Let’s start with a self-introduction – please tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in India and am currently based in Dubai, where I work with a real estate asset management firm. My role focuses on investor relations, fundraising, and business development. Over the past year, I’ve been involved in building and scaling these efforts, and it has been a strong learning phase.

Was finance always your plan?

Growing up, I had a natural inclination towards analytical thinking and logic. Mathematics and Economics were two subjects that I enjoyed the most and it helped shape a rational and structured approach to problem-solving.

In addition, I grew up in a business-oriented environment. Exposure to discussions around businesses and markets from an early age influenced how I thought about commercial decision-making. That early grounding continues to shape my professional interests.

On to university then—how was that? And how did it shape your career?

I completed my undergraduate studies in Mumbai with a focus on Economics and Finance. During this time, I interned with an investor relations advisory firm, supporting listed companies across sectors on raising funds.

This role marked my first exposure to capital markets. I joined during a period of optimism, just ahead of the global financial crisis, and experienced the subsequent market dislocation firsthand. Observing both extremes early in my career provided valuable perspective on market cycles and investor behavior.

I’m surprised it didn’t scare you away from finance.

If anything, it deepened my interest. I was particularly drawn to investment research and the process of generating insights for market participants.

I was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to build technical depth alongside practical experience. This led me to pursue the CFA program early, to strengthen my understanding of capital markets and complement my academic background.

How helpful did you find the CFA?

The curriculum provided a strong foundation. I believe it is most effective when approached with clarity on one’s areas of interest.

You stayed in investor relations for some time. What drove your next move?

After my initial role, I joined one of India’s largest integrated communications firms, which was in the process of building its investor relations practice in Mumbai. I joined early and stayed for several years.

Before that, I briefly explored entrepreneurship within my family’s manufacturing ecosystem. While that experience did not scale as planned, it provided important lessons around risk, execution, and patience—lessons that have stayed with me.

What was your experience like at the communications and strategy firm?

It was formative. The firm had deep relationships and credibility, and the investor relations vertical was being built from the ground up. I progressed through multiple roles and was closely involved in supporting management teams through their interactions with capital markets.

The work required resilience and responsibility. Being part of a growing practice meant learning by doing, while remaining accountable to both clients and investors. Strong mentorship during this period significantly shaped my professional approach.

What made you decide to pursue an MBA?

Despite professional growth, I was not part of the investment decision-making process. The MBA was a deliberate step to transition closer to buy-side.

I evaluated multiple global financial centers and chose Hong Kong and HKU for their positioning, opportunity set, and overall ecosystem. It was a strategic decision, balancing ambition with practical considerations.

How was your experience at HKU?

The experience exceeded my expectations in many ways. The exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives broadened my thinking significantly.

The program was intense, and trade-offs were necessary. I chose to prioritize recruitment over certain exchange opportunities, given the broader economic environment at the time. Those decisions reinforced a sense of ownership over my career path.

How did this experience change you?

Living and studying in a new cultural context required adaptability. Interacting with classmates from different regions and backgrounds helped me view problems through multiple lenses, strengthening both professional judgment and personal perspective.

You also interned outside finance during the MBA. How did that come about?

As part of the program, I wanted to explore beyond finance. Through a course focused on venture creation, I worked on a logistics business concept, partial trucking, which led to an internship opportunity.

While the experience was valuable, it ultimately reaffirmed my long-term interest in investments rather than operating roles.

How did you transition into your role after the MBA?

After deciding to focus fully on finance recruitment, I connected with professionals at industry events, which eventually led to an opportunity with a global valuation and advisory firm.

What was that role like?

I worked in the alternatives valuation practice, supporting private equity, credit and distress global funds across APAC. The role involved valuing investments across stages and sectors and working closely with both global investors and founders.

This exposure deepened my understanding of deal structures, investor priorities, and capital allocation decisions.

Was this closer to your long-term goal?

It was a meaningful step. The role provided insight into how investments are evaluated and structured, but I was aware that I was still one step removed from the buy-side. External factors, including market conditions and regional limitations, also influenced my next move.

Why the shift toward private markets?

The shift was more circumstantial than intentional. In hindsight, I may have been overly focused on certain paths early on. Over time, I learned the importance of flexibility and aligning opportunity with long-term direction.

What led you to the Middle East?

Working with Middle East–backed clients sparked my interest in the region. The GCC was clearly opening up, and I began exploring opportunities through networking and conversations with professionals based there.

How did you adapt to a new market and role?

The transition was challenging. An early role did not work out as expected, requiring me to reassess quickly. Rather than stepping back, I chose to stay in the region, continue building relationships, and take on advisory work to support myself while learning the market.

This period required persistence and adaptability and reinforced the value of staying engaged during uncertainty.

How did you eventually join Nisus Finance?

Through continued networking, I connected with the team at my current role. What began as informal discussions evolved into an opportunity as the firm expanded its investor relations function.

My prior experience across markets, combined with international exposure, aligned well with the firm’s growth objectives. I joined the team as it began scaling, and the journey continues.

Looking back, how did you manage the challenges along the way?

I always believed that progress would come with consistent effort. There was no single formula—just a willingness to keep moving forward and adapt when needed. Ambition, for me, has always been about momentum rather than immediate outcomes.

Is there anything you would do differently?

I would likely exercise more patience with early entrepreneurial efforts. With hindsight, I recognize the value of allowing ideas more time to develop before drawing conclusions. That perspective has shaped how I approach both risk and long-term decision-making today.

Final Thoughts?

I view my career as very much a work in progress. While I’ve benefited from a range of experiences, there is still a long road ahead. The journey so far has reinforced the importance of perseverance, humility, and sustained ambition—qualities that I believe matter far more than any single role or title.

Thank you very much for making the time today!

Raghav is currently Vice President, Investor Relations and Business Development at Nisus Finance, based in Dubai, UAE. You can connect with Raghav here.