How I found my approach

It was 1995, and I had just gotten my hands on a Windows 95 CD.

As a curious five-year-old, I slid it into the disk drive of our overheating desktop computer. My dad leaned over and said, “Hit F9 and boot it from the drive.” I scanned the keyboard, found F9, and pressed it.

Suddenly, the screen lit up. Vibrant colours, the iconic multicoloured window logo, and a smooth ripple animation filled the monitor. It was like magic.

In 1995, CDs and desktops were the peak of innovation, and I was hooked. But it wasn’t just the technology that captivated me; it was the power of innovation itself.

The ability to create something entirely new, to redefine what’s possible, fascinated me.

That moment wasn’t just about booting a computer. It sparked a mindset - an insatiable curiosity about what’s next, what could be better, and how innovation could change everything we think we know.

That curiosity has guided my journey ever since.

From studying medicine to building businesses as a tech founder and solving complex problems as a management consultant, I’ve never followed a linear path. To some, it might seem unconventional. To me, it’s been about following where curiosity and opportunity lead.

These experiences taught me a simple but powerful truth: what works today can, and often must, be reimagined for tomorrow.

Now, I bring that mindset into my investing.

What is wrong with the investment world today

The financial world is overflowing with funds, but many fail to deliver on their promise.

Most funds stick to outdated playbooks, chasing the same trends, trying to predict price changes and focus on short-term results.

I believe this approach often leads to underperformance. And today many are struggling to beat the S&P 500.

The problem? A lack of forward-thinking.

I believe many funds overlook the seismic shifts happening across industries, whether it’s the rise of artificial intelligence, the push for renewable energy, or the quiet disruption of traditional sectors by agile innovators.

Investors deserve better than mediocre returns tied to the status quo.

I believe to outperform in today’s markets, you need to focus on the future, by finding companies and ideas that are actively reshaping it.

My approach: Invest in the future

My investment approach is built around a simple idea: the future belongs to innovators.

I focus on two key areas:

1. Emerging Industries: I seek out ground breaking sectors that are still in their infancy but show immense growth potential. These are the markets of tomorrow, and I aim to find the companies leading the charge today.

2. Transforming Outdated Industries: Not every great investment is in something new. Some of the best opportunities come from companies breathing life into stagnant sectors. I find those challenging conventions and creating something entirely different. 

Finding these opportunities is just the start.

A good investment starts with a great business. Money-haemorrhaging start-ups? Not my game.

Every opportunity I consider undergoes a rigorous 100-point research test (yes, I’m that thorough).

This process is designed to answer seven critical questions:

1. Is the market emerging or ripe for disruption? I’ve developed proprietary frameworks to identify emerging industries and market disruptors. Emerging industries are evaluated based on metrics like growth rates, R&D spending, and adoption curves, while disruptors are assessed on competitive advantages, scalability, and market share potential.
2. Is the company real or just hype? In emerging industries, hype can inflate valuations. My goal is to separate genuine opportunities from speculative bubbles by assessing fundamentals, market positioning, and sustainable growth potential.
3. Are they building great products? Great businesses create products or services that customers truly want. I assess the company’s "competitive moat" - technological superiority, regulatory advantages, intellectual property, or deep customer relationships. Using machine learning, I screen for innovation signals like patents filed, R&D spending, and key management shifts to gauge their commitment to building standout offerings.
4. Can the company grow revenue? Growth is a non-negotiable. I focus on companies with a proven ability to grow revenue year-on-year, scalable operations, and strategies to expand without compromising quality or market position.
5. Is the company, or can it become, profitable? Profitability isn’t just about EBITDA; it’s about financial health. I dig into operational efficiency and cash flow statements to assess whether the company’s profitability is sustainable or achievable.
6. Is the company financially resilient? Financial resilience is about stability and adaptability. I evaluate balance sheets for liquidity, debt management, and the ability to weather market downturns. Companies with strong cash reserves and diversified revenue streams are better positioned to thrive long-term.
7. Do they have visionary leadership? Great businesses are driven by visionary leaders. I look for founders and executives who not only understand their industry but also have the ability to inspire teams, anticipate market shifts, and execute bold strategies that set their companies apart.

Through this meticulous, data-driven process, I uncover companies that are not only poised for growth but also built to endure, and thrive, in the face of change.

Why I believe this approach works

I believe this approach works because it focuses on where value is being created in this world.

1. Innovation Drives Growth: Ultimately, history shows that companies that disrupt or lead new industries consistently outperform over the long term. By aligning with these companies early, I can capture outsized returns.
2. Diversified Opportunities: Balancing emerging industries with disruptors in mature sectors ensures I’m not overly exposed to speculative risks while maintaining a growth-oriented portfolio.
3. Deep Research and Discipline: Every investment is underpinned by my rigorous analysis, from market trends to company fundamentals. I look for businesses with strong competitive moats, clear pathways to profitability, and visionary leadership.

Through this lens, my portfolio isn’t just a collection of stocks, it’s a curated selection of companies I believe are shaping the future.