From cricket pitch to Dalal Street: How a 22-year-old built around ₹36 crore quant fund

At 22, when many youngsters are busy job hunting or trying to figure out their career path, a Gujarat-based former cricketer is already managing close to ₹36 crore in assets on Dalal Street. The former state-level cricketer, who once represented MCC Universities in the UK, is now the youngest fund manager in India after launching his own quantitative investment firm.

From cricket to capital markets
Shaan Patel began his career in competitive cricket in Gujarat and later in the UK. Selection setbacks prompted him to reassess his career and explore new professional directions.

He shifted his focus to financial markets. During his Bachelor’s in Finance and Investment and later a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, he started building quantitative models based on mathematics , data analysis and risk management systems.


Testing the strategy with proprietary capital
In September 2023, Patel deployed his proprietary capital to test his models. Over the next 18 months, the portfolio increased significantly. The increase in assets came from performance gains rather than marketing efforts. The outcome encouraged him to formalise the structure and seek regulatory approval.

In March 2025, his firm, Shaan Patel Asset Management (SPAM), received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a Category III Alternative Investment Fund (AIF). On July 10, coinciding with Guru Purnima, the firm launched its Flexi-Cap Strategy with an initial asset base of ₹25 crore.

Building a quantitative team
Patel has built a team that focuses on quantitative research, defined processes and risk control. He targets to reach around Rs 100 crore in assets under management by the end of the year. Quantitative investing uses mathematical models, algorithms and statistical analysis to identify opportunities in financial markets. Instead of depending mainly on corporate commentary or macroeconomic narratives, quant strategies follow structured rules and Math-based systems.
Such strategies have gained attention in volatile markets where investor sentiment can shift quickly.