Sarma

Rank #1384

INDIA•Finance & Investments•Hedge fund

Karthik Sarma

Net Worth

$2.895B

0% (24h)

Karthik Sarma is an Indian-born billionaire hedge fund manager and the founder of SRS Investment Management LLC. As of late 2025, his estimated net worth is $2.9 billion, ranking him among the world's wealthiest individuals. He earned a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and a Master's degree in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Princeton University. Sarma's career includes a successful stint at Tiger Global Management before founding SRS Investment Management in 2006. He has demonstrated significant financial acumen, most notably in his investment in Avis Budget Group, where his firm holds a substantial stake, and he currently serves as a director. Sarma is also recognized for his philanthropy, including support for the IIT Madras Wellness Centre.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Karthik Sarma was born in India around 1975 and grew up in Kerala. He completed his schooling in India before pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) in 1996. During his time at IIT Madras, he was actively involved in extracurricular activities and developed a strong network of peers. Sarma lost his father at the age of 15, an event that profoundly influenced his life choices.

Rise to Success

After graduating from IIT Madras, Sarma moved to the United States to pursue a Master of Science in Operations Research and Financial Engineering at Princeton University. After graduating, he began his career as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in New York. In 2001, he joined Tiger Global Management shortly after its launch. Over five years, he rapidly advanced to the position of Managing Director and Partner. In 2006, Sarma founded SRS Investment Management LLC in New York. The firm's name, SRS, is derived from his late father's initials, reflecting a personal tribute to him.

Key Business Strategies

SRS Investment Management specializes in value-oriented investments in public markets, with a focus on the technology, media, consumer, and industrial sectors. Sarma's strategy emphasizes high-conviction bets, concentrating a significant portion of assets under management in a limited number of holdings. A prime example of this is SRS's long-term stake in Avis Budget Group, where the firm acquired a substantial ownership stake, resulting in substantial profits in 2021 due to the surge in Avis stock price. Sarma has served on the board of directors of Avis Budget Group since May 2020.

Philanthropy

Karthik Sarma is committed to giving back to his alma mater, IIT Madras, with a particular focus on student well-being. He is currently supporting the creation and development of a Wellness Centre on campus, offering mental health services to students and promoting mental well-being. This initiative reflects Sarma's own experiences, particularly the challenges he and his peers faced during their time at IIT Madras.

Career Timeline

2021

Achieved $1 billion in Earnings

One of eight hedge fund managers to achieve this milestone, primarily due to the rise in the Avis share price.

2020

Board of Directors, Avis Budget Group

Appointed as an Independent Director.

2006

Founded SRS Investment Management

Launched his own hedge fund in New York.

2001

Joined Tiger Global Management

Became Managing Director and Partner.

1998

Consultant at McKinsey & Company

Worked as a consultant in New York.

1996

Graduated from Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Earned a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Philanthropic Impact

Education and Well-beingUnknown

IIT Madras Wellness Centre

Supports the creation and development of a Wellness Centre with dedicated leadership on campus. The goal of the centre is to establish a set of services and resources including peer support, counseling, workshops, and classes to promote mental health and well-being on campus.