Diego Zainos

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

“Proud Mexican, engineer and investments enthusiast, driven towards improving LatAm’s quality of life and opportunities.”

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Fun Fact About Yourself:
Here are a few:

– I have a remarkable ability to memorize movie dialogues.
– I was a coach at an indoor cycling studio in Mexico during the last 5 years.
– As a baby, I starred in a number of diapers TV commercials.

Undergraduate School and Major: Universidad Anáhuac Mexico – Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: IGNIA Partners – Investment Associate

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Chicago Booth’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Chicago Booth’s unique flexibility enables me to pick a variety of courses and clubs catering to different aspects of my envisioned educational journey, allowing me to address specific gaps and deepen my expertise in areas of interest.

The Booth MBA is also known for being highly data-driven. Why does the program’s focus on quantitative analysis and decision-making appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far? Chicago Booth’s focus on quantitative analysis and data-driven decision-making deeply resonates with me because it aligns with the approach I’ve consistently applied throughout my career. In my experience across the PE and VC industries, I’ve found that making informed decisions based on rigorous data analysis not only mitigates risk but also uncovers opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed.

For example, in my role as a PE Analyst and Associate, I relied heavily on quantitative models to evaluate the viability of potential investments, analyzing large datasets to identify trends and predict future performance. Similarly, in VC, I utilized data-driven analysis to assess startups’ potential, combining market data with financial metrics to determine the most promising investment opportunities.

This methodical approach enabled me to present well-substantiated recommendations that significantly impacted the firms’ strategic decisions. This strong foundation in quantitative analysis has not only honed my decision-making skills, but also driven my passion for making strategic, data-backed decisions. I’m eager to deepen these skills at Booth, where the program’s emphasis on quantitative rigor will further empower me to lead in an increasingly complex business environment.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Chicago Booth? I’m excited to enroll in entrepreneurial courses focused on disruptive trends and technologies such as The Fintech Revolution; Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, and Web3; and “Generative Thinking. I’m sure these courses will strengthen my ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities to develop or invest in innovative solutions for underserved markets. I’m also really looking forward to joining the PE/VC Lab, and the Soccer and Golf clubs.

What has been your first impression of the Booth MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Booth story so far. Booth students and alumni not only have distinctive problem-solving skills and work ethic, but they also display impressive interpersonal and teamwork skills, enabling them to collaborate effectively, lead projects successfully, and contribute positively to any team or organization. During this year’s admitted students weekend (“First Day”), I was particularly impressed by the meticulous planning and execution by the second-year students, which resulted in a truly remarkable and welcoming experience for the incoming class.

What makes Chicago such a great place to earn an MBA? The city’s cultural richness and dynamism, along with its strategic location makes it a global business hub full of opportunities to engage with leading companies and professionals. Additionally, Chicago’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is a significant draw for someone with my passion for venture capital and supporting startups. The city’s thriving startup community, coupled with its established companies, creates a unique environment where innovation and tradition intersect, offering rich learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In 2022, while working at a private equity firm focused on Latam investments, I was assigned to co-lead the launch of operations for a Mexican online university in Southeast Asia. After a year of dedicated work, we successfully expanded to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Today, the university has over 5,000 active students across 5 countries in the region, making it the first Mexican educational institution with a presence there. This project made a significant impact in this region by granting people access to high-quality, flexible, and affordable higher education programs, while it greatly enhanced the university’s market reach and boosted the company’s value.

Describe the best memory of your life. Why does that moment resonate with you? A few months ago, my wife and I made a trip to the south of Africa and deeply immersed ourselves in the lives of marginalized communities in Mozambique. We visited the people’s villages, schools, and health clinics, sharing in their meals, games, and dances. This experience reminded me of the beauty of simplicity and community, showing that despite our diverse backgrounds and customs; we all share a common humanity connected by universal values and emotions that bridge geographic and cultural differences.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Chicago Booth’s MBA program?

1) Immerse Yourself in the Booth Community: Understanding Chicago Booth’s culture, values, and way of thinking is crucial. Booth is not just about academic excellence but also about fostering a strong community of collaborative and intellectually curious individuals. I highly recommend reaching out to current students, alumni, and even faculty. These conversations can provide invaluable insights into the Booth experience, helping you craft an application that resonates with the program’s ethos. People associated with Booth are generally very open and willing to share their experiences, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

2) Visit the Campus: If possible, I strongly encourage visiting the Booth campus. There’s no better way to truly grasp the university’s environment and culture than by experiencing it firsthand. Attend a class as an auditor, explore the Harper Center, and engage in conversations with students and faculty. This visit will not only help you understand what makes Booth unique but also allow you to envision yourself as part of the community, which can strengthen your application narrative.

3) Showcase Your Unique Qualities: During the application process, don’t be afraid to highlight what makes you unique. Booth values diverse perspectives and individual contributions, so even if something seems unconventional or unrelated, it might be the very thing that sets you apart. Be confident in sharing your story, emphasizing the experiences, skills, and passions that make you distinct. Focus on how these unique aspects will allow you to contribute to the Booth community in ways that others might not.

DON’T MISS: MEET CHICAGO BOOTH’S MBA CLASS OF 2026