‘Software is Eating the World’ And Most Search Firms Are What’s For Dinner
Authored By Eric Walczykowski, Adam Boone
“Why Software is Eating the World” was the title of a legendary blog posting by tech industry icon Marc Andreessen.
The co-founder of Netscape and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (A16z) was beyond prescient when he wrote that 13 years ago.
The same year is when Kristie Nova founded our firm, Bespoke Partners, with our unique exclusive focus on executive recruiting for software and SaaS companies.
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And today, as software and SaaS companies reach new levels of transformational innovation generating trillions of dollars in value, one part of the world that has been profoundly changed is the world of executive search.
If you are working with a generic, jack-of-all-trades recruiting firm that focuses on any industry, you are setting yourself up for slower searches with worse outcomes. Simply put, these firms don’t have the expertise to understand the sector or the clock speed to deliver at the industry’s pace.
Software Eats the World
In the years since Marc’s statement, the software and SaaS markets have experienced tremendous growth and transformation, reshaping industries and business models across the globe.
The SaaS model became a dominant force, offering scalable, cloud-based solutions that eliminated the need for costly IT infrastructure. Companies like Salesforce and Adobe led the charge, with Salesforce seeing its revenue grow from $2.27 billion in 2012 to over $31 billion in 2023, reflecting the increasing reliance on SaaS platforms by enterprises worldwide(Mattermark, McKinsey & Company).
This shift wasn’t limited to tech companies; traditional industries, from finance to healthcare, have been deeply transformed by software and SaaS. For example, a JPMorgan Chase executive described her firm as a technology company that happens to hold a banking license, emphasizing how integral software has become to its operations (CHM).
Today, the ongoing evolution of AI and machine learning has further accelerated this transformation of all the world’s companies, large and small.
And Talent Is Driving
In years past, private equity investors relied on proprietary deal flow and financial engineering to create value and achieve an investment thesis.
Today, it is universally understood that leadership talent is the overriding factor for creating outsized returns.
Since Kristie founded Bespoke Partners, we have exclusively targeted the software executive market, a decision that has been fundamental to our success.
Why software? The answer lies in the complexity and rapid evolution of the software industry, where success is driven by a unique set of skills and experiences that are not easily transferrable from other industries.
By focusing solely on software, we have developed a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics, from the specific challenges faced by different software subsectors to the strategic initiatives that drive growth.
Where the Generalist Firms Fail
Most executive search firms are generalists and are willing to take on any senior executive search regardless of industry. This is why time and again we are brought in by clients where searches have stalled or failed to produce any meaningful results even after many months.
It’s our specialization in software that enables us to deliver better candidates faster than these old school firms. Specifically:
For Clients:
Our software specialization ensures that we can quickly identify and engage with top talent who are not only qualified but are also the perfect cultural fit for the organization. Our deep industry knowledge allows us to anticipate market trends and recommend executives who can lead companies through periods of rapid change and growth.
For Candidates:
Executives know that when Bespoke calls, it’s because we have a genuine opportunity that aligns with their expertise and career aspirations. This reputation has led to an 82% executive conversion rate—meaning that when we reach out to potential candidates, they answer the call. This conversion rate far exceeds the industry norm and is how our clients get the most comprehensive and accurate view of the software and SaaS talent market.
Talent Coverage Across Software Sub-Sectors
Bespoke Partners doesn’t just focus on software as a whole; we actively cover 27 software subsectors, ranging from the hottest early growth areas to buyout segments. This extensive coverage allows us to not only serve these sectors but also play a critical role in shaping them.
Our analysts study companies, transactions, and key executives within these subsectors, providing us with the insights needed to understand who the key players are, who’s available, and who might be a good step-up candidate for a role.
SECTORS WE COVER
Fintech
Martech & Adtech
Infrastructure
Cybersecurity
Healthtech
AI / ML
Retail
GRC
HRtech
Marketplace
Real Estate
Supply Chain
CRM / CX
BI / Analytics
Edtech
Insurtech
Mobility
Entertainment & Recreation
Blockchain & Web3
Manufacturing & Industrials
Utilities
Legal
Govtech
Hospitality & Travel
Non-Profit
ERP
IoT Software
We are trusted advisors not just during the search process but often as early as the LOI phase, where sponsors consult with us on talent strategy before making an investment. Our ability to identify and place the right executives, often those who are a step up from their current roles, has made us an indispensable partner in the success of our clients.
THE INDUSTRY LEADER IN SOFTWARE TALENT
Bespoke’s performance for software and SaaS companies across 27 subsectors:
95%
placement success rate – our leaders stay in seat at least 1 year post placement
400+
sofware companies transformed
425+
exits and M&A transactions by our software company
$135B+
enterprise value created
Bespoke Partners’ singular focus on software executive search is not just a strategy—it’s a proven formula for success.
Our deep industry expertise, combined with our comprehensive coverage of 27 software subsectors, allows us to deliver results that are unmatched in the industry. Whether you’re looking to fill a critical leadership position or need strategic advice on your talent acquisition, Bespoke Partners is uniquely positioned to deliver
Bespoke Partners Named in Top 10 of the “Top 49 Retained Executive Search” 2-Years Running by C-Suite CV Secure.
Author:
Eric Walczykowski
Chief Executive Officer
Eric is passionate about building high-performing teams that value doing their best, working together, overcoming adversity and learning.
As a proven growth executive, Eric has served as CEO, President, Board Member, Investor and Advisor for technology companies that achieved over $4.5B in successful exits.
Eric brings to Bespoke Partners significant professional services experience from Deloitte and Andersen, as well as the high-growth client executive perspective for private equity-backed technology companies.
Eric earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS in Business from Fresno State University.
Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time with family, coaching baseball, travel, attending live events and sipping good wine.
Author:
Adam Boone
Chief Marketing Officer
Boone has led marketing, demand generation, branding, product management, services marketing, or alliances marketing programs for numerous successful companies including Avaya-acquisition Sipera, Sequoia start-up Syndesis, Subex, CoManage, and others. He has driven joint marketing programs and go-to-market initiatives with iconic industry leaders including Microsoft, IBM, GE, AT&T, Oracle, Comcast, Cisco, Ciena and Samsung.
Boone holds an MBA in Business Strategy from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and completed the Competitive Marketing Strategy Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
In his personal time, Boone enjoys travel, fine food and wine, mountain biking, playing and listening to music, and movies.
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