Radhika Gupta, a name synonymous with success and resilience, stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone facing adversity. The Shark Tank India 3 investor and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, one of India’s largest asset management companies, has a journey that embodies the true spirit of overcoming challenges to achieve extraordinary feats.
Born in Pakistan and raised across four continents due to her father’s diplomatic career, Radhika faced numerous obstacles right from the start. Born with a broken neck, she endured lifelong physical limitations and faced relentless bullying for her health issues, impacting her self-esteem. Yet, she persevered, earning a scholarship to pursue a dual degree at the University of Pennsylvania, where she excelled in computer science engineering, economics, and management and technology, graduating Summa cum laude in 2005.
Despite her stellar academic record and prestigious internships, Radhika faced a crushing blow during the placement process. Rejected by seven consulting companies, she spiraled into depression, culminating in a suicide attempt at the age of 22. “I’d bury my insecurities… At 22, when I got my 7th job rejection, I looked out the window & said, ‘I’ll jump.’ My friend called for help! I was wheeled into a psychiatric ward, & diagnosed as depressed. The only reason they let me go was because I said, ‘I have a job interview–it’s my only shot,” she shared in an interview.
Undeterred by this harrowing experience, Radhika found the strength to continue. She moved to Wall Street, where she worked for four years before returning to India at 25 with a burning desire to become an entrepreneur. Along with her husband and a friend, she founded an asset management firm, which was eventually acquired by a leading company.
This acquisition paved the way for her meteoric rise in the corporate world. Radhika joined Edelweiss MF and climbed the ranks, proving her mettle in a male-dominated industry. “I became a saree in a room full of suits & I wanted to raise my hand for opportunities. Yet, when talk of hiring a new CEO at Edelweiss MF began, I hesitated, but my husband encouraged me, ‘You’re the best person for the job,” she recalled.
In 2017, at the age of 33, Radhika became one of India’s youngest CEOs, taking the helm of Edelweiss Asset Management Co. Under her leadership, the company witnessed remarkable growth, expanding its assets from ₹9,128 crore in 2017 to a staggering Rs 1,01,406 crore in January 2023.
Radhika Gupta’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a unwavering belief in oneself. Her story inspires countless individuals to embrace challenges, chase their dreams, and strive for greatness in the face of adversity.
