Early Life and Education
Karthik Sarma was born in India in either 1974 or 1975 and completed his schooling in India before pursuing engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras in 1996. He then moved to the United States for further studies, earning a Master's degree from Princeton University.
Rise to Success
Sarma's career began with a three-year stint as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. In 2001, he joined Tiger Global Management, quickly rising to Managing Director and Partner within the firm. In 2006, Sarma founded SRS Investment Management, named after his father. SRS Investment Management currently manages approximately $10 billion. In 2021, he earned $2 billion. His success included a significant investment in Avis Budget Group, where SRS owns a 43% stake, and Sarma has served on the board of directors since May 2020.
Key Business Strategies
Sarma's investment strategy is characterized by concentrated, research-driven bets. His approach is focused and he's known for taking long-term positions in companies. This strategy has been successful in identifying high-growth opportunities and maximizing returns. A notable example is his early investment in Avis Budget Group, which yielded substantial gains.
Philanthropy
While specific philanthropic endeavors are not extensively detailed, Sarma is supporting the creation and development of a Wellness Centre at IIT Madras, aiming to promote mental health and well-being among students.
