Why King’s?
I’ve always enjoyed the meticulous nature of law and constructing legal arguments. Once I’d decided on law as a career, King’s College London was high on my list.
King’s Law Department has such a good reputation here in Asia that I knew studying there would stand me in good stead. The opportunity to study in the beautiful Somerset House certainly didn’t hurt either.
What’s your favourite memory of King’s?
Welcome Week was fun. From setting up my flat to attending my first lecture and meeting my wonderful flat mates – many of whom are among my closest friends today – the entire week was full of optimism and opportunity.
What’s the key skill or lesson you learnt at King’s?
A major asset in my career has been my ability to understand the legal framework and take a leadership role in legal situations.
Both in my former role as a venture capitalist and now as a start-up operator, my law degree has proved invaluable. These skills are particularly useful when dealing with external investors and partners. Even though I never went down the legal career path, the lessons I learned at King’s benefit me every day.
You currently work for utu, helping grow the business around the world. How did your journey into this work begin?
I started at utu straight after graduating. At the time, both the business and my career were just beginning. I spent two years at the company, before heading to the United States to pursue an MBA. I then entered the venture capital world, working at Mission+ and Draper Startup House.
What's been your proudest achievement so far?
Three years ago, I rejoined utu. I was brought in to contribute to a Series B fundraising effort. This refers to the second major round of venture capital funding for a company. My biggest career ‘win’ was when we finally closed the deal after months of hard work.
What's been the biggest challenge?
Being in the start-up world means firefighting every day. One of the biggest challenges is juggling all the various hats I need to wear. This type of work is not for everyone. But for those who get involved, the exposure to different situations is second to none.
What's next for you?
Right now, I’m fully committed to growing utu and making our offering available in as many places as possible around the world!
What advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Every entrepreneur has a unique story. I’d encourage budding entrepreneurs to keep being innovative, no matter what situation they are in.
Look for new solutions to old problems, whether you’re a founder, a new starter or working for a more established company. The spirit of innovation will be the rocket fuel for your entrepreneurial journey.