Rahul Rai's journey is a remarkable example of how taking risks can lead to extraordinary success. While many dream of getting into IIT, Rahul made the bold decision to drop out and pursue a different path—one that would eventually make him a multimillionaire in just a few months.
From IIT to The Wharton School
Rahul Rai was a student at IIT Bombay, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutes. However, in 2015, he decided to drop out before completing his degree. Instead of following the traditional engineering route, he moved to the United States to study Economics at The Wharton School, a part of the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics.
A Career Shift: From Morgan Stanley to Entrepreneurship
After graduating, Rahul began his professional journey as an analyst on the Foreign Exchange (FX) Macro Hedge Funds team at Morgan Stanley in the US. He spent over a year working there, gaining valuable experience in the financial sector. However, in 2020, Rahul made another bold move—he quit his job and returned to India, determined to start his own venture.
Entering the World of Cryptocurrency
At the time Rahul returned to India, cryptocurrency was gaining significant attention, especially after the first COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. With a strong interest in digital assets and blockchain technology, Rahul co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Gamma Point Capital in January 2021. He started the company with his friends, Eash Aggarwal and Sanat Rao, after conducting thorough research into the industry.
Success in Just 150 Days
Gamma Point Capital focused on investing in digital assets, and within a few months, the fund gained considerable traction. The company's success quickly attracted attention, and in May 2021, just five months after launching, Rahul and his co-founders received an offer they couldn’t refuse. BlockTower Capital, a prominent multi-strategy crypto hedge fund, acquired Gamma Point Capital for a staggering Rs 286 crore (USD 35 million).
A New Chapter at BlockTower Capital
Although selling Gamma Point Capital was a difficult decision, Rahul and his team knew it would take years to achieve such wealth if they continued on their own. The acquisition allowed them to secure a significant financial windfall in a short period. Today, Rahul works as the co-head of Market-Neutral at BlockTower Capital, where he continues to invest in crypto assets and blockchain technology.
Rahul Rai's story is a testament to the power of bold decisions, the importance of pursuing one's passion, and the potential of emerging technologies like cryptocurrency.