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.“

Read full article

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 Investor at Augmentum. She previously worked at OC&C Strategy Consultants and at HR analytics startup Bunch, after studying Economics at the University of Edinburgh. Ellen has a particular interest in emerging technologies such as the digital asset economy and alternative payment methods.

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

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay up to date by registering for Augmentum’s quarterly email newsletter.

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 Investor 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, runs ‘The European Tech Club’ on Clubhouse and volunteers with 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.

Reginald de Wasseige

Reginald (Reggie) is an Investor at Augmentum Fintech. Reggie started his career in private equity in Belgium (his home country), at Cobepa, and went on to explore entrepreneurship through founding a software company focusing on document security for large organisations. Off the back of both experiences, VC was a natural evolution and Reggie joined ABN AMRO Ventures, the venture capital arm of the Dutch bank, and relocated to Amsterdam. This first VC position introduced him to the world of fintech and was also the start of his international adventure.

Learn more about Reggie in his “Meet the team” feature here

Fareedah Daranijo

Fareedah is Augmentum’s Digital Marketing & Operations Assistant.

Prior to joining Augmentum, Fareedah studied Business and Management at university and conducted various placements across sales, marketing and project management, including with Bosch in Germany.

Outside of work, Fareedah enjoys travelling, learning about different cities and cultures, and volunteering in the local community.