The $10K bet that changed everything
I made my first investment when I was 12. It wasn’t much, but like most people in the market back then, I crushed it. The return? It was epic until the 1987 “Black Monday” crash, but there was still enough to splurge on a pack of pick ’n’ mix and a new bike. Not bad for a kid.
Fast forward to 28, I put $10,000 into a friend’s software distribution company. It was a big bet for me at the time. Seven years later, I exited for $220,000.
Along the way I realised something very important: investing wasn’t just luck—there was a system behind it. I went all in. To date, I’ve invested in over 50 early-stage ventures, each teaching me more about the art (and mistakes) of entrepreneurship and investing. Alongside, I’ve built and scaled five businesses of my own. Not all were successful, but each left me with lessons I carry forward.
What I’ve Learned: 3 lessons of wealth building for entrepreneurs
1. The power of advice
You can’t solve every problem alone. Whether it’s a mentor, your board, or a paid coach, the right guidance opens doors you didn’t even know existed. But not all advice is good advice. The key is knowing when to listen and when to stick to your vision.
I’ve worked with structured coaching relationships, mentors, and executive coaches over the years. The insights I gained weren’t just tactical—they changed the trajectory of my businesses. And my wealth.
2. The wealthy exit too soon (and protect your capital!)
"There is no reason to risk what you have and need for what you don’t have and don’t need."
—Morgan Housel, The Psychology of Money
People really only share the big wins - $500 into Crypto in 2002* , now worth $500m kind of thing. Rarely the losses. Investing is risky, you’ll lose sometimes. Personally, I always take money off the table on the way up. Partial liquidity events, taking a profit on the way up whilst keeping the base intact. (*crypto didn’t exist in 2002, well spotted, an intentional fib).
3. Business is the ultimate asset class
Most people chase wealth through stocks, property, or crypto. Nothing wrong with that. But if you're a founder? Your business is likely the most powerful wealth-creation vehicle you'll ever touch.
I’ve built businesses that created freedom, and invested in founders who turned conviction into generational wealth. But I’ve also seen talented people walk away with nothing—because they didn’t treat their business *like an asset*. They treated it like a job. Or, they held on too long believing that the best outcome was around the corner.
Shift your mindset from operator to owner. From founder to asset-builder.
Why It matters now
The best time to think about your exit was two years ago. The second best? Right now.
Not because you're ready to sell—but because building with the *option* to exit is how you create freedom, leverage, and choices.
So ask yourself: are you building a machine—or just part of one?
If you’ve been operating instead of owning, it might be time for a reset.
I help founders build businesses that work for them, not the other way around.
If you’re ready to explore what that looks like, book a call with me here.
