Rashesh Shah: A banker's success story

Rashesh Shah: A banker's success story

Rajesh Abraham / Mumbai December 14, 2007

When Rashesh Shah and Venkat Ramaswamy decided to float a "global style full-fledged investment bank" in the mid-nineties, the first thing they were particular about was the name of the firm.

Inspired by Apple, the iconic computer maker, the duo decided that their firm will be named after a fruit, or a flower. Edelweiss, a white flower found high in the Alpine hills, fitted the bill. The flower is considered a symbol of purity, creativity and innovation - exactly what Shah wanted the company to be identified for.

If Apple inspired the name selection, the culture within Edelweiss, which has grown from three members to a 1,200-plus organisation in a span of 12 years, is modelled on Infosys.

"We follow the Infosys style of functioning, with an independent board and I report to it," says 45-year-old Shah, chairman, CEO and MD of Edelweiss. The company after Wednesday