Niels Gustavsson

LONDON AS A LAUNCHPAD

COO at Custos Ventures (Private Equity)

‘’I feel privileged to live in London and to meet so many interesting people’’. Niels Gustavsson’s start at the Swedish School ignited a passion for people and a career at a venture capitalist firm. 

What does your company do?

I was first introduced to Custos Ventures by a friend and have been working there ever since I graduated from university. Custos Ventures is an investment company with Swedish origins, now owned by Norwegian venture capitalist Christen Ager-Hanssen. We have offices in London, Stockholm and Oslo and I work closely with Christen. 

As the Chief Operating Officer, I oversee the company’s operations. Being part of a small team, I also serve as the CFO for our UK operations. My responsibilities include managing budgets, taxes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and handling all communications with the Financial Conduct Authority. 

What excites you about your role? 

What I enjoy most about my job is its variety; I get to work with a wide range of companies and individuals. I’m fortunate to meet people from diverse industries, including tech, media, and finance. The mix of people is fascinating; I have the opportunity to interact with high-net individuals from around the world, including royal families, British billionaires, CEOs, private equity firms, and young entrepreneurs.   

What drives you? 

I’ve got a passion for what I do, and I love the people around me. I am very close to the team and my colleagues and have a close bond with the family who owns the company.

What is most important when pursuing a career in your industry?

Networking plays a crucial role in my sector. While many people possess impressive degrees and qualifications, success often hinges on finding the right connection. My top piece of advice is to actively engage in networking opportunities. London has been instrumental for me in expanding my personal network and meeting a diverse array of international professionals. 

What does it take to become successful in your industry? 

Firstly, you must work very hard. Secondly, you can’t be afraid of taking risks. 

“The Swedish School offers several advantages, notably its small class sizes, which foster a more personalised and engaging learning environment.”

Have you had any mentors guiding you along the way? 

From a young age, my dad was always my primary mentor, and my grandfather has also been a valuable advisor. Since joining Custos, my boss has become a significant mentor as well. We’ve developed a personal relationship, and I never feel like just an employee; rather, I see him as a genuinely cool person and a supportive guide. 

You became a father a year ago. Have you started thinking about schools and education?

My wife and I are currently looking at school options. It’s important to us that the environment is international, as we’re also considering our long-term living plans and where we envision settling in the future. 

How is the Swedish School different from other local private schools in the area? 

The Swedish School offers several advantages, notably its small class sizes, which foster a more personalised and engaging learning environment. The close-knit community creates a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere. Additionally, the absence of a school uniform is a plus, and the tuition fees are highly competitive for a private school. 

Is being international important to you? 

Before joining the Swedish School, I spent a few years in Luxemburg. When I moved to London, I really appreciated its vibrant international atmosphere. Since then, I’ve been keen on staying in London long-term and have no plans to return to Sweden full-time. I do spend summers in Falsterbo, while the rest of the year I live in London. 

What is the fondest memory you have from the Swedish School? 

It’s the people and the classmates that stand out. I remain close friends with many of them. The school is small, and intimate settings fosters deep connections, allowing you to be recognised as an individual rather than just one of many.

What is your relationship to London? 

I absolutely love it here – London is such a cool city. Its international flair and the distinct charm of each neighbourhood make it endlessly fascinating. There’s so much to explore, and I feel incredibly privileged to live here. Home is in Chelsea, but we might consider moving further west in the future to be closer to schools. 

What is your circle of friends like and what do you get up to in your spare time? 

My friends come from a blend of Scandinavian and European backgrounds. We tend to gather at pubs and restaurants in Chelsea, like The Orange and Colbert, or take a stroll through Battersea Park across the river. These days, it’s a bit more challenging to go out as much, when you have a toddler – sitting still for long periods is a rare luxury.