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Why choose entrepreneurship over joining an established fund? For MScFE student Akash Gupta, the answer came from recognizing a persistent gap in the Indian markets and a broader frustration with global finance. "It was disheartening to see hardly any names emerging from India or even the broader South Asian region" in the global financial arena, he explains. This became his personal motivation: "to build one of the most formidable investment and trading firms to come out of South Asia."

ASTRATINVEST, his quantitative hedge fund, is now making waves in the Indian capital markets. What started as undergraduate research into statistical models evolved when they turned their attention to India's emerging financial landscape.

Securing initial funding required an unconventional approach. Starting with their own capital, Akash and co-founder Shivam published their research openly on public forums. "It wasn't just our hit rate that caught people's attention; it was the depth and rigor of our analysis," Akash reflects. This transparency quickly attracted high-net-worth individuals and institutions hungry for a truly quantitative approach to Indian markets.

ASTRATINVEST operates two core strategies: a Dynamic Long Equity Strategy delivering a rolling Sharpe ratio above 2, and Delta-Neutral Derivative Strategies with a Sharpe ratio consistently above 3. Both share the same philosophy: alpha generation with disciplined risk management. "Many strategies chase absolute returns while overlooking risk. We consciously avoid that trap."

Their team comprises mathematicians and computer science engineers, deliberately selected for "rigour, a passion for problem-solving, and a research-first mindset."

For fellow MScFE students considering entrepreneurial paths, Akash emphasizes that quantitative finance demands more than technical knowledge. "There's much more to this field than just fat paychecks and a glorified lifestyle. It demands constant experimentation, resilience through repeated failures, and the perseverance to stay the course - especially if you wish to build something meaningful and lasting."

Akash's journey from undergraduate research to managing institutional capital while pursuing his MScFE degree, Akash's journey demonstrates financial innovation can emerge from anywhere. True to the collaborative spirit that sets WQU’s global community apart, he's eager to support fellow lifelong learners: "I remain confident and hopeful that my peers will go on to do great things and make all of us proud. If anyone needs any help or discussion, I am available for all the friends at WQU."