Yusuf Islam

Founder and CEO of Midas Biotech, an industrial biotechnology company developing biological systems for the recovery of strategic metals from electronic waste. Midas operates at the intersection of industrial biotechnology, materials science, and infrastructure, with an initial focus on low-energy biological extraction workflows for copper and gold recovery from complex waste streams. I lead company strategy, capital formation, investor relations, and corporate governance, alongside oversight of IP strategy, legal structuring, and commercial planning. Current work includes laboratory workflow validation, process definition, and preparation for pilot-scale evaluation. Previously selected to present at venture and corporate innovation programmes, and currently engaged in pre-seed fundraising to support laboratory trials, IP protection, and early commercial planning.

Built on prior leasehold success (Y2) by structuring and operating a multi-unit property portfolio, leveraging strategic partnerships to maximize returns. Acquired a 20-year lease for an 8-flat building in Brick Lane (4×2-bed, 4×1-bed) for a £60K premium. Negotiated favourable terms with landlord at £120K/year rent and structured a sub-lease and management contract with a short-term Airbnb-focused lettings operator, securing above market rent of £240K/year. Achieved positive gross cash flow of £120K/year and a 200% gross return on invested premium by aligning property use with Airbnb-driven demand. Applied DCF modelling and market analysis to support valuation and guide deal structure. Exited by selling my stake to the operating partners.

Structured and exited a commercial property lease at a significant premium, leveraging interim operations as a bubble tea shop and sub-letting to build value. Identified the lease opportunity at 514 Commercial Road, previously vacant due to COVID-19. Launched and managed a bubble tea shop during summer 2021 to establish tenant presence and enhance property value. Incorporated Y2 Property Holding in April 2022 to formalise the lease for 15 years for a £40K premium and isolate it as a standalone asset. Applied DCF-based financial modelling skills gained during university to develop an indicative valuation range of £130K–£190K, based on market assumptions and scenarios. Negotiated and sold the lease (via Y2) in July 2022 for £135K, significantly exceeding the initial expected sale price of £70K and avoiding undervaluation. Led the full process: company formation, interim f&b setup and operations, lease structuring and transfer, valuation, and negotiation with landlord and buyer.

Reviewed P&L statement for senior management. Identified products that were underperforming and reported this to senior management and suggested streamlining POS. Resulted in discontinuation of underperforming products and costs reduction of £300/day. Built and maintained relationships with 100+ customers daily, providing exceptional customer service and efficient product deliveries daily which translated to increased ratings on Google. Monitored inventories and communicated any orders with suppliers and vendors. Ensured all inventories were delivered and payments received in full.

Rotated between different segments of the bank such as, Trading and Commodity Finance, M&A, Debt Capital Markets and Equity Capital Markets. Reviewed financial data with industry models such as Discontinued Cash Flow, Leveraged Buyout, Merger Model and IPO Model. Presented a report at the end of the internship to managers and executives on key findings on Rabobank and skills I learnt through the internship.

• Efficiently managed academic studies and tutoring sessions for a GCSE student in English and Mathematics resulting in an improvement of 20% and 15% respectively in their final exam scores. • Mentored the student throughout their academic journey, providing guidance and support in both subject areas. • Developed and implemented a comprehensive and productive timetable, allocating 3 hours per week for English and 2 hours per week for Mathematics. • Consistently planned structured lessons, utilizing a variety of teaching methods such as interactive activities, group discussions, and individual assessments to ensure optimal learning outcomes. • Regularly monitored and evaluated the student's progress, providing feedback and making adjustments to the lesson plan as needed.

. Developed skills on how to approach customers. . Increased my confidence in talking to customers. . Learnt how to shelve goods to maximize appeal. . Worked in a team which helped improve my coordination with others.

Studied core economic principles (microeconomics, macroeconomics), econometrics, and statistics, alongside management theory and practice. Learned and applied practical financial modelling and portfolio management techniques including Black-Scholes, Monte Carlo simulation, CAPM, APT, and Black-Litterman. Explored topics in corporate finance, portfolio management, management accounting, behavioral economics, and sustainable development. Developed a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, scenario thinking, and strategic decision-making.

Postgraduate law conversion, providing a comprehensive foundation in English law and practice. Studying core legal subjects including contract law, tort law, constitutional and administrative law, criminal law, land law, equity and trusts, and corporate law. Developing analytical, problem-solving, and advocacy skills relevant to legal and commercial contexts. Gaining understanding of legal ethics, professional conduct, and the solicitor’s role within the UK legal system. Focused on building a foundation in law to complement entrepreneurial and corporate experience.