At TEN13, we love deep-diving into the journeys of visionary investors and founders. In our latest chat, Sophie Robertson sat down with Jason Titman, CEO of SwyftX and seasoned investor, to discuss his career, the evolution of tech investing, and the future of digital finance. Below, we cover some of the key takeaways from our conversation - watch the full video to get all the insights straight from Jason himself!
Key Takeaways:
✅ The Power of Relationships in Investing - Jason’s career has been built on strong networks, from the hotel industry to tech investing.
✅ Early-Stage Investment Strategy - "If I don't understand an asset class, I put some of my money there to invest in it and start to understand it."
✅ Backing Great Founders - "Have they got that kind of hutzpah? Have they got that vision? Have they got the ability to truly be coached and get through challenges?"
✅ VC & Collaboration - A strong community and investor network are crucial for startup success and scaling.
✅ Tech & Digital Finance Evolution - The shift towards blockchain and digital assets is reshaping traditional finance, and investors need to stay ahead.
✅ Hybrid Investing Approach - Jason takes a diversified approach, investing directly, through syndicates, and via VC funds to leverage expertise across industries and geographies.
From Computer Auditor to Tech Investor: Jason’s Career Journey
Jason’s career can be divided into three key phases:
- Professional Services - Starting as a computer auditor at KPMG, bridging the gap between finance and IT.
- Hotel & Property Investment - Spending 14 years in the industry, learning the power of relationships and strategic investments.
- Tech & Venture Capital - Entering VC and angel investing 15 years ago, when it was still in its formative stages in Australia.
Jason leveraged a mix of academic qualifications, street smarts, and capital to understand the tech founder mindset. His ability to blend financial expertise with founder psychology helped him navigate the emerging startup landscape.
Investing in Early-Stage Startups
For Jason, early-stage investing is more about understanding the founder than analyzing traditional business metrics.
🔹 "The early investments are hard to look at through a templated lens of numbers, systems, and processes. You have to understand the individual."
🔹 He looks for founders who can be coached, adapt, and have a long-term vision.
🔹 Consumer readiness matters – "Is that great idea going to be accepted sufficiently in enough time that we can get enough runway?"
Jason believes that investing in VC and startups is essential for staying ahead:
🛑 "If you're not investing in the VC space, then it's going to be pretty difficult to come out on top."
Hybrid Approach to Venture Investing
Jason takes a multi-faceted approach to investing:
✅ 35+ direct investments where he plays an active role, often taking board positions.
✅ 150+ indirect investments via VC funds and syndicates, covering niche industries and geographies.
✅ Prefers syndication over black-box investing, allowing him to pick and choose deals rather than rely solely on fund managers.
✅ High conviction investor – When he truly believes in a company, he over-indexes his investment and takes an active role in growth.
Key Rules Jason Lives By in Investing
💰 "I am an accumulator, not a trader. I look to go on the long journey with a company."
💰 "Know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em." – Keep emotions in check and avoid throwing good money after bad.
💰 "Keep double in reserve for follow-ons." If a company is performing well or needs support, be ready to reinvest.
💰 "You never go broke making a profit." Don’t get greedy; knowing when to exit is just as important as knowing when to invest.
Advice for Aspiring Angel Investors
For those looking to enter early-stage investing, Jason recommends:
1️⃣ Start with What You Know – Invest in industries where you have expertise to ask the right questions and gain confidence.
2️⃣ Engage with Founders – Get involved, respond to asks, and provide strategic value beyond capital.
3️⃣ Diversify Over Time – Once comfortable, broaden your portfolio across sectors by leveraging networks like TEN13.
SwyftX: Disrupting Digital Finance
As CEO of SwyftX, Jason is leading one of Australia’s largest digital asset platforms:
📈 Approaching 1 million customers (adding 1,000 per day)
💰 Over $4 billion in customer assets on the platform
🚀 Product roadmap focused on real-world applications (crypto-backed lending, digital banking, staking rewards)
He believes that digital finance will transform traditional banking, and SwyftX is at the forefront of bridging the gap between traditional and digital assets.
🔮 "If you're not getting involved in blockchain and digital assets now, and you plan to be in business in five years, you need to rethink your strategy."
Final Thoughts
Jason’s insights reinforce why venture investing is as much about people as it is about capital. His journey highlights the importance of adaptability, long-term vision, and staying ahead of industry shifts.
📽️ Watch the full conversation with Jason Titman and let us know your thoughts!
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