On November 22, our team of Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) students Arnav, Kabir, Puneet, Ishan, Benjamin, Kai and Siddhant represented the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) at the Association of Canadian Intercollegiate Investment Clubs (ACIIC) Fall 2025 Stock Pitch Conference, competing alongside many of Canada’s most recognized business programs.
2026 ACIIC Team students. From left to right: Arnav (Chapter Head), Kabir, Puneet, Ishan, Benjamin, Kai and Siddhant.
This year, we pitched a “buy” recommendation to Upwork (NASDAQ: UPWK), analyzing the company’s evolving role in the global freelance economy. Our work included everything from expert calls, alternative data analysis, and financial modelling, which contributed to our third-place finish!
Beyond placing third, the experience itself was especially impactful. Presenting investors, meeting teams from across the country, and watching creative pitches across industries such as supply chain automation and consumer health offered perspectives that extended our learning far beyond the classroom. Events like ACIIC highlight how much growth occurs when you are surrounded by people who care about finance and investing just as much as you do.
We are grateful to the UWaterloo ecosystem that helped prepare us, from Waterloo Private Capital to Waterloo Business Review and the countless workshops, mentors and peers who push us toward stronger research and sharper storytelling. These communities make a meaningful difference, and we encourage other SAF students to get involved, take risks, and challenge themselves through similar competitions.
After walking away from the ACIIC competition, we are energized and motivated to continue building our knowledge and experience. We are proud to have represented Waterloo and SAF look forward to carrying this momentum into future pitches and competitions.