Leland+ Content Library
Mastering the Hedge Fund Interview
Breaking into hedge funds requires sharp investing instincts, a compelling stock pitch, and the ability to think clearly under pressure. In this session, Diyang Y.—a former investment banker turned Long/Short equity analyst at Point72—will break down what top funds really look for in candidates. Drawing on years of evaluating investments, mentoring aspiring analysts, and preparing candidates for competitive buy-side interviews, Diyang will walk you through how to build a strong investment framework, articulate conviction, defend your ideas, and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're crafting your first stock pitch or preparing for final-round interviews, you’ll gain practical, results-focused strategies to stand out in the hedge fund recruiting process.
Anatomy of an Investment Pitch
Crafting a compelling investment pitch is one of the most important skills for breaking into hedge funds and succeeding once you’re there. In this session, we’ll break down the structure of a strong pitch—how to identify the right idea, frame the thesis, assess business value drivers, and anticipate investor questions. You’ll leave with a clearer framework for building your own pitches and standing out in interviews. This session will be led by Diyang Y., a Leland coach with years of experience in hedge funds and banking, where he has evaluated investments across industries and geographies. He’ll share insights from the buy-side, common mistakes candidates make, and what interviewers really look for when you present a stock idea.
Drivers of Value Creation & Valuation: Insights for Hedge Fund Investors
In this foundational session, you’ll explore the key levers of business value creation—understanding how revenue dynamics, margin improvement, capital efficiency, and growth initiatives shape valuation. By grounding yourself in these fundamental concepts, you’ll establish the strategic foundation you need for identifying critical inflection points and alpha-generating opportunities in later deep-dive sessions. Guiding you through it is Leland coach Diyang Y., who brings first-hand experience from M&A at RBC and as a long/short equity analyst at Point72. He emphasizes that success in investing isn’t just technical—it’s about “thinking independently, building conviction in an idea, and communicating it clearly under pressure.” This session will offer not just conceptual clarity but practical tools to sharpen your analytical mindset and valuation approach.
