Meet the manager: Richard Pindar
Manager of Literacy Capital.
If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?
If I wasn’t doing my current job, I’d probably want to run a ‘real’ business. Hopefully not causing too much offence to other fund managers there. Outside of the world of business or finance, I’m not too sure! Perhaps a teacher, which I think I’d have enjoyed.
What was the proudest moment of your career?
I’m not sure I’d call it the proudest moment but one where there was actually a pause to reflect was when Literacy Capital listed back in June 2021. Whilst the start of a journey in many ways, it had been a goal when setting up the fund almost four years earlier.
Unfortunately, when completing a new investment or successfully selling one, there’s rarely time to reflect as the focus immediately shifts to the next one!
I mean, I’d never buy Bitcoin but telling my 20-year-old self to buy some feels like the obvious answer to give.
Richard Pindar, manager of Literacy Capital
What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?
Thinking back, I’d say the most uncertain time of my career was back in March 2020, when the lockdown was announced. I remember thinking, “what on earth is going to happen now?” in relation to our portfolio of small businesses, and having lots of conversations with our management teams to work out how they might respond.
Thankfully, the portfolio was fine and NAV continued to grow strongly in 2020 and subsequent years, but it was quite worrying at the time.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
I mean, I’d never buy Bitcoin but telling my 20-year-old self to buy some feels like the obvious answer to give.
Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?
I have two children under two, so that takes up about 150% of my free time. Even watching a game of football on TV is difficult (even when all Leeds United games are in the family calendar) let alone attending one!
Tell us about the last book you read.
The last book I read was ‘Stick Man’ by Julia Donaldson; I’ve read it about 200 times. I quite like it, although I probably marginally prefer ‘The Camel Who Had The Hump’. I rarely get to choose though.
What is your favourite film of all time and why?
Difficult. Can’t remember the last film that I chose to watch but Shawshank, one of the Bourne films, or even the first Pirate of the Caribbean film might be all-time favourites.
In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?
It’s been pretty busy recently. I’m moving house next month and getting married next year. Hopefully, things will settle down after that!
