Benjamin Cardarelli '11, Young Alumni of Distinction Award Recipient 2025

An entrepreneur and investor working at the intersection of education, technology and finance, Ben Cardarelli is the founder of Nexus, a mentorship program and alternative education pathway that supports students and athletes in gaining admission to North American universities. Now based in Asia, he also founded CrossFund, the region’s largest platform dedicated to early-stage founders, which has channelled more than $100 million in equity funding into startups across emerging markets.

Ben began his career in Accenture’s financial services practice before expanding his work internationally, with a strong focus on Shanghai, where he has contributed to the development of regulatory frameworks that support innovation and venture investment. He continues to advise funds and family offices on Asia strategies, and has led entrepreneurship programs for youth in South Africa, India, Vietnam and China. He holds a BBA in Finance from Babson College and HEC Paris. A proud TFS alumnus and parent, Ben remains committed to mentorship and education-focused initiatives around the world.