Now, he’s set to launch his own financial technology – fintech – firm in London.
His startup idea, Researchfy, is described as a digital distribution platform for financial research – a disruptive new business model which will connect investment research providers and investors, helping research providers to better understand their clients, and better screen new opportunities in the market, under the latest regulatory frameworks.
Jorge is set to launch Researchfy in January 2018. In the meantime, he’ll get his platform up and running, introduce himself to the market, and reach out to former Cass MBA colleagues for potential links to partners, clients, and investors.
Is he worried about Brexit? Not at all. Originally from Spain, Jorge picked Cass – ranked the best one-year MBA program in London by the Financial Times MBA Ranking - over other top-ranked business schools in Europe and the US.
During his MBA, he co-founded the school’s investment research club, experienced international consulting weeks in Iceland and Las Vegas, and laid the foundations for his UK-based business.
Why did you choose Cass for your MBA?
A one-year MBA is perfect for both young and experienced professionals that want to get an MBA but cannot afford to lose a lot of time doing it.
I applied to nine different business schools, both in Europe and the US, but in the end I went with Cass. The reputation that Cass has in finance and its location in London – the main financial hub of the world – was really appealing to me.
How important was the Cass MBA in helping you start your own business?
Before the MBA, I knew that I wanted a career change, but I didn’t know I wanted to go into entrepreneurship. That was something that came to me during the MBA.
The way the MBA makes you change your way of thinking was very important – especially for me coming from a finance background where you mostly look into potential problems and challenges ahead. With an MBA, you get a holistic view, you see how you can implement solutions to problems, and you meet people who have been successful and can inspire you to start your own business.
You also get a very good network. I’m now looking for providers and clients for my platform. I know I have many former MBA colleagues with good jobs in finance who would be more than happy to open doors for me.
Ultimately, the Cass MBA opened my mind. I don’t think I would be at the point I am now, starting a new business, without it.
Why did you decide to set up your business in London? Is Brexit a source of concern?
London is one of the best cities in Europe to start up a new business. As my business is focused on financial services, being in a financial center like London was really important.
Personally, I don’t think that Brexit is going to be a problem. The UK will try to get a good deal from the EU, and I believe that London will still be a good hub for finance and entrepreneurship post-Brexit.
Financiers and fund managers like to live in London. The network, the different events, and the opportunities you have here – you cannot just copy that and move to another country. I don’t think much is going to change.
What advice do you have for MBA grads looking to start their own business?
The most important thing is to validate the problem you think the market has. You may have an idea, but you need to go to people and ask them if they have the problem you’re trying to resolve, before investing a large amount of money in it.
And go to events! You can learn a lot from people who have been successful in entrepreneurship; about starting up, preparing a business plan, and reaching out to potential investors.
What should applicants think about when deciding to do an MBA?
Every school is different. It’s important to know about the different student clubs at the business school, the careers office, and the opportunities on offer. Speak to people doing the MBA and get a better idea of what the program’s going to be like.
RECAPTHA :
a8
85
69
ca
