Karan Vazirani: A Financial Leader Driving Growth at Yieldstreet
In the competitive world of private markets investing, leadership and strategic foresight make the difference between success and stagnation. One name that stands out in this space is Karan Vazirani, the Chief Financial Officer at Yieldstreet. With a proven track record in finance, private equity, and investment banking, Vazirani has established himself as a respected executive known for guiding organizations through complex capital strategies, mergers, and growth transformations. His journey from Wall Street to leading finance at one of the most innovative private market platforms highlights not only his financial acumen but also his ability to adapt, lead, and inspire.
Early Education and Academic Excellence
NYU Stern School of Business
Karan Vazirani pursued his undergraduate studies at the prestigious NYU Stern School of Business. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Finance and International Business, complemented by a joint minor in Computer Science and Mathematics. His academic performance was distinguished, as evidenced by his consistent placement on the Dean’s List.
Recognition Through Competitions
During his time at NYU, Vazirani demonstrated exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, winning accolades at several case competitions. He secured first place in the J.P. Morgan Investment Banking Risk Case Competition, was a national finalist in the Silver Lake Case Competition, and earned recognition in the Credit Suisse IBD Case Competition. These achievements highlighted his ability to tackle complex financial scenarios with innovative solutions.
Professional Journey
Early Career in Investment Banking
Before entering the fintech and private equity space, Karan Vazirani built a solid foundation in investment banking. At Greenhill & Co., he was part of the M&A practice, handling financing and restructuring mandates across healthcare, technology, and financial services industries. He quickly rose to prominence within the firm, even leading Greenhill’s recruiting efforts at NYU.
His early stints included roles at Morgan Stanley, KKR as an analyst, Citi as a summer analyst, and PineBridge Investments, where he worked in private equity secondaries. These positions provided him with exposure to global finance, complex transactions, and high-stakes decision-making.
Transition into Private Equity
From 2016 to 2019, Vazirani worked at Metalmark Capital, formerly Morgan Stanley Capital Partners, a leading private equity firm managing over $8 billion in assets. As a Private Equity Investor, he played a critical role in evaluating investment opportunities and collaborating with portfolio company executives to drive operational initiatives. This role gave him hands-on experience in value creation and strategic transformation, skills that later proved invaluable in his leadership positions.
Rise at Cadre
Director of Finance
In 2019, Karan Vazirani joined Cadre, a real estate technology investment platform backed by major investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, and General Catalyst. As Director of Finance, he oversaw key initiatives in capital markets, M&A, and strategic finance.
Vice President and Head of Finance
By 2021, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance. Reporting directly to the CEO, he took charge of strategic finance, investor relations, capital markets, and accounting. His leadership extended beyond numbers, helping Cadre launch significant funds such as a $400 million real estate fund designed to support underrepresented operators.
Senior Vice President and M&A Leadership
In 2023, Vazirani rose to Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Finance. One of his most notable achievements was leading Cadre’s sale process to Yieldstreet. This transaction, completed in January 2024, was a turning point both for Cadre and for Vazirani, marking his transition to Yieldstreet’s executive team. He also briefly served as Interim Head of Marketing and Sales, leading a team of professionals in performance marketing, content, and investor relations.
Chief Financial Officer at Yieldstreet
Yieldstreet Overview
Yieldstreet is one of the leading private markets investing platforms, with over 500,000 members. The company has distributed more than $6 billion in offerings and raised over $250 million in corporate funding, including a recent $77 million Series D round.
Vazirani’s Role
As CFO, Karan Vazirani oversees all aspects of strategic finance, including debt and equity capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate and fund accounting, treasury, and tax initiatives. His leadership plays a critical role in scaling Yieldstreet’s operations, expanding its investment offerings, and ensuring financial resilience in a rapidly evolving market.
Beyond Yieldstreet
Peer and Mentorship Roles
Vazirani is also a Founding Member of The F Suite, an exclusive, invitation-only community of CFOs dedicated to knowledge sharing and mutual support. In addition, he serves as a Fast Track Mentor for First Round Capital, guiding founders and high-potential operators in the tech ecosystem.
Fellowships and Innovation
His commitment to innovation is evident from his fellowship at Stanford Graduate School of Business’s Stanford Rebuild program in 2020. This initiative focused on exploring solutions for a post-COVID future, showcasing his interest in applying finance and technology to global challenges.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Karan Vazirani has earned recognition for both his professional and academic accomplishments. His competition wins at NYU Stern, his leadership at multiple firms, and his central role in one of the most notable fintech acquisitions (Cadre by Yieldstreet) underline his reputation as a leader in finance and private markets.
Personal Life
While most of Vazirani’s public profile highlights his professional achievements, it is known that he married Raina Mathur in November 2024. Their wedding reflected a personal milestone for him alongside his career achievements.
Although his exact age is not publicly confirmed, based on his educational and career timeline, it is estimated that he is in his early to mid-30s as of 2025.
Conclusion
Karan Vazirani represents a new generation of financial leaders blending traditional Wall Street experience with fintech innovation. From his academic excellence at NYU Stern to his leadership in private equity, real estate technology, and now private markets investing, he has demonstrated versatility, vision, and resilience. As CFO of Yieldstreet, he continues to drive financial growth and shape the company’s future, while his mentorship and community involvement ensure that his impact extends beyond the boardroom.
With a career that spans investment banking, private equity, fintech, and corporate leadership, Vazirani’s journey is an inspiring example of how strategic thinking, adaptability, and leadership can transform organizations and industries alike.
