Tell us about yourself

Like a lot of CTOs, I started my career as a developer and did that for many years before transitioning into a more business-focused role. I’ve worked in many different industries, such as gaming, robotics and recruitment. For me, technology is just so deep and so fascinating. There are so many problems to solve and so much impact that can be made.

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What prompted you to start a business like Kikin?

I am a huge fan of the purpose-led initiatives driving business governance, such as B-corp and 1%, and the team and I identified a gap in traditional financing models; businesses with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility often faced challenges in securing the necessary financial support. This observation fueled my determination to build Kikin as a solution, a financial institution specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of these kinds of enterprises.

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Why are purpose-led businesses important to you?

Purpose-led businesses hold deep personal significance for me, fueled by an unwavering belief that businesses, when equipped with the necessary resources, can serve as catalysts for positive societal change. As a father, my commitment to fostering purpose-led enterprises is intrinsically tied to the world I aspire to leave for my children—one characterised not by exploitation and profit maximisation but by a dedication to giving back to society and promoting sustainable growth. That’s why Kikin is not just a lending platform, it's a commitment to fostering a symbiotic relationship between financial success and meaningful impact.

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How does technology play a role in delivering a solution like Kikin?

The deployment of cutting-edge technology is a critical part of how we solve the financing problem for our customers. We harness the recent maturity of several new transformative technologies, including risk assessment, credit reporting, artificial intelligence and serverless architecture. What was only once possible with large offices, packed with people - and a massive carbon footprint! - is now achievable in real time, in the cloud.

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What are your reflections on the current business environment?

I believe the current business environment is undergoing a profound transformation. There is a growing recognition that businesses have a responsibility beyond profit, and stakeholders increasingly demand transparency, ethical practices, and sustainability. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities, and in my opinion, businesses that embrace purpose and align with ESG principles are not only better positioned to navigate challenges but also to thrive in an evolving marketplace where conscious consumerism is on the rise.

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What does success look like to you?

Success for me at Kikin would mean making a measurable, positive impact on the purpose-led businesses we support. It involves contributing to the growth and sustainability of these businesses while simultaneously adhering to the highest ethical and environmental standards we can.