Mentors

Paul Johnston

Mentor

Sector:
Technology
|
Location:
UK
Background

Paul is an advisor, technologist and strategist with experience of working in and advising both Government and some of the biggest companies in the world. An international keynote speaker, he has extensive experience within startup companies both as CTO or interim CTO but also in advisory and non exec roles. Paul advises not just on tech, but also on the sales, strategy and growth aspects of any business. He is on the board of the Wardley Mapping Foundation, his local community energy company and has provided due diligence services to VC and PE companies as well as advisory services and consultancy to startups from pre-seed all the way up to Series B. Now primarily focused on advisory and non-exec work he is looking to build out his mentoring and find some new and interesting companies to work with, especially if they are interested in making an impact on climate change.

NED & Board Advisory Experience:

CTO at multiple startups including Movivo (Series B), Sliide (Series A) and WorkHero (Seed). Current advisor to Furnace, Programable, Vox Markets and several companies in stealth mod. Non Exec Director of local Community Energy company. On Board of Wardley Mapping Foundation. Provided advisory due diligence services to TDR Capital and Seedcloud.

Skills:

Senior Technology Strategy and Leadership, NED, Keynote Speaker, Wardley Mapping, Funding Strategy, Growth Strategy, Mentoring, Cloud, AWS, Serverless Architectures, Technology Team Building, Technology Partnerships, Technology Minimalism, Cloud Economist, Due Diligence

Credentials:

BSc Natural Sciences from University of Bath / Formerly AWS / Formerly UK Government

Our Trustpilot reviews...

I'm delighted to have joined Connectd, a platform that brings together start-ups, investors and advisors/NEDs – the latter being my interest. Having left full-time employment, I became a founding Non-Executive Director of a Community Interest Company and a Trustee of a local charity. I had also been looking for additional Non-Executive roles when I was introduced to Connectd. I was impressed by the sophisticated nature of the ecosystem, which enables searches for roles through detailed filters, as well as providing training through the NED Academy, help with CV writing, mentoring, template documents and other resources. Connectd also guarantees a placement with a business.

An additional feature of the platform is the Connectd Investor Community, where investors can interact, conduct due diligence, share deal-flow and learn together. The functionality allows like-minded investors to connect, with separate groups for each; to share deal flow (not just with companies on the platform) and to co-invest; to access partnerships such as Crunchbase membership and Vauban discount codes; and to create public or private groups.

I'm now working with a start-up that I was introduced to through Connectd, initially pro bono. There's a lot going on and a lot to do - we're raising funds and there's an exciting future in prospect!

Steve Hutchings

,

Transition to Portfolio Advisor

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I'm delighted to have joined Connectd, a platform that brings together start-ups, investors and advisors/NEDs – the latter being my interest. Having left full-time employment, I became a founding Non-Executive Director of a Community Interest Company and a Trustee of a local charity. I had also been looking for additional Non-Executive roles when I was introduced to Connectd. I was impressed by the sophisticated nature of the ecosystem, which enables searches for roles through detailed filters, as well as providing training through the NED Academy, help with CV writing, mentoring, template documents and other resources. Connectd also guarantees a placement with a business.

An additional feature of the platform is the Connectd Investor Community, where investors can interact, conduct due diligence, share deal-flow and learn together. The functionality allows like-minded investors to connect, with separate groups for each; to share deal flow (not just with companies on the platform) and to co-invest; to access partnerships such as Crunchbase membership and Vauban discount codes; and to create public or private groups.

I'm now working with a start-up that I was introduced to through Connectd, initially pro bono. There's a lot going on and a lot to do - we're raising funds and there's an exciting future in prospect!

Steve Hutchings

,

Transition to Portfolio Advisor

Amazing experience and a perfect 'one stop shop' for those wanting to move towards a portfolio career and get everything they need to do that!

Christopher

,

Transition to Portfolio Advisor

I highly recommend Connectd. I joined the Transition to Portfolio programme in 2023 and have enjoyed the content, lessons, and networking. In kicking off my portfolio and NED career I am already working with three startups via the Connectd platform.

James Scott

,

Transition to Portfolio Advisor

I joined The Connectd Platform to continue to develop my portfolio career and so far to date its has delivered on that exact promise very quickly. I have already secured a board advisory role. The learning Resoruces are superb and very relatable, whilst offering secure and engaging online content.

I would actively encourage anyone looking to grow and develop their portfolio career to dive into The Connectd Platform.

Shaun Glanville

,

Transition to Portfolio Advisor

I joined the Connectd platform back in October last year. I have completed a comprehensive Non Exec CPD course and have attended some brilliant seminars, webinars and networking events too. The easy to use platform and the personal touch of the Connectd team are the winning combination here. The support from everyone is first class. As I head into the new year looking for my first board or advisory role I can’t wait to get matched up with my first investor/start up!

Dawn Spencer

,

Transition to Portfolio Advisor