Radhika Gupta’s Inspiring Journey as a Woman Leader

Radhika Gupta- The Woman Behind Edelweiss Asset Management

Radhika Gupta was born to a Diplomat- Mr Yogesh Gupta who served the country as a part of the Foreign Service Official. She is popularly known for her immense struggle due to her medical condition and the tremendous success she has achieved over the years despite that. When she was born in Pakistan, she had to undergo several complications at birth that led to her condition of a broken neck. Arti Gupta, her mother worked as a school principal and Radhika eventually got married to Nalin Moniz. At present, Radhika Gupta is an Indian Businesswoman who serves as the designation of Chief Executive Officer of Edelweiss Asset Management.

She began her career as the head of multi-strategy funds and took over the responsibility for setting up the strategic direction for her team’s investment, distribution, and platform. Furthermore, Radhika Gupta is regarded as India’s only female head of major asset manager and has been successful at setting up the country’s first domestic hedge fund. She is also a renowned public speaker who has, with her exceptional journey as a leader, managed to inspire millions of people nationwide and worldwide. Here is her Ted Talk video where you can get an insight into her journey.

Radhika Gupta and her Educational Background

Radhika Gupta completed her graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in Management and Technology. She earned her joint degrees in economics from the Wharton School of Business and a Computer Science Engineering degree from the Moore School.

Past Struggles and an Inspiring Plunge

At the age of 22, Radhika had to face rejection from several job opportunities. After facing a heart-wrenching rejection from her 7th job application, she could not stand the struggle anymore and decided to commit suicide. That unfortunate attempt led her to a psychiatric ward and she was diagnosed as depressed. However, after this, she was able to successfully secure a job in one of the leading corporations- McKinsey and her life finally came back on track! She also worked for Microsoft and AQR Capital Management. At the age of 25, she decided to move back to India, and then onwards, she began her own journey and started her very own Asset Management Firm with her husband and friend in the year 2009. Earlier the firm’s name was Forefront Capital Management which was later on acquired by Edelweiss Financial Services Limited in the year 2014.

In 2016, Radhika Gupta assisted in the acquisition of Ambit Alpha Fund and the acquisition of the onshore business of JPMorgan Asset Management. Furthermore, Radhika worked as the head of Edelweiss Multi Strategy Funds Management Pvt Ltd. where she was responsible for setting up the strategies and overseeing all the investments, sales and distribution. In 2017, Radhika replaced Vikaas Sachdeva and overtook the position of the Chief Executive Officer of Edelweiss Asset Management Co. Going ahead, she and her work proved her personality to be one of the most influential figures in the business industry and she also took an active part in the Board of Association of Mutual Funds (AMFI) where she served as a Vice Chairperson for two consecutive terms from 2021 to 2023.

Moving forward, in the year 2023, she stood as one of the judges on the panel of Shark Tank India season 3 where she not only shared her passion for entrepreneurship and her interest in the world of start-ups but also effectively guided the pitchers who were a part of the show with her valuable insights. There were several emerging businesses that had to be guided with respect to their financial strategies and this is where she precisely helped them with their decisions. Her authenticity and her storytelling worked like a magic spell for the new ventures.

Radhika Gupta as a Leader

Radhika took over the role and the duties of Chief Executive Officer at Edelweiss Asset Management when she was 34 years old. In 2019, she launched Bharat Bond ETF which is regarded as India’s first corporate Bond ETF. As the years progressed, her company Edelweiss  Asset Management also witnessed tremendous growth. Radhika Gupta is not just well known for her success and her company’s exponential growth, but also for her ability to bring forward, innovative solutions that are both, practical to implement and customer-centric. This has helped the marketplaces as well as her own company.

Radhika Gupta’s journey is explained through her book

While speaking about Radhika Gupta’s journey, her book is worth mentioning. Her new book’s name is  Limitless: The Power of Unlocking Your True Potential and was published by Hachette. In one of the most impactful chapters of the book which is titled GIF: Thank God I’m Flawed, she wrote, “You have to accept that you’re not unique in being flawed because it really makes you very normal,” “If you can use your flaws to your advantage, why not? Out of all the things I thought I’d get half well known for, a slightly crooked neck was the least. So, if you can make an edge out of your flaws, [do it] by all means.”

Company’s Growth After Radhika Gupta’s Joining

It has been reported that the assets managed by the company grew from ₹ 6,700 crore (as of 31st March 2017) to ₹ 1,04,896 crore​ (as of 31st March 2023)​. Beyond her traditional roles Radhika Gupta has not only donned the role of a businesswoman with utmost sincerity but has also actively contributed to financial education. By being a part of several motivational sessions, public speaking events, podcasts, and interviews, she has been able to successfully speak her mind and share her opinions. Not only in the field of finance and investments but also in terms of body positivity and mental health, Radhika Gupta has been quite vocal about her opinions which have led to encouraging several people who look up to her.

Awards and Recognitions Radhika Gupta has won

Here is a list of awards and recognitions that the fierce Radhika Gupta has won for her extraordinary struggles that converted into her strengths.

Companies Radhika Gupta has funded

Shark Tank India Season 3 Investments that Radhika carried out:

• Canvaloop Fibre

• Cool the globe

• Deeva

• Tohands

• Jewelbox

• Dil foods

Radhika Gupta’s Networth

The net worth of Radhika Gupta is estimated to be somewhere around 41 Crores.

Frequently Answered Questions

Q.1 What is the biggest achievement of the Edelweiss Mutual Fund after Radhika Gupta’s joining? 

One of the biggest milestones of the company after Radhika Gupta’s joining was acquiring JP Morgan Mutual Fund and leading its integration into Edelweiss in 2016-2017.

Q.2 Who is the founder of Edelweiss Mutual Fund?

Rashesh Shah Venkat Ramaswamy is the founder of the company.

Q.3 At what age did Radhika Gupta join the Edelweiss Mutual Fund Group?

In 2017, at the age of 34, Radhika Gupta took the position of CEO at Edelweiss Mutual Fund, and by 2020, she was further promoted to the role of MD & CEO.

Q.4 Which is the most popular video of Radhika Gupta’s motivational speech?

‘Girl with a Broken Neck’ is one of the most popular videos of Radhika Gupta.

Q.5 How long has Radhika Gupta been in the business industry?

At the age of 25, she moved to India and started her own Asset Management Firm with her husband and friend in the year 2009. Since then, Radhika Gupta has been a part of this industry and business.