Selected as one of 350 delegates from over 5,000 applicants worldwide to attend the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (AIC), the world’s largest student-led finance event. Over two days, I engaged in discussions with top industry leaders from firms like Blackstone, Citadel, Bain Capital, and Man Group, gaining insights into private equity, hedge funds, and venture capital.
I also participated in the AIC Venture Capital Competition, where my team analyzed early-stage AI startups, assessed market potential, and pitched an investment thesis to a panel of industry professionals. The experience reinforced the importance of critical thinking, adaptability, and understanding what truly differentiates a high-growth company in a competitive market.
Beyond the panels and competition, AIC was an opportunity to challenge ideas, build meaningful connections, and develop a deeper understanding of how investors navigate uncertainty. It highlighted how success in any industry comes from independent thinking, strategic risk-taking, and surrounding yourself with people who push you to see things differently.
Key Takeaways from AIC 2025
1. The Power of Conviction in Decision-Making
Boaz Weinstein said, “Indecision is worse than a wrong decision,” and it really stuck with me. Whether in investing, career choices, or life, hesitation often does more harm than a well-thought-out risk. His discussion on Saba Capital’s UK trust takeovers showed how hedge funds don’t wait for certainty—they position themselves in uncertainty. It reinforced the idea that success isn’t about having all the answers, but about making informed decisions, acting with confidence, and adapting as needed.
2. Independent Thinking in a World of AI-Generated Insights
A big theme at AIC was how AI and data-driven strategies are taking over finance, but the more data-driven the world becomes, the more important independent thinking will be. If everyone is relying on the same models, real opportunities will come from those who think beyond the data—challenging assumptions, questioning trends, and spotting what others overlook. The best investors aren’t just following numbers, they’re adapting, thinking critically, and making decisions that algorithms can’t predict.
3. The Value of Conversations – Robyn Grew (Man Group)
Robyn Grew made a point that stuck with me: your success isn’t just about what you know, but who you surround yourself with. AIC reinforced that the best insights don’t always come from structured talks or technical discussions, but from genuine conversations with people who challenge your thinking. Some of the most valuable moments were spent talking to other delegates—each from different backgrounds, each with their own way of seeing the world. Being adaptable isn’t just about reacting to new information, it’s about being open to new perspectives.