Early Life
Karthik Sarma was born in India around 1975 and grew up in Kerala. He completed his schooling in India before pursuing higher education in the United States. His family ties were strong, a closeness reflected in his personal and professional life. Sarma lost his father at the age of 15, an event that profoundly influenced his life choices.
Rise to Success
Sarma's educational journey began at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. He later obtained a Master's degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University. After graduating, he worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in New York for three years. His career then took a turn into the hedge fund industry when he joined Tiger Global Management in 2001, shortly after its launch. During his five years at Tiger Global, Sarma advanced to the position of managing director and partner.
Key Business Strategies
In 2006, Karthik Sarma founded SRS Investment Management LLC, naming it after his father's initials. The firm specializes in value-oriented investments in public markets, employing a concentrated portfolio strategy with long and short positions. A significant achievement was the firm's investment in Avis Budget Group, with SRS owning approximately 49.5% through stock and equity swaps. Under Sarma's leadership, SRS achieved a 35% return in 2021, significantly boosted by the rise in Avis stock. His focus on fundamental research and a concentrated investment approach has been key to SRS's success.
Philanthropy
Karthik Sarma is involved in philanthropic activities, particularly supporting his alma mater, IIT Madras. He supports the creation and development of a Wellness Centre to promote mental health services, inspired by his own experiences.
