Private Equity Pitch Competition
Step inside the world of private equity and put your skills to the test. Hosted by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, the Private Equity Pitch Competition is a real-world LBO (leveraged buyout) pitch competition that brings together top business students from across New York City and beyond.
Designed to bridge academic learning with real-world finance, this competition gives students hands-on experience with industry-standard investment analysis, exposure to private-equity professionals, and the chance to compete against leading business schools.
Participants will work in teams to analyze a deal, develop an investment thesis, and pitch their strategy—just like real PE analysts. Along the way, students gain practical insights, sharpen technical skills, and expand their professional network in one of the most competitive sectors in finance.
Why Participate?
Gain real-world experience in investment analysis
Compete against top business schools in the NYC region
Network directly with private-equity professionals
Win up to $6,000 in prizes
Competition Awards
1st Place: $6,000
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,000
Entry Criteria
Open to current undergraduate students. Teams must be composed of 3–4 students enrolled at the same university, from finance clubs and/or student-managed funds from participating business schools.
Teams are also required to work with a faculty advisor from their university.
Competition Structure
Teams are required to research 1 or more companies and present a 15–25-minute investment pitch including a leveraged buyout (LBO) model, justifying why the company or companies should be added to a buy-and-build or corporate carveout private equity fund, followed by a Q&A session with the judges.
One month before the presentation, students will be given three industries to choose from—to ensure each team starts at the exact same time.
Analysts are advised to use standard market interest rates, realistic assumptions, and appropriate valuation multiples but given total discretion on financial projections and debt structuring.
Important Dates
Registration Deadline: December 19, 2025
Competition Date: February 21, 2026 at St. John's University's Manhattan campus (101 Astor Place)
Tentative Schedule
Pitch competition will be held in-person at 101 Astor Place on February 21, 2026.
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Arrival
10:00 am - 10:30 am: Dean's welcome speech and opening remarks
10:30 pm - 4:30 pm: Presentations
5:00 pm - 5:15 pm: Winners are announced. Closing remarks.
5:15 pm - 8:00 pm – Networking Reception
Questions?
Contact Jason Berkowitz, Ph.D., Professor of Finance, at [email protected]
FAQs
No, students are responsible for covering their own lodging and transportation expenses.
The pitch competition will be held in-person at St. John's Manhattan campus at 101 Astor Place, New York. All teams who are interested in participating must present in-person.
Register by December, 19, 2025 by submitting this registration form.