Mara Vouleli
Partner | SaaS, FinTech & TravelTech
Founding Partner | Digital Economy EMEA
Mara is a Founding Partner at Key Search and one of Europe's leading executive search specialists for B2B SaaS, FinTech and TravelTech companies. With over 15 years of experience placing C-suite and VP-level leaders across EMEA, she combines exceptional speed with the depth of network needed to identify the rare executives who can drive growth in fast-moving digital businesses — having partnered with companies including Yodeck, Tymit, Ferryhopper, Blueground and Delivery Hero.
Specialties
Industries
Typical Roles
Geographic Focus
Key Search is trusted by teams
that rely on clarity
Christos Spatharakis
Co-Founder & CEO
Ferryhopper
Working with Mara was a game-changer for our hiring process. She quickly understood the unique culture and needs of Ferryhopper and brought us exceptional candidates for a key leadership role. Her dedication, market knowledge, and proactive communication made the entire experience seamless. I would highly recommend Mara to any founder looking for a true search partner.
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Podcast
Leaders Lounge
Decoding Company Culture: Insights from David Bizer and Mara Vouleli
The launch episode of Leaders Lounge. Mara and David Bizer explore the real meaning behind company culture, how it forms, and why it can make or break a scaling organisation.
Decoding Company Culture (Part II): Insights from David Bizer and Mara Vouleli
The conversation continues as Mara and David Bizer go deeper on building culture intentionally — from hiring decisions that reinforce values to leading through rapid growth.
Articles by Mara Vouleli
The Future of Executive Search: How AI and Automation Are Reshaping Talent
The Future Is Now - But It’s Still Human AI for executive search is no longer something that’s “coming” - it’s here, and it’s already reshaping how companies approach hiring, especially at the executive level. But while we welcome the benefits of smarter tools and faster processes, there’s one thing that must remain crystal […]
Long Term Incentive Plans
The Benefits of LTIPs for Startups Long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) are increasingly popular among startups as a way to incentivize and retain key employees. LTIPs offer numerous benefits for startups, from helping them attract top talent to increasing productivity and loyalty in the workplace. By offering their employees equity in the company through an […]
Principle Fit: When you believe in what you do everyday
Digital health is experiencing substantial growth through the implementation of new tools, software and services that serve to improve and modernize our healthcare system. New technology around the capabilities of smartphones and wearables, the aspect of convenience, flexibility and availability of these devices, and the prevalence of long-term and chronic illnesses move digital health […]
Startup CEO: Empowering Leadership, Responsibilities, and Overcoming Challenges
"Between 20% and 40% of founders do not remain in their original role, typically replaced by a more-seasoned executive who might seem better positioned to scale the company." Harvard Business Review While success in the early stages of a startup is extremely encouraging and gratifying, it also means the company is growing, expanding, and every […]
6 Signs it's Time to Step Down as Startup CEO
There are many benefits and arguments in favor of being the startup founder and CEO. On the other hand, as the startup grows and scales through the early stages and beyond, it can be challenging for a founder CEO to keep up with the fast-changing startup environment. Contents Why Step Down as CEO from Your […]
You should speak with Mara if…
- 1You are scaling a B2B SaaS, FinTech or TravelTech company and need to hire a C-suite or VP-level leader who can drive growth in a competitive, fast-moving market.
- 2You are a Founder building your core leadership team and need a search partner who understands the pace, culture and talent dynamics of high-growth digital businesses.
- 3You are a VC or PE investor looking for a dependable, long-term partner to attract rare executive talent for your SaaS, FinTech or TravelTech portfolio companies.
- 4You are expanding into new EMEA markets and need local leadership — from Country Managers to regional GMs — with deep knowledge of the European digital economy.