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Though ordinary on the surface, his upbringing harbored silent financial struggles that galvanized his resilience. After attending the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Cohen sought a career in finance, diversifying into day trading that saw him accumulating both experience and losses before his breakout in the early 1980s.
Building an Empire: SAC Capital
In 1993, Cohen founded SAC Capital with $23 million, marking a profound turning point in his career. The hedge fund adopted an unconventional strategy, engaging in rapid trades in response to market fluctuations rather than traditional long-term investments. This aggressive approach allowed SAC to thrive amid the '80s’ merger craze, garnering immense profits and cementing Cohen's status in the finance world.