Católica-Lisbon SBE and Explorer Investments awarded the Explorer Investments Excellence Scholarships on April 10 to students Khaleel Rashid and Antonia Ress, as part of a partnership aimed at rewarding high-achieving students at the institution.
This initiative is part of Católica-Lisbon SBE’s strategy to strengthen a culture of merit and attract international talent, distinguishing undergraduate students in Economics & Finance and Master’s students in Finance with scholarships that, in addition to covering full tuition, include extra financial support. The scholarships aim to recognize not only academic performance but also students’ potential as future professionals and citizens with social impact.
According to Católica-Lisbon SBE Dean Filipe Santos, the awarding of these scholarships aligns with the institution’s vision of establishing itself as a global hub for talent, capable of attracting top faculty and students, and training professionals who make an impact on society. He emphasized that this ambition is reflected in academic rigor, program quality and a merit-based culture that values effort and excellence both inside and outside the classroom. In this context, the scholarships reinforce that culture by recognizing high-potential students and encouraging high standards of excellence.
The application process, for both undergraduate and master’s students, required the submission of a video in which candidates introduced themselves, explained their choice of Finance, their expectations for the program and their five-year vision. After a highly competitive initial selection phase, 10 candidates were shortlisted, 6 advanced to final interviews and 2 were awarded the scholarship.
According to Pedro Coutinho, Partner in Private Equity - Buyouts at Explorer Investments, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to developing talent in a sector where “people are the most important assets.” He also highlighted that selection criteria go beyond grades, valuing qualities such as “thinking outside the box,” resilience and an entrepreneurial mindset, noting that today’s market demands “360-degree profiles with flexibility and a strong human component.”
The social dimension of the initiative is also aligned with Explorer Investments’ corporate social responsibility policy. According to Ana Sofia Mendonça, ESG Manager at Explorer Investments, the company allocates “10% of its net profits to education programs that promote excellence and meritocracy among high-achieving young people.”
The scholarship winners, Khaleel Rashid and Antonia Ress, also emphasized the impact of the distinction beyond financial support.
Khaleel noted that the scholarship “recognizes not only grades but also effort outside the classroom,” highlighting its motivational effect both individually and collectively, by encouraging a more competitive and demanding academic environment. Currently in his first year of the undergraduate Economics and Finance program, he stated the scholarship has opened new career perspectives, particularly in private equity. He also emphasized the networking opportunities provided by the initiative, including contact with professionals from Explorer Investments and the growing importance of interpersonal skills. In the long term, he expressed his ambition to give back to the communities where he grew up, particularly by promoting financial literacy, underlining the impact such opportunities can have on individual trajectories.
Antonia Ress, a first-year Master’s student in Finance, described the scholarship as a sign of confidence in her path, stating that “more than financial support, it is motivation to continue achieving goals.” She also highlighted the initiative’s role in validating her potential in a highly competitive sector. Interested in pursuing a career in private equity, she believes this distinction could be decisive for her professional future, as it signals recognition from one of the leading funds in Portugal.
With this strengthened and ongoing partnership, Católica-Lisbon SBE and Explorer Investments demonstrate the mutual benefits of linking academia and industry, promoting a culture of excellence, merit and preparation for the challenges of the financial sector.