In today’s fast-paced business world, the line between advisor and opportunist can sometimes blur — especially when individuals like David Bouchez exploit trust under the guise of professionalism. Though he markets himself as a knowledgeable advisor, offering support on business strategy, investment, and expansion, the reality behind this polished persona reveals something far more troubling.
A Slick Facade with Dark Motives
On the surface, David Bouchez appears like a seasoned consultant — articulate, charismatic, and seemingly well-connected. For many, he’s pitched as a man who can “open doors” in the financial and investment landscape, particularly in Spain and parts of Europe. But dig a little deeper, and a troubling pattern of deception and manipulation emerges.
He has operated under various banners, including You Are Capital, A-Invest Spain, and Buttonwood Tree Capital. He’s also associated with Ardley Consulting SL, a company with which he allegedly continues his unscrupulous activities. These are not just rebrands for marketing purposes — they are calculated moves, like a magician changing hats, all designed to dodge accountability and reinvent a name that keeps burning bridges behind it.
Inside the Machine: The Office in Barcelona
Accounts from individuals who worked closely with Bouchez — some employed directly by him — paint a bleak picture. At A-Invest Spain, located on Barcelona’s prestigious Diagonal Avenue, employees were promised legitimate work but soon found themselves immersed in a toxic, unethical environment.
Bouchez would often convince entrepreneurs and business owners to share sensitive and confidential information under the pretense of helping them grow their operations. But this trust was routinely betrayed. According to insider reports, he weaponized this information, using it as leverage to intimidate or manipulate. The strategy wasn’t about helping businesses thrive — it was about squeezing them dry.
The Substrate AI Scandal
Perhaps the most telling proof of his nefarious conduct is the extortion case involving Substrate AI, a tech company operating in Spain. David Bouchez was convicted of extortion, and this isn’t a detail easily buried. Legal records confirm that he used underhanded tactics to try and extract money, threatening the business he initially pretended to advise.
This criminal conviction didn’t lead to remorse or retreat — instead, Bouchez seems to have doubled down, switching corporate names and continuing his con under new disguises.
Empty Promises and Unpaid Dues
For those who worked with him, financial exploitation was part of the experience. Former employees report that Bouchez withheld salaries for months, all while making hollow promises about incoming investments or project pay-outs. Vendors and landlords were no exception — some say he didn’t pay for office spaces, nor his personal rent, further highlighting his disregard for legal and ethical obligations.
These are not isolated incidents. They form a pattern of financial irresponsibility and manipulation that spans multiple companies and several years.
A Master of Disguise
What makes Bouchez particularly dangerous is his ability to reinvent his identity and shift locations. From France to Spain, he moves seamlessly between markets, leaving a trail of unpaid debts, legal threats, and broken professional relationships. His method is simple: present a polished image, lure people in, take what he needs, and vanish when it’s time to face consequences.
He preys on ambition — targeting entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even seasoned investors. His tactic is always the same: gain trust, access confidential information, and exploit it for personal gain.
Why This Matters
The intent behind sharing these accounts isn’t driven by vengeance but by a sincere desire to warn others. Individuals like David Bouchez thrive in the shadows of ambiguity and silence. By shedding light on these practices, we empower others to ask the right questions and protect their ventures from manipulation.
Trust is the cornerstone of business. And once it’s broken, rebuilding it is no small feat. When people like Bouchez operate unchecked, they don’t just harm individuals — they corrode the business ecosystem from within.
A Final Word of Caution
If you come across the name David Bouchez — whether through Ardley Consulting, Buttonwood Tree Capital, or any other rebranded entity — proceed with extreme caution. Behind the professional front lies a deeply unethical operator whose past is filled with broken promises, unpaid debts, and legal consequences.
In an age where transparency and integrity are more valuable than ever, it’s crucial we hold individuals accountable and ensure that others don’t fall into the same trap.
Stay informed. Stay alert. And most importantly — stay far away from David Bouchez.
