Julia Tillett on backing founder-led companies, building an investing strategy around her own values and starting with the products she already uses.
Name: Julia Tillett
Investment timeframe: 4 years
Investment style: Long-term investor
Why did you start investing, and why Wall St?
I always assumed investing was only for people with a lot of money or finance professionals who knew the market. But working in scaling companies showed me the power of holding even a small share enabled you to grow through its ups and downs.
I wanted to experience that beyond just my work and back companies with exciting growth ambitions. Reading the investment strategy from my KiwiSaver provider made me realise that active management doesn't just have to sit with financial advisors. I wanted the chance to build my own strategy, and explore investments that fit my own values and risk.
What were your first investments?
The S&P 500 Vanguard ETF ($VOO) and Wise Group ($WSE).
Where does Wall St fit into your overall strategy – alongside things like KiwiSaver?
KiwiSaver is a growing nest egg that with consistent contributions over time will help support my retirement. But I want the opportunity to have more control over my money, and invest directly alongside my values and explore new opportunities.
Wall St is great because it gives me the opportunity to back exciting products and ideas that I learn about through researching the markets.
Describe your investing style
90% reliable hokey pokey, 10% boysenberry ripple for the more risky ups and downs.
What research do you do before buying a stock?
I start with products I actually use and love. From there, I look into company values, and customer sentiment to see if they're genuinely solving a big problem.
When I can get earnings reports or valuations, I also check user retention to make sure I’m not the only believer.
What US stocks are currently on your watchlist?
I’m always interested in founder-led and future focused companies, and naturally keeping one eye on kiwis looking to make it big. Most on my watchlist are companies not yet listed.
What surprised you most when you first started investing on Wall St compared with NZ?
The volatility. It was a lesson in learning not to panic, doing your research and having the confidence to ride the ups and downs.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start earlier, get researching and know its a long-term game.
Finally, what's the best part about being a Kiwi on Wall St?
Getting the chance to back exciting ideas.
Quick fire: tell us…
- One US stock you'd happily hold for 10 years? Apple ($AAPL).
- A company you'd love to own a tiny piece of (listed or not)? Vessev, Marloo or Halter
- Investing on Wall St in three words? Ride. The. Wave.
Important: The personal views in this article do not reflect the views of Stake and do not constitute financial advice. As always please do your own research before investing on Stake. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
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