Revamped WEF for Gen Z: Billionaires Answer the Call of This Student Leader

Richard Schäli, an 18-year-old high school student from Zug, leads a remarkable life beyond academics, connecting with influential figures like billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann. His investment strategies have earned him a place on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, and he is launching an event called Camp Corvatsch to unite young entrepreneurs with industry leaders. Driven by a desire for success, Richard exemplifies the ambitious spirit of Generation Z while pursuing further education in prestigious American universities.

The Extraordinary Journey of Richard Schäli

Meet Richard Schäli, a seemingly typical high school student from Zug, who describes himself as just an ordinary teenager. “I lead a regular life, primarily focused on homework and exams, much like my peers,” he shares. However, there’s more to Richard than meets the eye.

A Life Beyond the Classroom

In addition to his studies, Richard leads an exceptional life, forming connections with influential figures worldwide, including Brazilian-Swiss investor Jorge Paulo Lemann. At 85, Lemann has established a substantial consumer goods empire, boasting an estimated fortune of 20 billion Swiss francs. “Jorge Paulo is not only my key mentor but also a personal figure in my life—he feels like a grandfather to me,” Richard explains.

In this unique second life, Richard delves into stock market strategies, sharing his insights with affluent investors. His investments have already reached impressive double-digit millions, earning him a spot on Forbes’ list of the 30 most influential individuals under 30 in the German-speaking region.

Having recently turned 18, Richard celebrated his milestone birthday in Monza, Italy, where he mingled with celebrities like Ferrari racing driver Carlos Sainz. His remarkable network of connections has developed through a series of fortunate events.

Richard’s journey began at the age of 11 during a ski trip to Upper Engadin. While dining in Champfèr, he encountered Jorge Paulo Lemann, the very billionaire he had just written about in a student newspaper article. This chance meeting led him to approach Lemann, defying his father’s advice, and ultimately forged a lasting friendship.

Richard’s early interest in the stock market began to blossom, prompting him to incorporate financial topics into his student newspaper. He demonstrated a keen understanding of market trends, winning a year-long stock market game hosted by a popular trading platform at just 12 years old.

Recognizing his talent, Lemann encouraged Richard to list his stock recommendations as a tradable certificate on the Stuttgart Stock Exchange. Despite an initial profit surge of 60%, the market soon turned, teaching Richard a tough lesson about investment risks and the importance of strategic thinking.

Drawing inspiration from investment icon Warren Buffett, Richard refocused his approach to investing. He now concentrates on select companies using a value strategy influenced by Buffett’s principles. His stock tips have consistently outperformed the Swiss market since he implemented this new strategy.

Beyond academics and stock analysis, Richard is also involved in several projects, including managing Moneyhaxx—a website aimed at educating teenagers on financial literacy. He also spent a semester in Singapore to learn Mandarin, showcasing his commitment to personal growth.

Currently, Richard is organizing a groundbreaking event called Camp Corvatsch, designed to connect young entrepreneurs aged 17 to 23 with industry leaders. “Our goal is to create an exclusive environment for aspiring business minds,” he states. With a carefully curated participant list, the event promises to feature numerous billionaires and finance experts, all while maintaining confidentiality regarding their attendance.

Richard’s determination to forge a better network for young entrepreneurs stems from his own experiences. “The right contacts can significantly accelerate your journey to success,” he explains. His proactive approach involved reaching out to hundreds of potential participants and engaging with 200 individuals to bring Camp Corvatsch to fruition.

Exemplifying the traits of Generation Z, Richard embodies a multitasking mindset, engaging in various projects simultaneously. He acknowledges the impatience often seen in his generation, stating, “We desire rapid results, and long-term thinking isn’t our strong suit.” Yet, he views the current age of digital connectivity as a vast opportunity for efficient information access and collaboration.

As he looks to the future, Richard is applying to prestigious American universities to further his studies following high school graduation. His ambition is to lay a solid foundation by age 30 for what he envisions as his life’s work, centered around financial markets. With such clarity about his goals at just 18, Richard Schäli is undoubtedly a young force to watch.

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