My First Million: Paul Tustain, founder of BullionVault

My First Million: Paul Tustain, founder of BullionVault

Apr 15, 2019

BullionVault and WhiskyInvestDirect Founder Paul Tustain shares his entrepreneurial journey in the Financial Times.

“Paul Tustain, 56, founded BullionVault in 2003, investing £275,000 of his own money to fund the development of software for this online trading platform for precious metals. The business was launched in 2005 with a further £2m in working capital from three family members and 27 friends and angel investors.

Last year, the Hammersmith company with 32 staff produced turnover of £175m, against £31.6m in 2006. There are 40,000 active users of the platform, trading in gold, silver and platinum, with the average holding £35,000.

In 2015 Tustain co-founded WhiskyInvestDirect.com, allowing investors to buy bulk Scotch to profit from its in-barrel maturation.“

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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.

Akash Bajwa

Akash is an Investment Analyst at Augmentum Fintech. Prior to joining Augmentum, Akash worked at the Cass Entrepreneurship Fund, Barclays Ventures and Deloitte. Akash studied Accounting and Finance at Cass Business School.

Outside of work, Akash enjoys writing a blog on trends in technology and venture capital and volunteering for networks that support more investment in impact-driven companies in the private markets. Akash always looks forward to reading great books and playing tennis with friends as a way to unwind.

 

Learn more about Akash in his ‘Meet the Team’ blog here.