Today on Take the Stage, we are shining the spotlight on Matan Feldman. Matan is founder and CEO of Wall Street Prep, a global full-service financial training firm providing self-study programs, instructor-led training and e-learning services to investment banks, financial institutions, and Fortune 1000 companies. This is part one of a two-part episode where Matan takes us on a journey through the early years of his entrepreneurial venture. From his experiences in investment banking to the inception of Wall Street Prep, Matan shares the challenges, inspirations, and pivotal moments that shaped the company's path.

Episode Outline and Highlights

[03:24] Matan shares his journey through M&A and sell-side equity research to the decision of starting Wall Street Prep.

[07:59] While working at JP Morgan, Matan realized the need for a resource he wished he had when entering the industry. He reflects on his time at Boston U and how his exposure to finance and investment banking didn’t come until a study abroad experience his junior year. Matan describes the challenges of understanding the industry jargon and the lack of accessible resources, which in turn, inspired his vision to simplify and demystify the technical skills needed for finance careers.

[12:04] Matan details his initial vision for Wall Street Prep, which was focused on an eight-week program akin to a Kaplan-style LSAT prep, targeting college students interested in investment banking. Matan explains the barriers that existed in accessing knowledge and mentions his desire to break these unnecessary moats and signaling mechanisms that existed in the industry. 

[17:37] Matan explains his bold career move and the reactions of his family and friends when he tells them of his entrepreneurial desires.

[22:27] Matan explains that the first year was dedicated to creating content and building the program without market validation or proof of concept. He describes how he spent long hours developing the materials, drawing from his work discipline gained in investment banking. He also shares the grassroots efforts to promote his program that yielded minimal success.

[25:15] Matan shares how his marketing strategy shifted with the arrival of Google AdWords which helped him learn valuable marketing lessons during this phase, including the importance of global advertising for a global product.

[28:50] Matan shares how he learned his lesson about pricing and positioning and reflects on the moment he realizes Wall Street Prep’s growth potential.

[34:53]  Matan reflects on a crucial transition in his life as revenue started flowing in and how the focus became about expanding offerings and building Wall Street Prep's reputation, while navigating the challenges that come with being a small, unknown company.

[38:13]  Matan addresses the credibility obstacles they faced as a small business and discusses how demand from finance clubs for their innovative self-study approach allowed them to overcome objections and showcase the practical relevance of their program. 

Special Links:

This career-focused program combines the institutional knowledge from the world’s leading business school with the practical skills approach of the private equity industry's leading training provider.

Wall Street Prep & Wharton Private Equity Certificate Program

Connect with Matan Feldman

Matan Feldman on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Wall Street Prep ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Alexis Alvarez

Alexis on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠

Alexis on email alexis@career-rockstars.com