Trading Job Security for Startup Risk: A Tech Startup Story with Nexum Pensions
In episode 7 of the Tech Startup Stories Podcast, we speak with João Cabral, founder of Nexum Pensions, about leaving a reliable salary to build a company around a problem he could not ignore. This episode covers the moment he decided to step out of employment, why fragmented pension pots still frustrate people, and how he is designing Nexum to make contributions follow the member, not the job.
Listen to the Podcast
Available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
The starting point for Nexum is familiar to anyone who has changed jobs in the UK. Auto-enrolment has helped people save, yet it also creates a new pension pot every time someone moves employer. Many end up juggling multiple logins, inconsistent investment approaches and slow, error-prone transfers. João’s view is that pensions should work more like bank accounts. When you start a role, you should be able to tell your employer where to pay your pension contributions, just as you do with your salary.
Leaving the safe path
João was a product manager at Octopus Money when he spotted the gap. He pitched the idea, secured internal backing and investment, then felt the weight of the decision the moment the answer was yes. The comfort of a payslip gave way to the reality of building from a blank page.
Making one instruction simple for employers
Nexum lets an employee direct contributions to the pension they choose. The employer interacts with one entity. Nexum receives the contribution file and a single payment, then routes money to the right providers. For HR, it becomes a benefit that supports financial wellbeing without adding complexity. Providers gain clearer access to existing members.
Proving it before scaling
João built the first version himself using databases and APIs, then ran manual pilots within the group to check real payroll steps, iterate and remove friction. That early access meant he could validate the flow before taking it to external employers.
Going to market with intent
The initial motion has two lanes. Partner with pension providers who can introduce employers. Go direct where the benefit is obvious for staff. Outreach runs through LinkedIn, targeted email and focused account-based work.
Designing the team and culture
Nexum is remote for now, with a plan to meet quarterly in London to review progress and set goals. The culture João wants is clear. Transparency. Direct communication. Inventiveness to solve problems others treat as fixed.
What surprised him most
The early days felt solitary. He missed office camaraderie and the ability to lean on colleagues with deep domain expertise. Finding suppliers was harder than expected because many required volume he did not yet have.
Listening as an advantage
His advice to his former self is simple. Have more conversations with more people. Keep partners warm. Do not assume anyone remembers your product or your ask. Their priorities move. Stay present.
The long view
João’s analogy is the UK power network. Consumers see brands on the surface, but an unseen grid moves the electricity. Nexum aims to be the rails that move pension contributions from employers to whatever provider a member trusts. Make paying into your chosen pension normal at every job change.
Listen to the Podcast
Available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Learn more about Nexum Pensions or get in touch with João Cabral.
