Sheelah Kolhatkar is an American journalist, author, and former hedge fund analyst, renowned for her incisive reporting on finance, technology, and politics. She currently serves as a staff writer at The New Yorker, contributing extensively to the magazine’s coverage of Wall Street, Silicon Valley, economics, and national politics.
Before transitioning into journalism, Kolhatkar worked as a risk arbitrage analyst at two hedge funds in New York City . Her journalistic career includes roles as a features editor and national correspondent at Bloomberg Businessweek, as well as a regular contributor to Bloomberg Television . At The New Yorker, she has written about prominent figures such as Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and billionaire hedge-fund founder Paul Singer, and has delved into topics like artificial intelligence and the future of the American workforce.
Kolhatkar is the author of Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street, a New York Times bestseller. The book provides a detailed account of the insider trading investigation into hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen and was named one of the Top Books of 2017 by The New York Times . Her work has also been featured in New York Magazine, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and Time.
In 2025, Kolhatkar was named a New America Fellow, joining a cohort of individuals dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological and social change . She is currently working on a new book that examines how activist investing is influencing American politics and the economy.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Upbringing
Sheelah Kolhatkar was born in the United States and raised on Long Island. She graduated from Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland, an experience she credits with shaping her into a resourceful and professionally curious individual. She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University and a Master of Arts from Stanford University.
Career
Hedge Fund Analyst
Before transitioning into journalism, Kolhatkar worked as a risk arbitrage analyst at two hedge funds in New York City. Her journalistic career includes roles as a features editor and national correspondent at Bloomberg Businessweek, as well as a regular contributor to Bloomberg Television.
Staff Writer at The New Yorker
At The New Yorker, she has written about prominent figures such as Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and billionaire hedge-fund founder Paul Singer, and has delved into topics like artificial intelligence and the future of the American workforce. She has also appeared as a commentator on business and economic issues on platforms such as PBS, CNN International, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, CBS, and NPR. She contributes regularly to New York City’s public radio station WNYC and has moderated panels and conducted interviews at events including The New Yorker Festival, the United Nations, Advertising Week, and the Business for Social Responsibility Conference.
Publications and Recognition
Black Edge
Kolhatkar is the author of Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street, a New York Times bestseller. The book provides a detailed account of the insider trading investigation into hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen and was named one of the Top Books of 2017 by The New York Times. It was also a finalist for the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism and longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award.
Recent Work and Fellowships
In 2025, Kolhatkar was named a New America Fellow, joining a cohort of individuals dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological and social change. She is currently working on a new book that examines how activist investing is influencing American politics and the economy.
Personal Life
Sheelah Kolhatkar currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two children. She is passionate about sharing her love of the French language, a passion developed during her time in Neuchâtel.
Conclusion
Sheelah Kolhatkar’s career is a testament to the power of investigative journalism in uncovering the complexities of finance and its impact on society. Through her work, she has provided readers with a deeper understanding of the forces shaping the modern economic landscape.
FAQs
What is Sheelah Kolhatkar’s most famous book?
Her most famous book is Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street, which delves into the largest insider trading investigation in history.
Where did Sheelah Kolhatkar receive her education?
Sheelah graduated from Neuchâtel Junior College in Switzerland, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University, and a Master of Arts from Stanford University.
What was Sheelah Kolhatkar’s role before becoming a journalist?
Before transitioning into journalism, she worked as a risk arbitrage analyst at two hedge funds in New York City.
Which magazine does Sheelah Kolhatkar write for?
She is a staff writer at The New Yorker, where she covers topics related to Wall Street, Silicon Valley, economics, and politics.
Has Sheelah Kolhatkar appeared on television?
Yes, she has appeared as a commentator on business and economic issues on platforms such as PBS, CNN International, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, CBS, and NPR.
What awards has Sheelah Kolhatkar’s book received?
Black Edge was named one of the Top Books of 2017 by The New York Times, a finalist for the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award for Excellence in Journalism, and longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction and the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award.
Is Sheelah Kolhatkar working on a new book?
Yes, she is currently working on a new book that examines how activist investing is influencing American politics and the economy.
Where does Sheelah Kolhatkar live?
Sheelah Kolhatkar currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and two children.
What languages is Sheelah Kolhatkar passionate about?
She is passionate about the French language, a passion developed during her time in Neuchâtel.
Has Sheelah Kolhatkar received any fellowships?
Yes, in 2025, she was named a New America Fellow, joining a cohort of individuals dedicated to addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological and social change.
