Meet the Investors: Stuart Murray
Next in our series, we’re proud to introduce Stuart Murray, recently retired Assistant Chief Constable of Hampshire Police.
Stuart brings a wealth of experience from a decorated career in policing, public safety, and community leadership. His work at the highest levels of law enforcement has given him deep insight into the complex societal challenges we face today.
Now supporting Vape Guardian, Stuart plays a key role in shaping our strategy - helping us navigate the intersection of technology, behaviour change, and safeguarding.
We’re grateful for his guidance as we work to combat underage vaping and build safer, healthier environments.
1. What’s your background and what do you focus on outside of Vape Guardian?
My background, as you know, is in policing, and I’m driven by helping people solve problems. Outside of investing in Vape Guardian, my main focus is supporting others in tackling complex and critical issues. The work I’ve done with individuals and teams shows me every day that people have far more skills than they give themselves credit for. What I often find is that by working alongside people, instilling confidence, and sharing real-life examples and experiences, it brings out the best in what they already have.
2. What made you decide to invest in Vape Guardian?
When I left policing, I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about how I could put my experience to use in a second career. While the public sector has many strengths, it can also feel quite smothering. When I met Simon and Jean, I was immediately drawn to the mission, and after looking deeper into the offer, I felt I could make a difference by bringing a different perspective. I saw Vape Guardian as a child protection business that uses technology. I believe I can help achieve the aim of giving teachers the tools to create the best environment for learning. I came to realise during my policing career that policing often deals with the symptoms of issues, whereas education and health are the true keys to opportunity.
3. Where do you see Vape Guardian going in the next few years, and why are you excited about it?
Vape Guardian has a great product with lots of potential. It’s adaptable and provides a strong platform to build from. But Vape Guardian is really about the people—the opportunities are endless.
4. What advice would you give to other investors looking at early-stage startups like Vape Guardian?
There are clearly financial incentives to investing early. For me, though, this investment has been instrumental in energising me, helping me recognise what I have to offer, and allowing me to pursue the things I’m passionate about now that my first career in public service has come to an end. When I think about how much I would spend on personal development, this has been great value for money—it’s taught me more in 12 months than a lifetime in classrooms. And yes, I expect to make some money at the end of it—but that will only happen if the mission I believe in is delivered.
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