Adrien Dalais, London Business School’s MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Mauritius
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Masters (MSc) in Entrepreneurship, University College London, UK; graduated in 2021. Bachelor’s (BSc) in Business Management, University of Exeter, UK; graduated in 2020
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Investment Manager, Venture Capital, Republic, 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I am now pursuing my MBA at London Business School to deepen my expertise in growth-stage investing, M&A, and venture creation across emerging markets. LBS’s global community, strength in finance, and dynamic entrepreneurial network make it the ideal place to advance my professional and personal growth.
Why did you choose London Business School and their One Year MBA? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose the One-year MBA at LBS because it offered the ideal platform to accelerate both my personal development and my trajectory in growth-stage investing. The programme’s pace, global perspective, and strong finance and entrepreneurship ecosystem aligned well with my goal of sharpening my investing toolkit while expanding my network across international markets.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I was born and raised in Mauritius, a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. Growing up in a deeply multicultural society exposed me early on to a wide range of perspectives, values, and lived experiences. As a result, I developed a natural ability to connect with and learn from people of diverse backgrounds, and to navigate differences with curiosity and respect.
Being raised on a small island also encouraged a global and entrepreneurial mindset. Limited scale and resources meant that looking outward, thinking creatively, and collaborating across boundaries were not optional but essential. I would like to think that I bring this perspective; combining cultural fluency, adaptability, and big-picture thinking, to the Class of 2026
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Outside of my studies, I enjoy padel, kitesurfing, reading and exploring emerging technologies and new venture opportunities in developing markets.
Post-MBA career interests:
Private equity, growth-stage investing, M&A and venture creation
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
Because the One-year MBA moves quickly, clarity of intention is crucial. You don’t need to have every detail planned, but taking the time to understand why the 1Y MBA at LBS is the right next step, and what you want to gain from it, will help you make the most of the experience from day one. The more intentionally you approach your goals, the more you’ll benefit from the programme’s intensity and opportunities. For additional insights, feel free to read the column I recently wrote for Poets & Quants, where I share how I approached the journey.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely invest the time upfront to research the programme in depth—beyond rankings and headlines. This included understanding the curriculum structure, electives, and clubs that aligned with my interests, as well as reflecting on how the programme would both contribute to and benefit from my background. That level of clarity helped me articulate a more authentic and compelling narrative in both my written application and interviews.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
As the first cohort of the one-year MBA at LBS, there were fewer opportunities to speak with current students about lived experiences and practical insights. In hindsight, I would have made a more deliberate effort to connect with students and alumni with similar professional interests or backgrounds. Those conversations can surface valuable nuances, not only for the application itself, but also for navigating the programme more effectively once enrolled.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could change one thing, I would have applied earlier in the application cycle. Leaving it closer to the deadline added unnecessary pressure to an already demanding process. What helped me through was maintaining clarity around my motivation for pursuing the MBA and staying disciplined about breaking the application into manageable steps.
What is your initial impression of the LBS students/culture/community?
My initial impression has been very positive. The student body is intellectually curious, collaborative, and globally minded. There is a strong culture of mutual support; among students, faculty, alumni, and staff; where people are generous with their time, perspectives, and experiences. This creates an environment that is both rigorous and genuinely welcoming.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am involved in several clubs, including Private Equity & Venture Capital, Finance, Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, Turnaround & Restructuring, Africa Business, and Sailing. These reflect both my professional interests and my desire to engage socially with the wider community.
I also serve as a Student Ambassador and Academic Representative. These roles allow me to gain a broader perspective on the school’s inner workings, engage more closely with faculty and classmates, and contribute meaningfully to a community that has already played a significant role in shaping my experience.
What is one thing you have learned about LBS that has surprised you?
I have been pleasantly surprised by how accessible and invested the faculty and broader ecosystem are. Beyond the classroom, there is a strong emphasis on mentorship, open dialogue, and practical application. This commitment meaningfully enhances both the academic experience and personal development journey.
What is one thing you are most excited about as a new LBS student?
I am most excited about being part of an ecosystem that provides the space, time, and resources to grow intentionally. The opportunity to learn alongside classmates with diverse and fascinating backgrounds, and to engage with faculty who bring deep expertise across disciplines, is an exceptional value add. I look forward to continuing to explore, refine my goals, and position myself thoughtfully for the next stage of my journey.
