Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen chats with Luke P. (Luke Pilfold Thomas). He is an investor and board advisor at ProDataStack, an investor and NED at Dote and Talentloop, as well as the investor and co-founder of Aitemology. Additionally, he serves as the investor and chief strategy officer at Finity and a behind-the-scenes entrepreneur who's helped build 15+ companies. Luke talks about growing up introverted, learning by doing, and why he avoids the spotlight. He shares thoughts on education, parenting, and the future of work. With honesty and care, Luke reveals what really drives him and how he finds meaning in helping others succeed.

Luke isn’t just a founder; he’s the quiet force behind many growing companies. His journey from school tuck shop to serial investor shows how introverts can lead with impact. His focus on people, purpose, and doing things differently is shaping how early-stage businesses grow.

Luke started out running a school tuck shop and went on to work at places like BlackBerry and big retailers. Now, he backs early-stage startups with funding and advice. He uses lessons from his own journey to help founders build strong teams and smart systems from day one.

Key Takeaways:

• Behind the Scenes: Luke shares why he avoids the spotlight and helps others shine.
• From Tuck Shop to Boardroom: His journey from selling sweets to backing startups.
• Education Gaps: Why schools need to teach real-life skills like money and tech.
• Building Right: Tips for structuring teams and systems that can scale.
• Parenthood Shift: How becoming a dad changed his work-life balance.

Additional Insights:

• Helping Founders: Luke backs people, not just ideas, with time and advice.
• Hard Truths: Talks openly about stress, lost friends, and missed holidays.
• System First: Why building good systems matters more than quick hires.
• Big Picture: Shares views on AI, education gaps, and future risks.
• Doing What Matters: Choose work that brings joy, not just money.

• “I'm not made for the spotlight, I’d rather help others shine.” - Luke
• “Being smart isn’t the same as being academic.” - Luke
• “Build systems first, then hire people to run them.” - Luke

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:42] - Intro to Luke Pelfold Thomas: Quiet Builder Behind 15+ Companies

[02:53] - Why He Stays Behind the Scenes, Not in the Spotlight

[04:31] - Childhood & School: Books Over Exams

[09:01] - Early Hustle: Tuck Shop and the First Business Steps

[11:18] - Career Start: BlackBerry and Big Retail Lessons

[14:05] - Going Solo: Leaving the 9-5 Life

[15:59] - MBA Reflections: Learning About Himself

[18:03] - Views on School: Broken System and Real Skills

[20:47] - Financial Literacy Gap: Kids and Money Awareness

[24:27] - From Student Hustler to Founder Life Realization

[27:17] - Founder Advice: Efficiency and System Over Staff

[31:01] - Modern Balance: Fatherhood and Work-Life Edges

[34:23] - Portfolio Approach: Choosing Projects that Spark Joy

[36:28] - Relationship Toll: Friendships and Family Struggles

[41:20] - Youngest of Three: How Family Dynamics Shape Drive

[44:13] - Tech vs. Humanity: AI and a Shifting Job Landscape

[46:15] - Timing Matters: Starting Up at Low-Obligation Phases

FOLLOW THE GUEST:

LinkedIn Accounts:

• Luke Pilfold Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukethomas017/
• ProDataStack: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prodatastack/
• Finity: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finity-hq/
• Talentloop: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentloop-ltd/
• Dote: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dotebaby/
• Aitemology: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aitemology/

• ProDataStack: https://prodatastack.ai/
• Finity: https://www.finity.co.uk/
• Talentloop: https://talentloop.co.uk/
• Dote: https://dotebaby.co.uk/
• Aitemology: https://www.aitemology.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnalowen/
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-engine-growth/
• Website: https://www.theengine.uk/
• Email: [email protected]

• Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-engine-founders-stories/id1815726599
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pl28fSOqvj2nOvWnDXvfn