Meet The Investors: Jessica Frydling and Brandon Mhangami
We are delighted to welcome two new Associates to the Augmentum investment team, Jessica Frydling and Brandon Mhangami. Jess and Brandon will be working on the team’s deal-sourcing activity, analysing investment opportunities and proactively supporting portfolio companies.
Jess joins us from L&G’s venture capital team, where she spent her time investing across multiple VC strategies, and Brandon joins us from the Octopus Ventures fintech team. Learn more about Jess and Brandon through some quick fire answers below.
1. Tell us about your journey so far …
Jess: After starting my career at Goldman Sachs in asset management, I joined Berlin-based VC fund Redstone, where I worked on deals across fintech, social impact, and sustainability. During that time, I completed a Masters in Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at Imperial College London. I then joined L&G’s venture capital team, investing across multiple VC strategies.
Brandon: I’ve joined Augmentum having spent the last two years at Octopus Ventures’ fintech team. At Octopus, I worked on deals across multiple sub-vectors of the fintech space, including insurtech, payments, wealthtech and capital markets. Prior to Octopus I worked within the Global Markets Group at IHS Markit/S&P Global, where my role was focused on product strategy for the Fixed Income market.
2. What is it about the fintech ecosystem that you find most interesting / exciting?
Jess: What excites me most about the fintech ecosystem is the constant innovation and the potential to reshape the financial landscape. By combining technology with finance, fintech startups are making financial services more accessible, efficient, and personalised, democratising access for everyone. I also believe fintechs play a crucial role in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
Brandon: What excites me most about the fintech ecosystem is its potential to significantly advance financial inclusion. The innovative products, infrastructure, and solutions being developed have the power to better support the underserved, and make financial services more accessible to all.
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in venture capital?
Jess: Growing up in Berlin has always somehow exposed me to the VC and startup ecosystem. During my time at GS, I worked with a few fintechs, especially investment platforms and robo-advisors. That was the moment I realised that I wanted to do this full-time. Working closely with founders shaping the future and creating a lasting impact inspires me every day.
Brandon: The opportunity to work with and support some of the brightest founders in the world, and being at the forefront of innovation that has real world impact.
4. What do you enjoy doing outside the office?
Jess: I love doing sports (whether it’s pilates, tennis or hitting the slopes), travelling and catching up with friends. Definitely hit me up if you are up for a round of tennis!
Brandon: Sports! I love watching and playing any and all sports. My favourite team is Arsenal and I try my hardest not to miss a game.
5. What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
Jess: I’m obsessed with 80's music and probably know the lyrics to most of the songs.
Brandon: My favourite film in the world is The Lion King.
