Aug 6th, 2025
BITSoM Team Among Top 10 Finalists at Harvard’s Global Case Competition 2025
Competing against over a thousand teams from top global B-schools, a team from BITSoM’s Class of 2026 stood out for its strategic insight, analytical depth, and bold thinking.
Organised by the Harvard GSAS Business Club and the IFSA Network, GCCH is one of the most competitive finance case competitions globally. This year’s edition attracted over 1,000 teams from 33+ countries, each vying for a spot at the top. The challenge? Craft a robust M&A strategy for a hypothetical acquisition of Pirelli by Ferrari, backed by deep financial analysis, valuation models, and strategic synergy assessments.
Meet Team “Cash Me If You Can”
Our finalist team — Aastha Pundhir, Akash Bhansali, Nishant Hinge, Rohak Shah, and Shefali Goyal — from batch of 2026 represented BITSoM with excellence. Under the guidance of Professor Prabhu Venkatachalam, Assistant Professor of Finance at BITSoM, the team put together a sharp, data-driven pitchbook and strategic recommendation.
Competing against powerhouse institutions like Harvard, MIT, Oxford, and Stanford, their emerged as the only Indian B-school in the global top 10. A proud moment not just for BITSoM, but also for Indian management education.
The team’s approach was grounded in the ACES framework, aligning Ferrari’s long-term goals with global automotive megatrends. To assess deal feasibility, they simulated customer flight risk using Nash Equilibrium models, evaluated cultural integration dynamics, and reviewed Ferrari’s debt capacity.
In a bold move, they proposed an alternative to the Pirelli acquisition — QuantumScape, an emerging player in solid-state battery technology. Their rationale? A better strategic fit with Ferrari’s future vision of electrification.
A Weekend at Harvard
As finalists, the team was invited to an exclusive in-person event at Harvard University. The weekend featured networking with top consulting firms, investment banks, private equity professionals, and Harvard faculty. It also included hands-on workshops and thought-provoking discussions, giving the team unmatched exposure and learning opportunities.
Here’s what the team had to say about the experience:
“Representing BITSoM at Harvard’s Global Case Competition was both humbling and transformative. What truly stood out were the candid conversations with peers from
across the world, the friendships we built, the shared aspirations, and the collaborative spirit that extended well beyond the competition. Harvard was more than just a venue. It was a space for learning, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose”
This incredible achievement reflects BITSoM’s commitment to developing bold, analytical, and globally minded leaders. Congratulations once again to Aastha, Akash, Nishant, Rohak, and Shefali. Your success inspires us all and sets the bar high for future cohorts.
Team ‘Cash Me If You Can’
Class of 2026, BITSoM
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