Menlo College Students Win 2026 Global Scaling Challenge, Extend Four-Year Dominance Posted on April 7, 2026April 7, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Continuing a semester filled with standout student achievements on national and international stages, Menlo College has once again claimed the top spot in the Global Scaling Challenge. On Friday, a team of Menlo students took first place in the 2026 competition, reclaiming their 2025 global title and extending the College’s remarkable four-year winning streak. Filippo Sernesi Gori, Oliver Richard, and Nays Seck. The Global Scaling Challenge brings together top universities from around the world to solve complex growth and scaling challenges for real-world, high-growth companies. Competing against a formidable international field, Menlo’s undergraduate students once again rose above the competition, outperforming even graduate-level teams to secure the No. 1 position. Professor Fabian Eggers. This year’s winning team is Filippo Sernesi Gori, Oliver Richard, and Nays Seck. They demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking and a deep understanding of global business dynamics. Guided by faculty mentor Professor Fabian Eggers, the team delivered a professional and compelling presentation that earned high praise from a panel of industry judges. In addition to the global title, the team was awarded a $9,000 cash prize, further underscoring the significance of their achievement. Nays Seck. Filippo Sernesi Gori. Oliver Richard. “This victory is a testament to the caliber of our students and the dedication of our faculty in preparing them to lead in a global economy,” said Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College. “Our students consistently demonstrate the Menlo spirit of innovation, resilience, and practical problem-solving.” The winning team walks through campus. Menlo College’s sustained success in the competition is especially notable given the level of competition. For four consecutive years, Menlo undergraduates have competed against and surpassed teams from universities of all sizes, including graduate programs from leading institutions worldwide. Filippo Sernesi Gori, Oliver Richard, Nays Seck, and Professor Fabian Eggers. At the heart of this achievement is Menlo’s distinctive approach to business education, which blends rigorous academics with hands-on, experiential learning. Through close faculty mentorship and real-world application, students develop the skills and confidence needed to tackle complex global business challenges. This latest victory not only highlights the strength of Menlo’s academic programs and faculty scholarship, but also reinforces the College’s position as a leader in applied business education and global competitiveness. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Sweeps 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge Posted on February 24, 2026February 26, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College proudly hosted the 2026 CFA Institute Research Challenge – Northern California Finals, welcoming 19 teams from 13 universities across the Bay Area for a full day of rigorous financial analysis and professional competition. Menlo College team presenting in Brawner Hall. Often referred to as the “Investment Olympics,” the CFA Institute Research Challenge brings together top finance students to conduct in-depth equity research and present investment recommendations before senior industry professionals. This year’s competition centered on a comprehensive analysis of Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a San Francisco-headquartered company. Hayley Narahar, Martin Fiala, Marc Hegel, and Donvan Kerr with their trophy. After advancing through a highly competitive preliminary round, the students representing Menlo College, Haley Narahara, Martin Fiala, Marc Hegele, and Donovan Kerr delivered an exceptional final presentation and emerged as Northern California Champions. They will now advance to the Western U.S. Regional Finals in April, with the opportunity to compete at the Global Finals in Hong Kong in May. The event brought together 13 colleges and universities, including Chico State, Cal State East Bay, Cal State Fresno, Dominican University, Golden Gate University, Menlo College, St. Mary’s College, Sacramento State, San Francisco State, San Jose State, UC Santa Cruz, University of Nevada – Reno, and University of San Francisco. In total, six MBA teams and thirteen undergraduate finance teams participated, with more than 100 student competitors presenting before senior investment professionals and CFA charter holders serving as judges. The day also featured an inspiring keynote address by Menlo College Trustee Jim Davlin, whose remarks on ethical leadership, discipline in capital markets, and long-term value creation resonated strongly with students and faculty alike. Jim Davlin, Hayley Narahar, Martin Fiala, Mouwafac Sidaoui, Marc Hegel, Donvan Kerr, Manish Tewari, and Faten Ben Bouheni. Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Menlo College, emphasized the importance of collaboration and mentorship, stating: “We were honored to partner with the CFA San Francisco team to host this prestigious competition at Menlo College, reflecting our strong commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence. I am grateful to Trustee Jim Davlin for his inspiring keynote and proud of Professor Manish Tewari and our outstanding students, whose analytical rigor, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrate the strength of our Finance program.” Finance Professor Manish Tewari, serving in his sixth year as Faculty CFA Team Advisor, added: “Menlo College’s continued success in the CFA Challenge reflects the strength and rigor of our Finance program. For more than a decade, our students have competed alongside top universities in this prestigious competition, consistently demonstrating exceptional analytical skill, professionalism, and teamwork. As I enter my sixth year as CFA Faculty Team Advisor, I am proud that Menlo teams have become a respected and competitive presence across the Northern California region.” For more than a decade, Menlo College students have consistently distinguished themselves among leading institutions at the CFA Challenge. The 2026 victory reinforces the School of Business’s commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in investment management, financial analysis, and capital markets. Menlo College congratulates its winning team and looks forward to cheering them on at the Western U.S. Regional Finals, and on to the global stage. Media Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
