At FOUNDRY, we’re surrounded by people doing incredible things. But it’s not every day you meet someone who has recovered nearly £100 million for victims of financial scams. Meet Stuart McFadden, the founder of Refundee and a member of our FOUNDRY Wandsworth community.
Stuart recently sat down with our host Adam Walker on the Work This Way podcast to share his incredible journey from law student to fintech pioneer, and how he’s building a business that’s making a real difference.
His story is a masterclass in spotting opportunities, taking calculated risks, and building a business with a conscience. Here are a few of our favourite takeaways from the conversation.
1. Sometimes, the Straight Path Isn’t the Most Interesting One
Stuart’s career didn’t follow a straight line. He started out studying law, shifted into financial services during the 2009 financial crisis, and then jumped into the chaotic, fast-paced world of a startup at Monzo. Each step, however, gave him a unique set of skills that would later become the foundation for Refundee.
“Working at Monzo was a rollercoaster,” Stuart shared on the podcast. “It taught me how to build things from the ground up, how to be agile, and how to think differently about financial services.”
His journey is a powerful reminder that it’s often the detours and unexpected turns that lead us to our true calling.
2. You Don’t Need a Ton of Money to Make a Big Impact
In a world of venture capital and multi-million-pound funding rounds, Stuart took a different approach. He bootstrapped Refundee, starting in 2021 with minimal funding. He focused on building a solid, sustainable business from day one, rather than chasing growth at all costs.
By proving the business model and demonstrating real results, Refundee has been able to grow organically and maintain its independence. It’s proof that a great idea and a lot of hard work can be just as powerful as a huge seed investment.
3. Building a Business with a Mission Attracts the Right People
Refundee’s mission is simple but powerful: to help victims of financial scams get their money back. This strong ethical core is at the heart of everything they do, and it has been instrumental in building a passionate and dedicated team.
“We’re dealing with people who are often in a very vulnerable position,” Stuart explained. “Having a team that genuinely cares about our clients is non-negotiable. Our mission is our north star, and it guides every decision we make.”
By building a business with a clear and compelling purpose, Stuart has created a culture that’s about more than just the bottom line.
4. Remote-First Can Still Mean Culture-First
While Refundee is a remote-first company, Stuart is a huge advocate for the power of in-person connection. That’s one of the reasons he’s a member at FOUNDRY Wandsworth. It gives him a place to focus, to connect, and to be part of a wider business community.
He understands that a strong company culture isn’t about where you work, but how you work together. By prioritizing transparency, communication, and a shared sense of purpose, he has built a thriving culture that transcends physical location.
The Takeaway
Stuart’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a healthy dose of audacity. He saw a problem, built a solution, and has created a business that is changing lives for the better.
We’re incredibly proud to have Stuart and the Refundee team as part of the FOUNDRY community. His journey is a perfect example of what we mean when we say, “community means business.”
Want to hear the full story? Listen to Stuart’s episode on the Work This Way podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Inspired by Stuart’s story? Surround yourself with incredible entrepreneurs just like him. Book a tour of a FOUNDRY location near you and find your community.
