Cambridge MFin team win first-place prize at the LBS Investor Insight Summit

As the academic year kicked off with a flurry of induction lectures and networking sessions, the students on the Cambridge MFin programme were already busy building connections and preparing for unique opportunities. One such opportunity came in the form of an invitation from London Business School’s Investment Management Club, to attend their 2023 Investor Insight Summit. For a team of 3 MFin students – Ross, Rodolfo, and myself – it was a chance to pitch PayPal, a company we were passionate about and believed in.

Our team brought a diverse set of skills and experiences to the table. Ross, who had previously worked as an auditor at PwC, specialised in fintech and payments. Rodolfo, an investment analyst at a Latin American family office, brought valuable insights from his role. I have a background in valuations at PwC and experience in asset management. Drawing from different continents and industries, we collaborated to develop a compelling pitch.

Perfecting our pitch

Our pitch was built on 3 solid investment theses, supported by a discounted cash flow valuation that substantiated our investment. Time was of the essence, and we knew the importance of efficient teamwork. Thanks to insights gained from our Equity Research Project module, we understood the significance of keeping our presentation informative without overwhelming it with excessive details. We valued honesty and constructive feedback within our team, ensuring that every suggestion led to a refined pitch and presentation. We were aware of the high standards set by our competitors, but we were confident in the strength of our investment proposal. Our goal was clear: deliver a concise and impactful 10-minute pitch.

The London Business School Investor Summit spanned 2 days, from 23 to 24 November. To ensure we were well-prepared, we arrived in London a day ahead of the competition. After a healthy breakfast on the day of the competition, we mentally rehearsed our pitches while strolling through Regent’s Park, determined to make the most of our opportunity.

Competition time – a winning investment proposal

By 16:30, the time of our arrival at the event, we had fine-tuned our pitch to perfection. In the initial stage of the competition, teams were divided into 3 groups. The winners from each group would advance to the final round to compete for the ultimate prize. Our competitors included teams from ESADE Business School and London Business School, and we faced a panel of judges consisting of portfolio managers and analysts from prestigious firms such as Azura Partners, NinetyOne, Ranmore Fund Management, Citibank, and Brown Advisory.

Our pitch was assessed based on the strength of our investment theses, our ability to identify risks, the effectiveness of our delivery and responses to questions raised by the panel. To our immense satisfaction, the panel of judges unanimously found our pitch to be outstanding. It was a moment of great pride, as it signified that our hard work and dedication had paid off.

Building valuable skills and knowledge    

The following day at the summit was equally enriching. We had the privilege of listening to economists and portfolio managers share their insights on the global economic outlook, portfolio positioning, and developments in emerging markets and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).

In conclusion, our journey to the London Business School’s Investor Insight Summit was an unforgettable experience that exemplified the collaborative spirit, dedication, and commitment to excellence that define the MFin programme at Cambridge. Pitching PayPal was more than a competition; it was an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge we have gained throughout our programme and to learn from industry experts. As we look ahead to our future careers in finance, we carry with us the invaluable experiences and lessons from this remarkable journey.