This is the second in our series of team spotlights, where we shine a light on the individuals shaping Aboria Capital. Culture is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s our people who drive it, bringing energy, insight, and collaboration to every aspect our of our work.

Our fifth hire, Will Lucas, who joined us in February, plays a central role in shaping our asset business plans and driving their execution along with Downing, while also focusing on the development of data strategies across the investment lifecycle. He brings a balance to the analytical demands of the business and is equally vital in helping build the culture of Aboria.

A chartered accountant with a degree in French, Spanish and Italian, Will brings 13 years of experience spanning portfolio management, transactions and financial analysis. His breadth of expertise makes him a key contributor as Aboria Capital looks to establish its presence in the European Living sector.

1. What’s your role at Aboria, and what does a typical day look like for you?

As Portfolio Manager in a growing investment manager, I’ve had the chance to get stuck into everything, from shaping our strategy and helping set the tone for our culture, to refining business plans and thinking through how we execute them. A big focus for me is how we use data more intelligently, not just at the underwriting stage but all the way through the asset lifecycle.

For reasons still unclear, I’ve also become the unofficial social organiser. Nothing says ‘fun night out’ like letting a chartered accountant organise the event. In spite of that, the team has come together brilliantly, and organising the odd event outside the office is a great way to harness that energy and nurture a collaborative culture.

2. What’s been the most exciting or unexpected part of working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment?

The most exciting part has been the pace and the impact you can have as part of a small, aligned team. Decisions are made quickly but thoughtfully, with input from everyone. There’s a real sense that every voice counts, and that’s both motivating and empowering. It’s also exciting to think about how we embed this mindset into the fabric of the business as we grow.

The most unexpected part has been the office biscuit ranking chart. Nick’s been digesting the numbers on that and we’ve rated 50 different types of biscuits so far…

3. In your view, what does “Next-Generation investment management” really mean?

For me, it comes down to two core principles. First, using data and technology to enhance how we underwrite and manage assets. Second, genuine vertical integration, where we have that data within a single, aligned structure with open lines of communication from investor to resident.

These terms are often overused, but when done properly they become real differentiators, especially in operational real estate, where small, data-driven tweaks will have a seismic impact on delivery.

4. How do you see AI transforming the way we invest client capital and make investment decisions?

AI represents a huge opportunity throughout the asset life cycle, especially if it’s built on solid data foundations. What’s been great to see at Downing is the genuine drive to embed data across the business. Once you’ve got that in place, AI becomes an even more powerful tool, whether it’s drawing deeper insights from existing information or generating new perspectives altogether.

Real estate hasn’t always led the way in tech adoption, but firms that can use AI to meaningfully interpret large data sets, rather than just create prettier dashboards, will be in a much better position to unlock long-term value.