From commanding soldiers in Afghanistan, to scaling tech startup Deliveroo 500x in 5 years. I’ve led people and operations, from the frontline to the boardroom. After serving in Afghanistan, I left the Army and moved to London with no job. I wanted to work at a startup, but I didn't understand my value or how to pitch it. I was rejected from every role I applied for. Having given up my military identity, and no longer surrounded by supportive colleagues, my confidence was low. Every rejection made me doubt my ability more. Living in an unfamiliar environment with no purpose, and burning through savings, was stressful. People kept telling me to give up my dream and take a corporate job. So I took a chance and helped my brother start a company. The learning curve was steep, and it didn't pay a penny, but I quickly learnt how to build scalable business operations from the ground up. A few months later, I applied to be an operations manager at foodtech startup Deliveroo. They recognised my potential and hired me as employee number 15(ish), the second person in ops. Surrounded by entrepreneurial mentors, I thrived in the startup environment. I applied my military leadership experience to business, built high performing teams and was promoted several times. In 5 years we grew Deliveroo 500x and became a tech unicorn. Since going freelance, I've helped over a dozen startups and scale-ups unlock leadership potential, build scalable operations and grow. Do you value people? I'll help you unlock leadership potential and grow your startup. Get your free consultation @ pauldavidmather.com Trusted by: Oxwash (cleantech), TrueLayer (fintech), Accommodation (proptech), Dropless (on demand services), Qured (healthtech), Watchword (security), Hometree (insurtech), Snap-It (B2B marketplace), Swishd (last mile delivery), WAU Bike (micromobility), GreenMo (EV), Penryn Spirits (beverages), Tutors and Futures (education) Invested in: KwikPay (payments tech), The Portfolio Collective (future of work), Foodstuff (foodtech), Clothes Doctor (cleantech), Chip (fintech)

Opportunities to help startups and scale-ups unlock leadership potential

I have a habit of rescuing stray dogs

AG

Commanding an infantry platoon in Afghanistan