Meet the team: Rahil Patel

Meet the team: Rahil Patel

Sep 10, 2019

Rahil has recently joined Augmentum’s Investment Team as an Analyst. Get to know his motivations for working in the industry and what he’ll be getting up to here…

Why did you choose to join Augmentum?

The unique nature of being the only listed fintech-focused venture fund on the main market is one of the central reasons why I chose to join Augmentum. Augmentum’s structure does not mirror that of a traditional LP fund and finds power in being a single continuous investment vehicle where longer- and shorter-term investments can be executed. This is demonstrated through Augmentum’s prolific deployment of capital since its IPO – investing in companies from Series A right the way through to Series C+. Augmentum offers a stimulating environment to learn more about the investment process as well as acclimatise to the rich European fintech ecosystem.

 

What will you be doing as an Analyst?

As an analyst my time will be split between deal origination and deal assessment. Sourcing new and exciting opportunities is a vital cog in the investment machine. Due to the lean investment structure, tracking fintechs that fit our investment focus is a key role of mine in order to keep the pipeline flowing. Preliminary deal assessment forms the next step in order to manage the inflow of new companies and arranging meetings with those that fit our current investment strategy.

 

What is it about the fintech and VC industries that you find exciting?

My recent undergraduate dissertation about the digital lending space within Kenya heightened my excitement for fintech. My research revealed the disruptive nature of fintechs that supersede stubborn incumbents who are too sluggish to adapt to the ever-growing digitality in financial services. This has birthed a shift in many financial services verticals where fintechs are now challenging the market share of incumbents.

The VC industry provides a perfect platform to be amidst these developments and recently there has been a plethora of new funds being formed that vary by size, stage, sector-focus and geography. In my opinion, Augmentum dissects these variants perfectly to be a Pan-European fintech fund and is growing in size.

 

If you could work at one of the Augmentum portfolio companies, which would it be and why?

Since my Summer internship last year, Monese has always been the company that interests me the most within Augmentum’s portfolio. I admire the pragmatism at the heart of Monese in its ambition to enable immigrants and expats the opportunity to access core banking services. Monese are employing a technological approach to solve a real world financial problem. It would be an exciting opportunity to be a part of their team. 

 

What energises you at work?

The office Nespresso machine…

 

A random fact about you

I climbed Mount Kenya, the second highest in Africa, aged 13 to raise money for a Kenyan orphanage.

 

 

Learn about the rest of the team here

Rahil Patel

Rahil is an Analyst at Augmentum. He joined the fund full-time following a Summer internship in 2018.

Prior to Augmentum, Rahil studied Geography at Durham University and has previously worked with Mayfair Insurance Company and Sipsmith Gin.

When he is not curating the office Alexa playlist, Rahil tries to keep up with his passion for DJing that began at university.

Learn more about Rahil in this blog post.

Georgie Hazell

Georgie heads up engagement at Augmentum, which involves supporting portfolio companies, engaging with investors and the wider fintech ecosystem (including marketing and events), and supporting the team internally.

Georgie has worked in a number of startups across people, strategy and growth leadership positions. Following her MBA and a consultancy project with Crowdcube, Georgie moved into venture capital.

Passionate about diversity and inclusion, particularly in VC and entrepreneurship, Georgie founded women in tech network Elevate, led on UK expansion for Her Campus Media, volunteers with Diversity VC and mentored with The Girls Network.

Ellen Logan

Ellen is an Investment Associate at Augmentum. She previously worked at OC&C Strategy Consultants and at HR analytics startup Bunch. Ellen studied Economics at the University of Edinburgh.

Outside of the office she spends her time practicing yoga, experimenting in the kitchen and exploring the art galleries of London.

Learn more about Ellen in her ‘Meet the Team’ blog here

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Sofia Wiecko

Sofia oversees the financial and administrative operations at Augmentum and has over 15 years’ experience in financial accounting.

Believing in giving back to the community, Sofia is active in a number of local charities.

Hayley Manning

Hayley is Augmentum’s Office Manager and PA. Prior to working at Augmentum, Hayley worked at law firm Stephenson Harwood.

Nigel Szembel

Nigel leads Public Relations and Investor Relations at Augmentum. Nigel has had an international career in corporate affairs, communications and investor relations which, over 30 years, has included responsibility for UK, regional (EMEA and Latin America) and global functions; covering high-profile public companies, private companies, prominent individuals and public bodies, primarily in the financial services sector but also taking in consumer/fashion, planning policy, arts and the environment.