Davinia Tomlinson - Founder & CEO of Rainchq

Ladies.

Let's make it rain.

an interview with

Founder
​
​Davinia Tomlinson

Miron Bykov London - 30/12/2019

Today we spoke to Davinia Tomlinson Founder & CEO of Rainchq
 
Rainchq, founded by Davinia Tomlinson in 2018, is a new financial service that empowers exclusively women to achieve their financial goals.
 
Tell me about the day the idea was born.
The seed for Rainchq was planted 15 years ago when I started my career in the investment management industry. I was at a graduate programme at Fidelity Investments, which was AWESOME! 
 
However, even at that early stage, I realised that the investment management industry as a whole was very male dominated. This trend then replicated itself when it came to the client base as well, data simply showed that women were investing nowhere near the same rate as men. 
 
Fast forward 15 years, this position has not changed at all. It all started with curiosity to find the reason for women being so disengaged around their finance. It was simply implanted in my head. It made me feel compelled to do something to support women so that they feel control over their finances. The idea of a service doing this appeared before me.
 
What was the biggest turning point in the life of Rainchq?
This was at the point I really started to accelerate the development of Rainchq while being on maternity leave for my 2nd daughter. We decided to launch with financial advisory being part of the service offering. I began thinking about what kind of experience I want Rainchq customers to have. 
 
As someone who has worked in the finance industry, I can tell you that the best way to appraise the quality of your financial advisor is to look at your relationship, the financial advice experience is purely based on the financial advisor him/herself. 
 
As Rainchq is based on ‘By Woman for Woman’, it was important for me that before launch we have a female financial advisor. I was on the hunt for the perfect female financial advisor who was able to make a customer feel a certain way before they have even spoken. Once I have found her, it was a game changer, we were no longer just conceptual. 
 
Three top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Don’t procrastinate. It’s the biggest killer of innovation. Don’t just bury the great idea of yours at the back of your head! This doesn’t mean quitting your day job either, just run it as a side hustle until you gain confidence to leave.
2. Surround yourself with a tribe of people that are supportive. It can be a lonely journey.
3. Just do it. Don’t be afraid to put it out there even if it doesn’t work or receives criticism. It will be easier to sleep at night knowing you haven’t taken the idea of yours with you to the grave.  

 
What gets you out of bed every morning?
The number one thing is my two young daughters that start jumping on me. More philosophically, it’s being a mum. This is what helped me accelerate my thinking around Rainchq as I am a primary female role model to my daughters. Building a business that they would be proud of is my main driving force.
 
What did you want to be when you were little?
I really wanted to be a writer, so I always wanted to write books and be an author. This is still my ambition and feel a book or two jumping out of me in due course.
 
Favourite Disney character:
Nala (Lion King) without question. She is a very good depiction of strength in a woman in supporting her partner but also by being encouraging, inspirational and motivational.
 
What is Rainchq planning for the world next?
The next step for Rainchq is to develop a coaching programme where women can get information that can really help them feel in control of their personal finances on a  day-to-day as well as help them start the journey of investment. This will also enable us to go global much more quickly as it won’t be regulated.

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