April 13, 2022

Sun Yongquan, MSQF 22'

Congratulations to Sun Yongquan, MSQF ’22, a Quantitative Finance master's student, for being named in the “AACYF Top 30 under 30.”  Organized by the All America Chinese Youth Federation (AACYF), LAPost, and the Chinese American Institute for Public Diplomacy in Los Angeles, this annual selection aims at encouraging and facilitating innovations and entrepreneurship among Chinese youth and international students. Sun co-founded his company, Xianghao Capital, during his senior year at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio). He will graduate from NYU Shanghai & NYU Stern’s Joint MS Quantitative Finance Program in May 2022. 

1. Can you share a bit of background about how and why you started your company and how it led to this award?

I started a company at an early age and during this process, I have come across many young entrepreneurs and also outstanding industry professionals who have provided me with valuable help and suggestions. I have the opportunity to learn from them and collaborate with them. I have a strong interest in private equity investment and I find the process of completing a project investment from beginning to end very challenging but interesting. I really have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and execute what I know in theory to real life cases. Furthermore, my passion in the PE industry originates from the internships I have previously participated in and my surrounding environments and I would keep being passionate about my career. Last but not least, I stay up to date with the latest news in the finance industry and keep pushing my limits to improve my cognitive functioning in order to bring the company to the next level. 

2. As a co-founder and partner of Xianghao Capital, could you share with us your philosophy regarding entrepreneurship and investment?

My philosophy in entrepreneurship starts from the ‘first principles thinking’ popularized by Elon Musk. I want to be able to manage money efficiently and empower these companies which would create social value in the long term. The question I would keep asking myself is, why do I want to start a startup? Is it because everyone else is doing it or is it because it is cool? I believe the answer is because I want to be able to manage money efficiently and empower these companies which would create social value in the long term. It is vital that we reassess ourselves when it comes to entrepreneurship because it is not guaranteed. There is a lot of uncertainty during the process and I always ask myself what are the things that I am able to tackle and what are not. If not, what should I do? Only if I have a clear vision of the goal and my own mentality can I be confident when I start doing it. Lastly, once you decide it, do it. Actions speak louder than words and always be ready to execute your thoughts. 

Regarding investment, time is everyone's only scarce asset, learning to study the most important issues is the most important thing and keep accumulating on the right path. Therefore, efficiency is the first step to consider: establish scientific, reasonable and correct research methods, and then through learning, to continuously optimize this thinking framework and method system. It is necessary to accumulate macro logic, industrial logic, business logic and financial logic on the correct path. I always believe that a good business model must conform to the development of the general trend of the society, the benign development of human nature, and the contribution of more total welfare to the society.

3. What attracted you to apply  for the MSQF program?

Being able to immerse myself in both Shanghai and New York, two of the world's financial centers, is an opportunity for me to actually explore the differences and similarities. The MSQF program is the program that is best suited to me because  I can gain knowledge and real-life experiences at the same time. This program has helped me acknowledge different aspects of finance, from emerging markets to climate risk, from futures and options to modeling, and the list goes on. I am able to integrate what I learn and execute it in my daily work. Professors are approachable and knowledgeable, and you can connect to them by email and office hours in addition to class.

4. How does NYU Shanghai’s MSQF program facilitate you to better pursue your career path?

The MSQF program has provided me with the necessary financial knowledge to apply to real world cases. Many of the things learned in class are pretty relatable when it comes to asset valuation of a company and also the macro environment in the world's financial market. Furthermore, the program has a strong network where you can find the resources you need for your career whether it's from classmates or industry professionals. 

5. What is your future career plan after graduating from the MSQF program this May?

After graduation, I will be running my own company full time and hoping to get my company to a higher level.