Alex Dam
Principal, Hillfarrance Venture Capital
Bachelor of Business in Finance
He loves investing in startups, says Alex Dam who completed a Bachelor of Business in Finance, with a minor in Entrepreneurship, and now works at Hillfarrance Venture Capital.
“I source investment opportunities, conduct due diligence, manage our portfolio post-investment and help raise capital for our fund. Currently, we have $36 million in funds under management.
“My role is dynamic and you’re never really in one place, learning about one thing. You learn a lot of things, which makes my role so great.”
Choosing AUT
Alex decided to come to AUT to study business after becoming passionate about investing and wanting to find out more about the world of finance.
“My previous full-time job led me to pursue a degree in finance when I realised that I liked investing my salary and wanted to learn more about personal finance. I chose AUT for my studies because I had heard that it was a more collaborative and hands-on experience compared with other tertiary education providers.”
It's a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted.
“AUT gave me the foundations to do the things I do today. People skills, soft skills and working collaboratively as a team have been the most important things I’ve learnt during my time at AUT. The people and teaching support were the highlights of my time at university.
“I was also privileged enough to manage the AUT Investment Club during my time at AUT and it really taught me some great transferrable skills. I was proud that the club was voted the best overall club in 2020 and 2021. Other achievements I’m proud of include being on the dean’s honours list for 2020 and 2021, and being asked to become a Beta Gamma Sigma lifetime member.”
Finding his path
For Alex, there was one particular course that helped him find his path towards the rewarding career he has today.
“My time studying the course Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation included some of the most motivational learnings I’ve had. Being exposed to simple business model lean canvases and startup culture allowed me to make the move into startups and eventually land in venture capital.”
He has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their university journey.
“Immerse yourself in new things. It’s only then when you start figuring out what you truly want to do. Give it a go and don’t worry about failure; that’s growth.”
