The Mergers Podcast

SURI - The Story Behind the Sustainable Toothbrush Revolution (ft. Mark Rushmore, Co-Founder)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0100

Mark grew up in Aberdeen watching his parents build a company from nothing. His father walked out of a safe corporate job after a motivational course and started his own firm; his mother, a volunteer marriage counsellor, soon followed suit. Mark calls the business a fourth sibling, and the whole experience a weird sort of MBA.

Three decades on, he and Guyve have sold over a million electric toothbrushes and SURI is doing over £50m in revenue this year - in a category owned almost entirely by two incumbents.

In this episode Mark takes us from reselling pizza at his school gates, to cold-calling Sky TV to sponsor his university history society, to a speedboat off Cannes where he walked away with a future co-founder. We get into the Richard Branson rule he's organised his whole career around, why being second is often a perfectly good outcome, and the 90%+ of investors who turn start ups down... and the investor who told Mark : "if it helps, we're not really friends."

Mostly, though, it's a conversation about listening. And about Mark's cheerfully morbid conviction that we're all going to die anyway so you might as well take a chance.

I hope you enjoy.

Chapters

00:00 - Cold open & Introduction
04:50 - Pizza at the school gates, cold-calling Sky TV, and the Branson rule
14:15 - P&G as paid training and lessons from his mother
18:10 - A speedboat off Cannes: Martin Sorrell, and meeting Guyve
23:10 - 19,000 reviews where the top word is "love"
27:10 - "I'd be happy to be Slack": credibility without an incumbent's budget
32:15 - VC Fundraising - High rejection rates, Investor mindsets, and the investor who said "we're not really friends"
47:30 - Why the best salespeople are researchers
50:50 - Quick Fire Questions

Compliance's role in disrupting markets (ft. Ambreen Khasru, Head of compliance)

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 +0100

"I helped break up a human trafficking ring in Stockholm. That was one of my first forays into compliance."

Ambreen Khasru isn’t your typical corporate executive. As the Head of Compliance at eToro and a former leader at Zilch, Juni, and Monese, she has spent her career at the bleeding edge of the Fintech revolution. But her journey didn't start in a boardroom; it began in the music industry of Paris and Sydney before a "zigzag" move into the high-stakes world of international money transfers.

In this episode, Ambreen pulls back the curtain on the "dark side" of finance - from romance scams to human trafficking. We discuss the "growth at all costs" era of VC-backed startups, the reality of personal liability of being an FCA-approved person, and why she believes the "Darth Vader" reputation of compliance is finally being dismantled.

We also dive deep into the 2026 tech landscape: Will AI models replace human oversight? Can a bank really be modernized in a weekend? And what is the one skill every graduate needs to survive a world of automation...

Episode Chapter:

00:00 Introduction
08:23 Romance scams & The "Pig Butchering" epidemic.
13:11 Why Compliance is the "Shield," not the blocker.
16:27 The Fintech Revolution: How we hit 3-minute onboarding.
24:38 The "Death" of easy VC money: Quality over quantity.
32:20 Personal Liability: Is your neck on the line?
36:29 eToro & the rise of Social/Copy Trading.
40:29 AI: The future of machine-led regulation.
54:22 Career Advice: Why you MUST move around the world.

Reflecting on a career picking unicorns (Ft. Jon Coker - Co-Founder, Eka Ventures)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0100

Jon Coker is the Founding Partner at Eka Ventures - the UK's largest early-stage impact VC, which has just closed an £80M Fund II. Before founding Eka, Jon spent 11 years at MMC Ventures, rising from analyst to Co-Managing Partner and backing some of Europe's most iconic consumer companies: Interactive Investor (£1.7B exit), Gousto, Bloom & Wild, and Mubi. In this episode, he breaks down the frameworks behind those picks; why the road less travelled is often safer; and the counterintuitive reason sustainability and commercial returns aren't just compatible - they're companions.

What you'll learn:

Why Jon quit a JP Morgan flow desk in 2007 with no job lined up
The founder assessment process Eka uses that most VCs completely ignore
Why 70% of Eka's Fund I investments had no competing term sheet - and why that's a feature, not a bug
How to spot "patterns of outperformance" in founders from their teenage years
The real reason market upheaval from tariffs actually helps early-stage companies
Career advice for anyone with the itch to leave a big institution - at any age

Chapter Summaries:

00:00: Introducing Jon Coker, Eka Ventures & the unicorn track record
06:30: Quitting JP Morgan's Investment Bank in 2007
10:50: Joining MMC Ventures, climbing to Co-Managing Partner & backing Interactive Investor
16:10: Why consumer investing became Jon's edge & the Gousto box disaster
22:04: Tariffs, protectionism & why market upheaval is a net advantage for early-stage companies
27:15: Competing for deals: the two truths in venture that completely contradict each other
29:54: Eka's thesis, the founder assessment & the deal Jon lost that still stings
36:06: Patterns of outperformance: Murvah at Hived & the Floyd Mayweather story
38:21: How Eka does Impact Investing better than the rest
43:51: Career advice, AI & the one that got away: Lindus Health

The Mergers Podcast: Honest conversations with the investors and founders shaping European tech.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.

Investment Banking for startups [Jason Kirby, Founder, Thunder.VC]

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What happens when a founder exits multiple startups and then builds a start-up focused Investment Banking platform from scratch?

In this episode, Rory and Ken sit down with Jason Kirby — founder of Thunder VC, ex-founder of LiquidSky (acquired for $40M+), and an advisor on over $200M in startup transactions.

Jason shares the raw truths about venture capital, selling companies, the AI investment bubble, and how founders can protect themselves during M&A deals.

Key topics we cover:

The real story behind his $40M+ startup exit (and how a CEO going to prison almost ruined it)
Why most VCs stop calling when you’re no longer a fund returner
The biggest mistakes founders make during fundraising and M&A
What Thunder VC actually does — and how they unlock growth through acquisition
The rise of AI secondaries, and why Jason thinks we’re in a bubble
“Breakup clauses”, phantom leverage, and the dirty secrets of dealmaking

This is a must-listen for any founder thinking about venture capital, raising a round, or navigating exit options.

Disclaimer: This episode of The Mergers Podcast is sponsored by Cadro Technologies Limited, an FCA-regulated investment firm. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any views expressed in this podcast. The information discussed is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute investment advice, and should not be relied upon as a basis for making investment decisions. The hosts and guests speak in a personal capacity. If you are considering investing, you should obtain independent financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

My 2 Cents: Leaving Banking to found an AI Company [Rob Cossins, Scribe.AI]

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Rob Cossins (Co-founder & CEO, Scribe) on the real founder journey: why entrepreneurship is not for everyone, the seven-year build-up from Barclays to AI/data, and how to decide when to raise (and when not to). We get into failing his very first interview (PE at BlackRock), why the jobs are still there (it's just more competitive) and why your founder network is your unfair advantage.

Rob explains what Scribe does (AI data extraction for private markets), what incumbents miss about adoption, and why the best founders sell the vision before the product is perfect.

You’ll learn:
• How to test founder fit before quitting your job
• Timing a fundraise v shipping product
• The “de institutionalising” every banker-turned-founder must do
• How to build a useful network that compounds over your career

Disclaimer
This episode of The Mergers Podcast is sponsored by Cadro Technologies Limited, an FCA-regulated investment firm. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any views expressed in this podcast. The information discussed is provided for general informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute investment advice, and should not be relied upon as a basis for making investment decisions. The hosts and guests speak in a personal capacity. If you are considering investing, you should obtain independent financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Tech, Banking & Surviving 2008 [Thomas Hughes, Workera]

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:00:00 +0100

Tom Hughes’ career has been anything but normal.

He started out as a Dublin kid tracking stock prices on BBC Ceefax, went into equity research before the ’08 crash, and then got 'super-fired' like thousands of others.

From there he somehow blagged his way into Bloomberg with a bold doorstep pitch. He’s moved through private capital research (Gartner), relationship intelligence (Affinity), commercial leadership roles, and now into the world of AI and enterprise upskilling at Workera - where an “AI mentor” isn’t just hype, it’s the actual product.

In this episode we talk about bouncing back from setbacks, breaking into tech from finance, why not every conversation needs to have an immediate outcome, and what AI is really changing inside big organisations.

What You’ll Learn:

How to recover from losing your job in a downturn (and why persistence matters most).
The “just show up” story: how Tom literally forced his way into a Bloomberg interview and walked out with a job.
What shifted after the financial crisis: moving from gut feel to data, risk, and tooling in banking, PE & VC.
Inside AI transformation: why skills benchmarking and agentic assessment matter... and why most teams are miles behind!
A masterclass on sales and partnerships at scale
Networking that lasts: why being useful first (not transactional) is the key to compounding relationships.

Chapters
00:00 — Sponsor & disclaimer (Cadro, FCA-regulated)
01:27 — Live at The Bottle Cocktail Shop; meet Tom Hughes
02:17 — Dublin roots, Ceefax and learning markets at age 8
08:46 — Getting fired in ’08; the empty trading floors moment
10:58 — A year of rejections & café CVs → the pivot into tech
20:43 — Newspaper ad → Bloomberg: calling reception, finding the hiring lead, and turning up without an invite
24:10 — Why AI won’t replace hustle; what hiring managers really value in salespeople
25:27 — From Bloomberg’s “no negotiation” culture to startup chaos; Gartner → Affinity → VC ecosystem
30:11 — AI readiness vs reality: assessing skills at massive scale; agentic assessments
35:22 — Coaching at scale with Gong/Clari; fewer blind spots, better forecasts
37:57 — Networking that works: why long-term compounding beats short-term transactions

Operator, Founder, Investor - ft. Hanna Lewis - ep. 22

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Mergers, we sit down with Hanna Lewis, investor at Blue Wire Capital and former operator turned founder with unrivaled experience across all aspects of Entrepreneurship and VC.

From making burritos in San Diego to becoming Chief of Staff at a hyperscaling tech company, Hanna's path into venture capital was anything but linear. She shares candid reflections on her journey including building a startup automating HR with AI agents, to pitching over 100 VCs (and why it ultimately fell apart), to her current role backing the next generation of European tech founders.

This episode covers:

What it really takes to fundraise in a down market and how storytelling can make or break a round
The surprising gap between European and US investors
Lessons learned from being too early in the right market (as well as selling to the wrong buyer persona)
Why startup culture can rise or fall based on the founder’s personality
How she broke into VC, and what she looks for now in early-stage founders

It’s honest, funny, and full of insight for anyone thinking about joining, founding, or funding startups.

Cyber Security, The SAS & Kidnapping - ft. Jonathan Palmer - ep. 21

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Mergers, Rory and Ken sit down with Jonathan Palmer (JP) — a cybersecurity pioneer who’s worked with elite intelligence units, Fortune 500 firms, and accidentally acquired the patent for secure internet transactions.

With a journey spanning decades — from setting up his first tech company on a pasting table in Putney to running global encryption deals across most of the world — JP unpacks the gritty reality of cyber risk, organised crime, AI threats, and why so many CEOs are still flying blind.

🔐 What we cover:

How JP found his way into encryption and sold it back to the US wholesale
The untold story of acquiring a global internet security patent… by accident
Why cybercrime is now the 3rd largest economy in the world
How Russia and North Korea are weaponising organised crime for cyber disruption
Why cyber due diligence is the next blind spot in PE and M&A
How AI is accelerating fraud, impersonation, and vulnerability at scale
What it takes to keep UHNW individuals and leadership teams physically and digitally secure

From dark web intel to Hereford kidnap training, this is one of our most gripping episodes yet.

Running a $30m Hedgefund aged 21 - Ft. Marceau Dova - ep. 20

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:00:00 +0100

From £3,000 to a $30 million hedge fund by age 21.

In this explosive episode of The Mergers, we sit down with Marceau Dova, the 21-year-old founder of MCD Capital. He takes us through the wild journey of building a hedge fund from scratch at university - starting with £3,000, bootstrapping with student researchers, selling newsletters to prop firms, and ultimately landing institutional backing.

We cover:

His first 250K of trading capital and how they convinced early investors
What happened during their first major drawdown and attempted hostile takeover
The software that powers their quant trading engine—and why a Swiss firm tried to buy it (and poach the team)
Building conviction, navigating compliance, and maturing into an FCA-regulated fund manager
How they're scaling, avoiding burnout, and staying focused in a “do or die” year
The importance of loyalty, mentorship, and the art of real relationship-building in finance

Whether you’re a young trader, aspiring fund manager, or just curious how someone turns a side hustle into an institution, this one’s packed with real insights, hard lessons, and no-nonsense advice.

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Writing a unique career story from Markets to Media [Eric Markowitz, Nightview Capital]

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

From investigating corruption in the prison system to identifying the next decade’s biggest investment opportunities, Eric Markowitz has built a career on deep research, contrarian thinking, and long-term conviction.

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Ken and Rory sit down with Eric - Managing Partner & Director of Research at Nightview Capital - to discuss:

Investigative Journalism & Investing: How Eric’s award-winning journalism sharpened his ability to spot hidden market opportunities.

The Nightview Strategy: How they’ve returned 25% per annum by focusing on AI, robotics, and long-term structural winners.

Tesla, Amazon & Investing in AI: Why Tesla is not just a car company, and how Amazon’s fulfilment innovations could reshape e-commerce.

The AI Dilemma: Why using AI in investing can be a trap, and why real conviction still comes from human intuition and proprietary research.

Career Lessons: How to break into finance or journalism, and why the best opportunities come from following curiosity, taking risks, and making mistakes early.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in investing, AI, deep research, and building an unconventional career path.

From a Bedsit to MD at BlackRock [Special Guest - Henry Odogwu]

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

From a small bedsit in South London to Managing Director at BlackRock - Henry Odogwu’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken sit down with Henry to discuss:

Growing up in a Nigerian immigrant household: How his father's journey from bank manager in Nigeria to security guard in London shaped his work ethic.
Breaking into finance with no traditional background: How he pivoted from mechanical engineering to high finance.
The reality of being the only Black graduate in his cohort: Navigating a world where few people looked like him.
Mastering the art of networking and career growth: Going from being overlooked for promotion to a shoo-in in just one year.
Sales, resilience, and deal-making: Henry’s frameworks for closing deals, staying top of mind, and making the right career moves.
The importance of mentorship and social mobility: Why Henry is giving back and what you can do to succeed in finance without the ‘insider knowledge.’

Packed with practical career advice and hard-earned lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break into finance, grow their career, or understand the mindset required to succeed at the highest levels.

From Kitchens to Capital Calls: A Transatlantic Journey in Finance

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken welcome Laila, a trailblazer in fund finance with an inspiring journey. Now at Validus Risk Management, a boutique firm facilitating over half a trillion dollars in trades, Laila shares her unique insights into the world of private capital management.

Starting her career at PNC Financial Services (a $75 billion market cap bank), Laila ascended from intern to Associate Director in under five years - a meteoric rise in the corporate world. But her path took an unexpected twist when she stepped away to pursue a passion for cooking, studying at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London before returning to finance with renewed purpose.

This episode dives into the intricacies of fund finance, including capital call lines, NAV facilities, and bespoke solutions for private equity and venture capital managers. Laila breaks down complex concepts like how private funds leverage external capital to optimize IRR and DPI trade-offs. She also reflects on the rise of private credit in an era where banks are retreating from traditional lending.

Beyond finance, the conversation explores resilience, career pivots, and finding balance in high-pressure environments. Whether you're navigating your first job, striving for career growth, or simply curious about the evolving finance landscape, this episode offers actionable insights and a touch of humour.

Tune in to hear the full story from soup to nuts!

Media-for-Equity, ITV's Vision for VC [Member Guest - Mahim Husnain]

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Ken and I sit down with Mahim Husnain, Investment Associate at ITV Adventures, to dive into the relatively new media-for-equity model reshaping venture capital. Discover how ITV leverages its reach-over 70% of UK households-to empower startups, scale brands, and disrupt traditional VC approaches.

Key topics include:
📺 The power of TV advertising in building trust and brand recognition
🤝 How media-for-equity works and why it’s changing the game for startups
🐶 Unique trends in consumer tech: From health and fem tech to pet tech
🌍 Mahim’s journey through KPMG, private equity, and ITV Adventures

This episode is packed with actionable insights for founders, VCs, and anyone navigating the ever-evolving consumer venture landscape.

Listen now to learn how media can be a catalyst for growth and why ITV’s approach is one to watch.

Breaking into Venture Capital [Member Guest - Karan Chouhan]

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In Episode 15 of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken sit down with Karan Chouhan, Series B and C investor at Valiance, to explore the dynamics of venture capital, career transitions, and finding the right team to make big ideas work.

From his early days in finance at Barclays and KPMG to transitioning into venture capital through Mountside Ventures, Karan shares an inspiring journey filled with bold moves and lessons learned. Discover how he leverages operational and financial expertise to navigate VC’s challenges, build conviction, and identify startups poised for success.

Key highlights include:

The art of balancing "vibes-based investing" with financial rigor.
Why a great team can make even bad ideas work (and vice versa).
How to transition into VC and move up the value chain.
Why "blind faith" in founders isn't so blind after all.
The allure of Dragon’s Den and how it inspired Karan's path.

Plus, some candid banter about Wall Street Oasis ("Twitter for bankers"), investing myths, and the joys of failing upwards. Whether you're an aspiring VC or curious about the inner workings of venture, this episode is packed with insights and laughs.

🔗 Listen now and subscribe to The Mergers Podcast!

An Institutional Approach to Cryptocurrency [Special Guest - Charlie Preston, Copper]

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Mergers Podcast!

In this episode, Rory and Ken dive into the rapidly evolving world of crypto and institutional finance with Charlie Preston, Relationship Manager at Copper, one of the UK’s leading crypto companies. Copper's cutting-edge custodial solutions are reshaping how institutions securely trade and hold digital assets, and Charlie shares invaluable insights from his frontline experience.

Highlights:

Copper's ClearLoop platform, facilitating $60 billion in monthly notional trade volume with 21,000 settlements – all running 24/7.
How segregated custody solutions minimize risk and build trust with institutional clients.
The impact of regulatory developments and the growing role of institutions in driving the future of crypto adoption.
The buzz around real-world asset tokenization and its potential to revolutionize financial markets.
Why blockchain transparency is key to transforming traditional finance.

Charlie also shares his unique career journey from insurance broking to crypto, advice for young professionals entering the space, and insights into the industry's most exciting trends.

Quick Takes:

Bitcoin price prediction for the cycle? Charlie isn’t afraid to call his shot.
The growing importance of Know Your Customer (KYC) in professionalizing the crypto space.
What institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity are doing to reshape perceptions of digital assets.

Tune in if you're looking to learn more about the space, how to break into crypto... or simply just want to know what your BTC may be worth by year end!

Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital [Special Guest - Eleanor Kaye]

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital [Special Guest - Eleanor Kaye]

In this episode of the Mergers Podcast, we’re joined by Eleanor Kaye, Managing Director of the Newton Venture Program, to discuss her unconventional career path and mission to democratize access to venture capital. From her early career in media to her transformative role at Palantir, Eleanor opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

We explore:

Eleanor’s unique transition from Media Studies to leading a VC training program.
Her time at Palantir and how it influenced her leadership style.
The creation of Newton Venture Program and its mission to increase diversity in venture capital.
Practical advice for those looking to break into new industries, particularly tech and venture capital.

Whether you're interested in the future of venture capital, or simply curious about career transitions, this episode offers valuable insights and advice from one of the industry's leading voices.

Tune in to Episode 13 of the Mergers Podcast!

The hidden truth about Investment Banking [Member Guest - Hector Mendez]

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In Episode 12 of the Mergers Podcast, The Merger's member, Hector Mendez gives an inside look into the demanding world of investment banking. With 6 years of experience leading major tech M&A deals, including a $250 million sale to Ripple Labs, Hector shares what it really takes to succeed in IB—from mastering financial models to navigating the intense "up-or-out" culture. He also offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into recruitment, explaining how he filtered through 1,000 intern applications to hire just one or two: “500 were good, but we could only take a couple.”

Hector provides practical advice for those entering the field, warning it’s a path for those ready to sacrifice: "It’s not rocket science, but it’s long hours and a lot of work." For those already in IB but struggling, he advises sticking it out for a couple of years to gain valuable experience. He also reflects on his personal transition out of IB to a role at the CFA Institute, where he's found a better work-life balance.

This episode offers a candid, no-nonsense discussion on what it takes to thrive in investment banking. Whether you’re breaking in or simply curious about the industry, Hector’s story provides actionable insights and a realistic view of life in high finance.

Tune in for a thoughtful and eye-opening conversation on the Mergers Podcast!

Advising the best Venture Backed Entrepreneurs

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Rory and Ken are back from a busy summer to sit down with Asif Ahmed, Head of Early Stage, Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry. Known as the rebels of accountancy, Cooper Parry is shaking up the industry—and Asif’s career path is just as unconventional. From his family-business roots to his role in PwC and advisory positions, Asif shares how he’s managed to carve out a unique niche in a competitive field.

We dive into Asif’s insights on the current state of his industry, the future of work, and the skills young professionals need to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. Expect plenty of valuable advice, alongside our usual humour, as we explore Asif’s career journey and his advice for those daring to break the mold. Plus, hear from our videographer Gaz, who drops in to ask some burning questions about how the mysterious ‘Original Pound!’

Tune in - This one's a corker!

How to manage billions in Treasury? [Special Guest - Imran Siddiqi]

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0100

In this episode we Navigate Treasury Management & Careers with Imran Siddiqi, Head of Treasury at Juni. With a rich background managing Treasury functions at Bitpanda, Belmont Green Finance, and Paragon Banking Group, Imran shares his expertise on navigating liquidity, interest rate risk, and the ever-evolving financial landscape. Tune in as we explore his career journey, discuss the current market shifts, and dive into the innovative tools reshaping Treasury operations. Whether you’re an aspiring professional or a seasoned expert, this episode offers invaluable insights into Treasury management’s core functions and future direction... Along with plenty of career advice for up and comers.

Perfect for finance enthusiasts eager to learn from the best, this episode will leave you with actionable strategies to excel in the dynamic world of Treasury.

Generational Wealth, Emotional Intelligence and M&A

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0100

In this deeply introspective episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken are joined by Basil, whose journey spans from a family empire in Sudan to the world of M&A. This conversation dives into the intersection of legacy, business, and leadership, offering invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, professionals, and those navigating family businesses.

Key highlights include:

Building a Legacy: Basil shares the fascinating history of his family’s conglomerate, Saeed Group, a Sudanese industrial powerhouse spanning FMCG, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and more. At its peak, the company employed 5,000 people and was a cornerstone of Sudan's economy.

Cultural and Financial Insights: Basil discusses the challenges of running a large family business in a complex environment—balancing Islamic financial principles, managing assets during geopolitical instability, and navigating relationships in a close-knit family dynamic.

Entrepreneurial Beginnings: From launching a livestock trading venture to building agricultural greenhouses, Basil recounts how his early ventures instilled resilience, discipline, and an appreciation for the scientific side of business.

The Transition to M&A: Discover how Basil’s hands-on experience in his family’s portfolio inspired him to pursue M&A and finance, ultimately leading him to specialize in chemicals and life sciences at one of London’s top firms.

Leadership Lessons: This episode explores Basil’s evolution from a young professional trying to make his mark to a reflective leader focused on earning trust, fostering collaboration, and inspiring teams to perform at their best.

With anecdotes ranging from running startups to managing multi-generational family dynamics, this episode offers a mix of business insights, cultural perspectives, and personal growth. Whether you’re leading a team, exploring your career path, or managing a family enterprise, there’s something here for everyone.

Picking your path: A run down of Investment Banking to VC

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:00:00 +0100

Join us in this insightful episode of "Mastering Finance Roles," where industry experts Tucker, Rory, Ken, and Josh break down the key responsibilities and career paths in Investment Banking, Research, Venture Capital, and Investor Relations/Sales. Dive deep into the lifecycle of M&A deals, discover the core strategies for tech investments, and learn the nuances of building and maintaining strong investor relationships. If you're a student looking to start your career - this episode provides a comprehensive guide to thriving in the dynamic world of finance. Tune in to gain invaluable insights, practical tips, and expert advice on navigating the complexities of these pivotal finance roles.

Venture Capital - From Zero to Hero

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0100

Go from Zero to Hero on all things Venture Capital in this episode featuring Josh from QVentures, Rory of Barclays, and Ken of Backfuture VC. This episode covers everything from round size (Pre-Seed to Series C), Sectors (Biotech and B2B SAAS), and why firms like Sequoia dominate deal flow.

Get insiders' views on the dynamics of fundraising - for VCs and Entrepreneurs. The critical role of pitch decks, financial models and networking. Learn about the roles within VC firms, from financial modeling to managing deal flow, and understand the financial backbone of VC operations, including fees, key metrics like IRR, TVPI, DPI, and strategies for capital calls and valuation.

Wrap up with key insights on why smaller funds often outperform larger ones and actionable advice for navigating the venture capital landscape effectively. Whether you’re a budding investor or a curious entrepreneur, this episode packs a wealth of knowledge into a masterclass on thriving in venture capital.

Tune in to transform your VC understanding and prepare to succeed in the investment world.

Private Equity Masterclass [Special Guest - Matt Spetzler]

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0100

Dive into the high-stakes world of music and tech Private Equity investments with Matt Spetzler, Partner and Co-Head of Europe at Francisco Partners, managing $45 billion in capital. In this episode, Matt reveals the strategies behind transformative tech investments and his journey from engineering to equity. Explore how Francisco Partners shapes the tech landscape through strategic investments and the impact of AI on the industry. Gain insights from Matt's transition from strategy consulting to leading tech private equity and learn about the traits necessary for success in this dynamic field - including how to get a job at Francisco! Matt is an absolute giant in the world of Private Equity so join us as he tells all in his first ever Podcast Appearance!

Using AI to assess Start-Ups [Special Guest - Billy Gallagher, Prospect]

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory and Ken are joined by Billy Gallagher, founder of Prospect, to explore the intersection of venture capital, startups, and career decision-making. Billy brings a wealth of experience, having started his journey at Stanford, covering early tech giants like Snapchat and DoorDash, and later joining Rippling as employee #30, helping scale it to 1,000 employees.

Key Highlights:

The Prospect Mission: Billy explains how Prospect helps employees make better decisions when joining startups by providing tools to assess equity value and using proprietary AI models to score startups—offering a VC-style approach to career choices.

Startup Screening Secrets: Billy shares his process for identifying high-potential startups, including looking for early signs of product-market fit and visionary founders, and why joining a company at the “hockey stick inflection point” can maximize equity upside.

State of Venture Capital: Get Billy’s take on the current VC landscape, including the boom in AI-driven startups, lingering hype-driven valuations, and the shift toward lean, disciplined business models.

AI in Startups: Billy reflects on balancing shiny object syndrome with practical AI applications, highlighting how models can now act as endless research interns to improve decision-making.

Building Networks and Careers: Advice on managing your professional network, evaluating startup opportunities, and why now is a great time to get into the startup ecosystem.

Whether you’re a startup founder, a VC enthusiast, or someone navigating career choices in tech, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leveraging data, building networks, and making the most of equity opportunities.

Family Office Socials [Special Guest - Sam Nallen-Copley]

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:00:00 +0100

Welcome back to The Mergers Podcast! In this episode, host Rory Mason, along with co-host Josh, sits down with Sam, who runs London's premier Family Office Network. With a jaw-dropping backstory that spans Japan, Paris, Papua New Guinea, and beyond, Sam’s journey from a martial arts enthusiast and journalist to a key player in the family office world is as non-traditional as it gets.

Key Highlights:

What Are Family Offices? A brief primer on family offices, their structure, and their unique flexibility in managing wealth beyond traditional banks and institutions.

An Unconventional Journey: Sam's path included stints as a Japanese translator, a journalist for Time Magazine, and even a year living with a Stone Age tribe in Papua New Guinea, where he learned survival skills and hunted with a bow. He shares how these life experiences shaped his adaptability and problem-solving skills.

From Private Intelligence to Family Offices: After returning to London, Sam pivoted into political risk and private intelligence roles, leading him to his first exposure to the family office world.

Building a Family Office Network: Sam explains how he founded the Family Office Socials (FOS), a 430-member peer-to-peer network connecting family offices for deal flow, fund investments, and professional collaboration. Learn how the network operates via WhatsApp and offers a unique platform for meaningful connections.

Advice for Aspiring Family Office Professionals: Sam provides insights on breaking into the family office world, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, acquiring diverse experiences, and approaching the space with a flexible mindset.

Lessons from the Field: The challenges and rewards of managing relationships within the family office space, including maintaining trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating personal dynamics.

What’s Next for Family Offices? A discussion on emerging trends, from the rise of new wealth to increased interest in niche sectors like longevity, biotech, and infrastructure.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the enigmatic world of family offices, with practical advice for navigating its complex and diverse landscape. Whether you're a budding investor, a finance enthusiast, or someone interested in unique career paths, this conversation is packed with insights and stories that you won’t want to miss.

Investment Banking, Family Offices and... Discus! [Member Guest - Evergreen Capital]

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:00:00 +0100

Welcome to another episode of The Mergers Podcast, where we explore unique journeys and hard-earned insights from leaders in finance, venture capital, and family offices. In this episode, host Rory Mason is joined by special guest Russell Tucker, a former All-Africa Games champion turned investment banker and family office GFO managing over £100 million, alongside co-host Ken.

Key Highlights:

From Athlete to Banker: Russell shares his inspiring transition from being a gold medal-winning athlete, nicknamed "The Tank," to excelling in corporate finance, highlighting the discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness that sports instilled in him.

Breaking into Finance: Practical advice for aspiring investment bankers, including building modeling skills, leveraging virtual internships, and applying relentlessly. Ken and Russell also reflect on their contrasting journeys—traditional vs. untraditional routes into finance.

Inside the Family Office: Russell unpacks his dynamic role managing multi-generational wealth, emphasizing post-acquisition challenges, flex modeling, and aligning family goals with investment strategies.

Sports, Military, and EQ: The hosts discuss how a background in sports or the military equips individuals with discipline and emotional intelligence, making them stand out in high-pressure environments like IB and VC.

Building a Legacy: Russell explains how family offices can groom the next generation to take stewardship of wealth responsibly, balancing risk capital and long-term generational planning.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, career advice, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of family offices and investment banking. Whether you're a finance enthusiast, an aspiring banker, or someone curious about managing generational wealth, this one’s for you.

Sports Private Equity [Special Guest - Chiron Sports Group]

Wed, 08 May 2024 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode of The Mergers Podcast, Rory sits down with Leo and Sam, the visionary co-founders of Chiron Sports, to discuss their groundbreaking approach to investing in sports assets and driving growth in the world of football and beyond.

Leo, with a background in law and private equity, and Sam, who transitioned from real estate private equity, share their experiences stepping into football operations and forming Chiron Sports. Backed by prominent family offices like Christian Angermeyer’s Apeiron Investment Group, they’ve taken on the challenge of modernizing sports investments. From owning stakes in lower-league European clubs to managing a new electric speedboat racing team with Didier Drogba, they are redefining what it means to create value in the sports industry.

The episode dives into:

- The unique challenges of operating football clubs and building stakeholder trust.
- How Chiron Sports is leveraging celebrity-led sports teams, like Team Drogba in E1 Racing, to disrupt traditional models.
- The rise of women’s sports as a growth frontier and the lessons it offers to the men’s game.
Insights into the ecosystem of sports management, from community building to monetizing merchandise including how Venezia FC grew merchandise sales from $400k to $6M in three years.
- The role of private equity-style strategies in making sports assets sustainable and scalable.
- They also touch on emerging trends like the integration of AI, the professionalization of women’s sports, and the impact of individual player brands, including Ronaldo and Mbappé, on fan loyalty.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, investor, or just curious about the business of sports, this episode is packed with valuable insights and unique perspectives.

Unconventional routes into Venture Capital

Wed, 01 May 2024 16:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the first-ever episode of The Mergers Podcast! Hosted by Rory, Ken, and Josh, this episode introduces the hosts, their backgrounds, and the vision behind The Mergers—a platform for connecting young professionals in finance through networking, insightful discussions, and a touch of fun.

Key Highlights:

Breaking into Finance: Ken and Josh share their unique paths into venture capital, including lessons from fintech startups, leveraging tennis connections, and the importance of being curious and persistent.

The Birth of The Mergers (Formerly, CF Div Sweeps): Discover how casual meetups evolved into a growing network of 40+ finance professionals from leading firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Barclays.

Networking Done Right: Insights on building your network, adding value to relationships, and mastering emotional intelligence to succeed in finance and beyond.

Career Perspectives: The hosts discuss how diverse skills, such as athletic and interpersonal abilities, can open doors in finance, and how salesmanship and EQ are integral at every level of the industry.

What’s Next for The Mergers: From rooftop events and private talks to a tennis summer party, the team is redefining professional networking with an emphasis on relationships, career development, and a lot of fun.

This episode is just the beginning. Expect future content to include guest interviews with private equity partners, hedge fund managers, and founders, as well as unfiltered discussions on the latest trends in venture capital, finance, and entrepreneurship.