What Does It Take to Win the GAIN University Investment Challenge? We Asked the 2025 Champions.

They researched the company, crunched the numbers, built their thesis — and then pitched it live in front of a panel of investment professionals. In this special episode, we sit down with the winners of the 2025 GAIN University Investment Challenge - Mireya, Vania, Matilda & Pearl from London Business School - to find out what it was really like.From forming their team and choosing their stock, to the nerves of the live final, our champions take us behind the scenes of one of the most exciting opportunities to develop your investment management credentials as a student. We talk about:How they approached the challenge and what surprised them mostThe skills they built along the way (and the ones they didn't expect to need)Their top tips for anyone thinking about applying in 2026How the experience has shaped their confidence and career ambitions in investment managementIf you've ever been curious about investment management but thought it wasn't for you — this episode is your sign to learn more!The GAIN University Investment Challenge is completely free, open to female and non-binary students at UK universities studying any subject, and the prizes? We're talking £200 cash, funded CISI qualifications, industry mentoring, and the title of national champions.Find out more: https://www.gainuk.org/programmes/university-investment-challenge/Register your interest to apply: https://form.jotform.com/253314044326044Got a question? Send us a voice note and we will try to answer it on the podcast!For more information on our programmes, internships, events and resources visit  gainuk.org.  You can also find us on LinkedIn or Instagram.