Rising Stars in Investing and Finance

Blackshard finished second in the 2025 UK Investment Competition with a portfolio built around one central idea: investing in a “Fractured World.”In this episode of Rising Stars in Investing & Finance, Dr. Luba Schoenig speaks with Sushant Shyam, Sujay Aggarwal and Aran Grant from University College London about the thinking behind their investment strategy.The team explains how geopolitical volatility, tariffs, reshoring and changing market regimes influenced their portfolio — and why they combined higher-conviction equity ideas with banks and ETFs to manage risk.The conversation then turns to one of the biggest questions facing markets today: are we in an AI bubble?The team debate whether today’s AI boom resembles the dot-com era, whether market expectations are beginning to run ahead of reality, and what a potential correction could mean for investors.They also discuss the growing role of private credit in financing AI infrastructure, the risks created by reduced transparency in private markets, and why companies such as Alphabet, Microsoft and AMD featured in their approach to technology exposure.Other topics include their contrarian investment thesis around Argentina, portfolio construction, managing losing positions, market volatility, and what retail investors can do if they are worried about a correction.A conversation about conviction, macro investing, AI, risk management and how young investors can build a portfolio around a coherent investment thesis.This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor.

Can a complete investing beginner build a portfolio capable of competing with experienced young investors?In this episode of Rising Stars in Investing & Finance, we meet Izzat, a mechanical engineering student who entered the UMushroom Asian Investment Competition with virtually no previous investing experience—and finished #2.Izzat breaks down the strategy behind a portfolio that peaked at +35.3%, built around AI infrastructure, geopolitics and global supply chains. He explains why companies such as Micron, Nvidia, TSMC and ASML became central to his investment thesis, why he deliberately avoided leverage, and how concentration created both significant upside and difficult lessons in risk management.The conversation also explores one of investing’s hardest decisions: when to take profits. After watching his portfolio climb rapidly, Izzat reflects on what he would do differently in a professional environment—and why he would no longer be as heavily exposed to AI.The episode also looks ahead to emerging markets, China, rare earths and the opportunities beyond today’s biggest AI trades, before discussing why students from engineering and other non-finance backgrounds may already possess skills that translate surprisingly well into investing.A conversation about conviction, concentration, risk—and learning by jumping into the deep end.This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor.

What does it take to win the UK Investment Competition 2025?In this episode of Rising Stars in Investing and Finance, Host Luba Schoenig speaks with Adam Hrehovcik and Joaquim Silva, the winning team behind Platypus Partners, about the strategy that set their portfolio apart.During the competition period from 10 October 2025 to 19 November 2025, Adam and Joaquim moved away from crowded AI and high-growth technology trades and searched for value in overlooked areas of the market. Their data-driven portfolio combined biotech, rare-disease therapies, uranium, clean energy, industrial metals and copper.They explain how they identified market mispricing, managed risk across high-conviction positions and remained calm when one investment fell by more than 50%. The conversation also explores why constructive criticism, teamwork and disciplined decision-making played a major role in their success. This episode is essential listening for finance students, aspiring investors and anyone interested in portfolio construction, active investing and behavioural finance.In this episode:The contrarian strategy behind their winning portfolioWhy they looked beyond AI and technology stocksTheir approach to biotech, copper and energy securityHow they managed a 50% drawdownThe importance of risk management and teamworkThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor.

What should investors expect from markets in the second half of 2026?In this episode of the UMushroom Podcast, Luba Schoenig sits down with Paul Jackson of Invesco EMEA to discuss the investment landscape for the months ahead.From the outlook for equities and gold to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, shifting market leadership, valuations, and the macroeconomic forces shaping global markets, Paul shares his perspective on where opportunities and risks may emerge next.They also explore why investors should be cautious about chasing recent winners, how market leadership could evolve, and what long-term investors should consider when positioning their portfolios for the second half of 2026.Whether you're an experienced investor or simply looking to better understand the forces driving today's markets, this conversation offers practical insights into navigating an increasingly complex investment environment.Topics discussed include:• The investment outlook for the second half of 2026• Whether today's market winners can continue outperforming• Artificial intelligence and technology stocks• The outlook for gold and other asset classes• Market valuations and investor expectations• Risks and opportunities investors should watch• Building a long-term investment strategy amid changing marketsGuest: Paul Jackson, Invesco EMEAHost: Luba Schoenig, UMushroomFollow the UMushroom Podcast for more conversations with investors, financial professionals, and industry experts exploring the ideas shaping the future of investing.