Thomas Cha

Biography

Professor Cha has been a faculty member at NYU Stern since 2015. He is passionate about helping students achieve their goals. He designs courses tailored to real-world corporate scenarios in the telecom, media, and technology (TMT) sectors, focusing on valuation, financing, investing, and strategy. A lifelong learner, Professor Cha constantly immerses himself in strategy and finance within the TMT landscape.

In addition to his academic role, Professor Cha is an Investment Analyst at Schroder Investment Management, a global asset manager overseeing more than $950 billion in assets across over 35 countries. Since joining Schroders in 2003, he has specialized in covering the TMT sectors, a significant segment of the U.S. investable universe.

Professor Cha’s responsibilities far surpass spreadsheets and jargon. He delves into the intricate narratives of quarterly earnings, investor presentations, and mega-deals like mergers and spin-offs, formulating investment recommendations while minimizing risk.

Thriving in the ever-evolving TMT landscape, Professor Cha has developed a passion for breaking down complex situations, identifying disruptive forces, and forecasting industry shifts. His research-driven approach turns intricate data into clear, actionable insights, with each analysis contributing to a broader narrative that anticipates market trends and industry transformations.

Throughout his career, Professor Cha has interacted closely with C-suite executives at portfolio companies, navigating the dynamic nature of rapidly evolving industries. His expertise goes beyond financial analysis, demanding strategic foresight and business acumen to keep pace with industries where disruption is constant. His hands-on experience evaluating complex deals, financial analysis, debt structures, and sector-specific valuations equips him to offer students a rich, practical learning environment.

Before Schroders, Professor Cha held various roles at ABN AMRO’s Telecom, Media & Technology Banking Group, where he worked on transactions involving leading TMT companies. He also conducted extensive research and delivered insights to internal and external clients on digital media evolution, 5G technology, digital infrastructure, semiconductor geopolitics, and the rise of e-sports.

Professor Cha is a CFA charter holder. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Boston University and completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Research Interests

• Corporate Valuation
• Capital Markets & Corporate Finance
• Corporate Strategy
• Digital Media & Technology
• Platform Economics
• Innovation

Courses Taught

• Financial Analysis in Telecom, Media and Technology (FINC GB 3126.10)
• Financial Analysis in Telecom, Media and Technology (FINC UB 68)

Academic Background

B.A.
Boston University

CFA
CFA Institute

General Management Program
Harvard Business School