on operational guidance rather than just capital infusion.

A key differentiator for Mainsail is its dedicated "Mainsail Growth Team," a group of in-house experts who work directly with portfolio companies across various functions, including sales, marketing, product, finance, and talent acquisition. This operational support is designed to help founders professionalize their businesses, optimize processes, and achieve sustainable growth. The firm has a track record of successfully partnering with over 70 software companies, assisting them in navigating the complexities of scaling and preparing for future liquidity events. Their long-term partnership approach emphasizes building enduring value and supporting founders through their growth journey.