The Hedge Fund Club at the University of Mannheim

About Us

Germany's first student initiative for the hedge fund industry.

Founded on the conviction that alternative investment strategies belong at the core of modern finance education. We combine academic depth with the reality of markets.

Our story

How it started.

Welcome to the Hedge Fund Club, a groundbreaking initiative at the heart of Germany's Economics and Finance academic scene. As masters students, our founders, Manuel Becker and Nisar Ayubi, identified a significant gap in student-led associations focusing on alternative investments. Driven by the urgent need to introduce fellow students to the fast-paced, high-energy world of hedge funds, quantitative trading, crypto and private equity, they founded the Club in 2022.

The Hedge Fund Club was created to demystify these complex investment areas and provide a practical look into the strategies that drive them. Our mission is clear: to bridge the gap between classroom theories and the real-world dynamics of financial markets, giving our members a solid platform to explore and innovate.

We're committed to deepening understanding of the markets, sharpening analytical skills and nurturing leadership qualities that are crucial for a successful career in finance. Our club isn't just about learning, it's about actively engaging in the financial community, pushing the limits of what we know and continuously striving for excellence.

Our mission

Creating access.

We provide our members with access to innovative and alternative investment strategies that have the potential to generate high returns while managing risk. We do so through semester-long learning sessions, our own research projects and direct exchange with practitioners.

Our work is rooted at the University of Mannheim and academically supported by the Chair of Finance.

Analytical rigour

Every thesis is evidenced, data, back-tests and peer review before opinion.

Meritocracy

Responsibility follows performance, not seniority or background.

Openness

Students of any university, field and background are welcome.

Practice first

Close collaboration with partners across banking, asset management and trading.

Who we are

Meet the Team

A set of particularly ambitious students with specialised skillsets, working behind the scenes to bring bold visions to life with the highest standards of professionalism.

Current Core Board

Zi Qi Chan, Chairwoman of the Board — Zi Qi Chan
Chairwoman of the Board

Giliad Behrendt, Chairman of the Board — Giliad Behrendt
Chairman of the Board

Current Specialist Board

Education

4 Directors

Julien Maurer

Director in Public Markets

Operations

6 Directors

Annette Ullrich, Director in Public Relations & Marketing — Annette Ullrich
Director in Public Relations & Marketing

Nils Steinmetz, Director in Public Relations & Marketing — Nils Steinmetz
Director in Public Relations & Marketing

Lennart Siebels

Director in Corporate Relations

Marvin Matloub, Director in Corporate Relations — Marvin Matloub
Director in Corporate Relations

Experiences

What our Members say

My role as a member in this club has given me not only a lot of knowledge in the field of finance, but also the opportunity to improve many other soft skills, connect with new interesting people and start friendships. It is in fact the best club in the University.
Boris Gyuzelev
Private Equity, Class of Summer 2024 // Meritocracy

On camera