Guest lecture on Alternative Investments: Private Equity, Venture Capital & Fund Modelling

The Department of Commerce, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organised an industry guest lecture on “Alternative Investments: Private Equity, Venture Capital & Fund Modelling” for fourth-year BCom Financial Analytics students on 12 September 2026. The session was conducted by Mr. Apoorv Gairola, Associate Director, UBS, Pune, a finance and strategy professional with experience across venture capital, corporate finance, startups, investments, fundraising and strategic decision-making.

The session was organised with the objective of connecting classroom learning with contemporary industry practice in the field of alternative investments. As financial markets continue to evolve, students need exposure not only to traditional investment instruments but also to alternative asset classes and the practical decision-making frameworks used by professionals in private equity, venture capital and investment management. The guest lecture therefore provided students with an opportunity to understand how investment concepts are applied in real-world financial environments.

During the session, Mr. Gairola introduced students to the broader landscape of alternative investments, explaining how private equity and venture capital differ from traditional investment avenues. He discussed the role of investors, fund managers, portfolio companies and other stakeholders involved in the investment ecosystem. Particular attention was given to the way investment professionals evaluate opportunities, analyse business models and consider growth potential, risk, scalability and expected returns before making an investment decision.

The session also helped students understand the structure and functioning of private equity and venture capital funds. Discussions around fund structures, capital deployment, investment horizons and return expectations enabled students to connect theoretical concepts studied in the classroom with actual industry processes. Students were encouraged to think beyond basic definitions and consider how investment decisions are influenced by market conditions, business fundamentals, management quality and long-term value creation.

A significant component of the session focused on fund modelling and analytical thinking. Students were introduced to practical aspects of evaluating investment opportunities and understanding risk-return trade-offs. The hands-on modelling exercise helped them appreciate how assumptions, projections and financial variables influence investment outcomes. This practical exposure was particularly useful in developing their ability to interpret financial information and make evidence-based decisions.

To make the learning process interactive, the session included an interactive quiz and case-based discussion. These activities encouraged students to participate actively, test their understanding and apply concepts to realistic investment situations. The case discussions also demonstrated that investment decisions are rarely based on a single financial metric. Instead, professionals need to consider a combination of quantitative analysis, business strategy, market dynamics, risk assessment and professional judgement.

The interaction with an experienced industry practitioner also gave students an opportunity to understand professional expectations in the finance sector. Students were able to ask questions related to private equity, venture capital, investment analysis, careers in finance and the skills required to succeed in investment-related roles. Such interactions are valuable because they allow students to gain insights that go beyond textbooks and academic frameworks.

The guest lecture contributed significantly to the Department’s emphasis on experiential and industry-integrated learning. By engaging directly with a senior finance professional, students were able to understand how concepts learned in courses such as Alternative Investments, Financial Management and Investment Analysis are applied in professional settings.

Overall, the session strengthened students’ analytical thinking, industry awareness, practical understanding and career readiness. It also reinforced the importance of combining academic knowledge with industry exposure, professional judgement and applied learning. The Department of Commerce continues to facilitate such engagements to ensure that students are better prepared to understand the complexities of modern financial markets and contribute meaningfully in their future professional roles.