Meet the manager: Tim Levene

If you weren’t a fund manager, what job would you do?

Honestly, I'd probably still be building companies. I started my first venture back in '98, and the thrill of creating something disruptive is just in my blood.

What was the proudest moment of your career?

That's a tough one – I'm not one for dwelling on the past too much. But helping to build Flutter and Betfair from the ground up was an incredible, if exhausting journey. Working with such a brilliant, driven team to shake up a rather old-fashioned industry was hugely rewarding. And, of course, I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved at Augmentum Fintech. We've backed some amazing companies, seen some great exits, and helped create a lot of jobs. It's rewarding to see the impact we're having.

What was the most difficult moment of your career and why?

Venture investing is a rollercoaster – there's a new challenge practically every week! But taking Augmentum public was a particularly memorable experience. It was touch-and-go for a while there; we were scrambling to find enough believers in fintech and venture capital as a public market asset class back in 2017/18. Let's just say I aged a few years during that roadshow! Navigating the last seven years with all the global ups and downs... well, I'm looking forward to a bit more predictability, if that's even possible.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Learn on someone else's dime! Seriously, find a great company, get inside, and absorb everything you can. Witnessing the challenges and triumphs first hand, without the full weight of ownership on your shoulders, is invaluable. It's the best business school you could ask for. And don't be afraid to take calculated risks - just maybe not all at once.

Away from the workplace, how do you spend your time?

Family time is paramount after the intensity of the work week. We're long-suffering Chelsea supporters – a family tradition since 1905, so that's a non-negotiable part of the weekend, for better or worse. When I need a bit of a mental escape, I hit the golf course. It's the one thing that completely clears my head, even if my handicap doesn't always reflect that.

Tell us about the last book you read or the last podcast you listened to?

I'm a bit of a biography addict – I love learning about the journeys of great leaders and entrepreneurs. If you're looking for a deep dive into how some iconic companies were built, I highly recommend the ‘Founders’ and ‘Acquired’ podcasts. They're incredibly insightful, and often surprisingly entertaining.

Where was the last place you went on holiday and why?

We took the family to Chiang Mai in Thailand. It was a fantastic change of pace – swapping beaches for hiking, kayaking and exploring elephant sanctuaries. It was great to experience a different side of Thailand and create some lasting memories.

In your personal life, what would you like to achieve in the next 12 months?

It's the classic challenge, isn't it? Finding that elusive balance between work, family, and making time for myself. I'm aiming to get more consistent with my exercise – maybe even train for a white-collar boxing match. That, and finally learning how to make the perfect beef wellington!