From banking to business

I've just started blogging for LSE. At the moment it's only available to current students, but there should be an external version in the pipeline. My first post:

--

Moving from the big world of investment banking to the small world of startups is not what it seems. The challenges in banking are huge and varied, but there’s something about the industry that just doesn’t seem real.

Startup business on the other hand is very real. The anxiety you feel when you wonder if a deal is going to go your way is intense. It’s like being the star of a fly-on-the-wall documentary where you – and only you – determine the success or failure of your business. The adrenaline rush from closing your first deal as an entrepreneur gives you a high that makes you feel like you can take on the world.

Startup business is real business. It’s gritty and at times dirty. The challenges, the excitement, the sleepless nights – they all come as a package. I love it.

A little about me…

I set up the LSE Entrepreneurs society during the final year of my Economics degree. Following graduation I followed the status quo and went into banking. I had some great experiences there, and I’d certainly make the same decision again, but I quickly developed an allergy for the industry! I decided to step on to a different track and follow my passion for startup business.

...and my business

That was in April 2006. Since then I’ve grown my real estate portfolio which I’ll be further expanding as the economy continues to plummet. I’ve also innovated a yield-enhancing concept of serviced flatshares for professionals. I packaged this into a management company that enables investors to double their returns, and allows me to capture over 100% return on investment. With those companies nicely ticking over and quietly expanding, I’ve got a team together to create my next business: PortfolioExecutive.com.

Over my coming posts I’ll be following the progress of Portfolio Executive. Our first tool is due to come online very soon and we’re currently in the process of raising a round of seed funding. It’s exciting times. All the latest experiences (and no doubt some horrendous mistakes!) will be available right here.