Ayush is a senior in Aerospace Engineering with a Business minor and is the President of the engineering James Scholar Honor Society. He’s co-founded and scaled a cleantech startup to $100K+ ARR, giving him early experience in scaling and fundraising. On campus, he serves as the Lead Program Manager at the Technology Entrepreneur Center, where he built partnerships with firms such as Sequoia Capital, Menlo Ventures, etc., to expand UIUC’s startup ecosystem. His professional background includes venture analysis with HP, Strategy Consulting with PwC, Commercial GTM Strategy at GE Vernova, and Aerospace research with NASA. Looking ahead, Ayush is determined to launch his own venture fund or join a top-tier firm, with the ambition of helping founders build and scale enduring, category-defining companies. His guiding belief - “Asymmetric bets define Extraordinary Outcomes.”

Grant is a sophomore at the Gies College of Business, studying Finance and Data Science. Outside of VCA, he is involved in the Illinois Data Science Club, where he serves as a Data Dive Project Lead. Last semester, Grant also worked as a consultant on a startup company project for EntreCORPS. His hobbies include playing volleyball, spending time with friends, and listening to music. He is interested in pursuing a career in data science or financial analysis.

Aashman is a sophomore at the Gies College of Business, studying Finance, Accountancy, and Data Science. Outside of VCA, he is involved in the Disruption Lab as a Senior Analyst and the Illinois Data Science Club as a Data Dive member. He is currently interning at Green Street Growth as a Private Equity Analyst. His hobbies include playing tennis, spending time with friends, and watching movies. He is interested in pursuing a career in venture capital or commodities trading. His favorite quote is “Stay hungry, Stay humble”. 

Pushti is a senior majoring in Brain and Cognitive Science. She conducts independent research on VR advertising and dopamine’s role in scrolling addiction, and will be presenting her VR advertising work at an international conference this semester. On campus, she serves as External VP for the Global Empowerment for Medical Support (GEMS) organization. She is passionate about merging neuroscience and marketing to create innovative consumer experiences. One of her guiding beliefs is, “Curiosity drives everything.”

Will is an Economics senior with a Business minor who thrives in the world of investing. He’s preparing for the CFA Level I exam in February and sharpening his skills at Green Street Growth, a startup private equity firm. Born and raised in New York City, he now lives in Connecticut with his family. Outside of finance, Will stays active with basketball, exercise, and gaming. He’s looking forward to graduate study in finance and an eventual career as an investment analyst.

Chandana is a Senior studying Economics with a Business Minor. Outside of VCA, she is an Economics Ambassador for the Economics Department, and a CA for the CS department. This past summer she was an Investment Banking intern at TPH&Co, the Energy Business of Perella Weinberg. Her hobbies include spending time with friends, going to the gym and watching movies.