Meet the Team

Informed by over 100 years of combined experience in financial services and technology, the Butn team has the knowledge and experience to power your business further with our clever funding solutions.

Co-Founder, Joint CEO and Exec. Director

Rael Ross profile picture

Rael Ross

Rael co-founded the Group and was appointed Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer of Butn in September 2020.

Understanding the need for technology to enable financing and digital distribution as companies seek access to finance, he co-founded Butn with Walter Rapoport. With over 15 years' experience in financial services, technology and mentoring other start-ups, Rael has driven the establishment of the Butn fintech solution.

Rael has created, developed and executed technology and digital projects through several start-ups. Rael co-founded Tsikot.com, one of the leading online automotive platforms and the largest online automotive forum in the Philippines.

As a qualified accountant, Rael has worked in private practice, the Not-for-Profit sector and for Big 4 firms.Rael was awarded a full scholarship at Monash University, where he completed a Bachelor of Accounting. In 2020, Rael was awarded Australian Young Entrepreneur across multiple categories.

Co-Founder, Joint CEO and Exec. Director

Water Rapaport  profile picture

Walter Rapoport

Walter co-founded the Group and was appointed Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive Officer of Butn in September 2020.

His career spans economics research and more than 25 years as the founder and CEO of a knitwear manufacturing company supplying Australia’s largest retailers, including a period as a licensee to Pierre Cardin.

Understanding the importance for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to have access to cash flow and capital, he co-founded Butn with Rael Ross.

Walter has a proven ability to lead high performing teams throughout his career in manufacturing, finance, sales and marketing.

He has vast experience in identifying, developing, and executing innovative receivables funding solutions and adapting products to digital transformations.

Mr Rapoport serves as Chairman of the Multicultural Chambers of Commerce Group and Chairs the Grampians Regional Advisory Council.

Walter graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Economics.

CFO & Company Secretary

Sept 2020

Darryle Lasnitzki  profile picture

Darryl Lasnitzki

Darryl joined the Group as its Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary in September 2020.

He has over 20 years of experience in assurance, financial advisory and senior finance roles across various entrepreneurial, fast growing businesses.

Darryl was previously chief financial officer and company secretary of Nuchev Limited (ASX:NUC), building that business from conceptual start-up to its ASX listing in 2019. Prior to that Darryl held a number of senior roles including group financial controller of Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX:SAR), as it transitioned from micro explorer to an ASX200 gold producer.

Darryl is a Chartered Accountant, holds a Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance and a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University.

He is a member of the Institute of Australian Chartered Accountants and Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Chief Operating Officer

Feb 2020

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Mark Newstead

Mark joined the Group as Chief Operating Officer in February 2020. He is a corporate advisory professional with 15 years of experience.

In particular, Mark has extensive experience in financial analysis with a focus on credit and business risk.

Prior to Butn, Mark joined a diversified financial services business as the first employee in an entrepreneurial team that grew the company into a $100m turnover organisation. Mark spent many years in the SME/corporate lending space as head of credit as well as within various operational roles.

Mark graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa with a Bachelor of Commerce including Honours in Business Finance.

Head of Partnership & Revenue

July 2021

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Ash Goldman

Ash joined the Group as Head of Partnerships and Revenue in July 2021. Ash has over 10 years of experience as a business leader in Sales Management & Partnerships across multiple industries and fields.

Prior to joining Butn, Ash held the position of Head of Partnerships (APAC) for VEND POS and was instrumental in identifying and executing multiple Channel and Product Partnerships with ASX listed fintech organisations.

Ash graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Business Management.

Chief Information Officer

Jan 2021

Simran Gambhir  profile picture

Simran Gambhir

Simran joined the Group as Information Officer in January 2021. Simran was the Chief Technology Officer of Flybuys, Stone & Chalk and News Interactive (a subsidiary of News Corp Ltd).

He also brings experience as a technology advisor to major investment banks, venture capital funds and has been an investor in numerous successful startups.

Simran graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) and is currently completing a Masters in Cyber Security (Advanced Tradecraft) through the Australian Defence Force Academy.