Callum Bayntun
Head of Education
Spent twelve years in corporate finance before burning out completely. Now teaches investment fundamentals and runs our quarterly portfolio review sessions. Still can't resist checking stock prices too often.
Building Financial Futures Through Patient Capital
We started Berkelex in 2019 because we noticed something missing in Australian financial education. Everyone was chasing quick wins and hot tips, but nobody wanted to talk about the boring stuff that actually works over decades.
Started in a Blacktown Garage
Back in early 2019, three of us were meeting in Priya's garage in Blacktown every Saturday morning. We'd talk about investment philosophy, read old Buffett letters, and wonder why nobody in Australia seemed to care about fundamentals anymore.
The financial media kept pushing day trading and crypto schemes. Social media was full of people showing off their gains but never their losses. We figured there had to be others who wanted to learn the patient approach.
By mid-2019, we'd rented our first proper space in Seven Hills and started running monthly workshops. Twelve people showed up to the first one. That felt like a good start.
What We Actually Believe
These aren't corporate values we brainstormed in a meeting. They're what we argue about, test against reality, and try to live by when teaching.
Time Beats Timing
The best investment strategy is the one you can stick with for twenty years. We don't teach timing the market because we've never met anyone who's consistently good at it.
Boring Often Wins
Index funds aren't sexy. Compound interest takes forever to show up. But the maths works if you're patient enough to let it.
Show Your Work
We explain our reasoning and admit when we're uncertain. Financial education shouldn't feel like magic tricks or secret formulas.
How We Work With People
1
Start With Real Numbers
We look at your actual situation. Not theoretical scenarios or best-case projections. What you earn, what you spend, what keeps you up at night about money.
2
Build Foundation Knowledge
Before talking about specific investments, we make sure you understand concepts like asset allocation, risk tolerance, and why fees matter more than you think. The foundation work isn't exciting but it prevents expensive mistakes later.
3
Create Your Framework
We help you develop an investment approach that matches your timeline and temperament. Some people can handle volatility, others panic at the first dip. Both are fine, but they need different strategies.
4
Support the Long Game
Markets will do something scary every few years. Having a plan is easy. Sticking to it when everyone else is panicking is hard. That's where ongoing education and community actually matter.
Who Runs This Thing
We're a small team based in Seven Hills. Nobody here wears suits to work. We all manage our own portfolios using the same principles we teach.
Leena Valtanen
Director of Programs
Built her first investment portfolio in 2011 and learned most things the hard way. Designs our curriculum and handles participant questions. Known for explaining complex concepts using oddly specific sandwich metaphors.
Learning Programs Start October 2025
Our next cohort begins in autumn. Six months of structured learning focused on building a sustainable investment approach. Classes meet in Seven Hills with optional online participation.
View Program Details