Getting started
What is Sifter?
Sifter is a platform for student-managed investment funds and individual student investors. It combines portfolio tracking, research, pitches, team communication, a verifiable credential, and a discussion board — all in one place.
How do I get my fund set up?
Sign up, create your SIF, and invite your team. Upload a snapshot CSV from your brokerage (Fidelity, Schwab, etc.) to seed current positions, or a full transaction history for complete performance analytics.
Do I need a fund to use Sifter?
No. Individual analysts can sign up on their own, build a personal portfolio and Credential, and get ranked against analysts across the network. The fund features are additive, not required.
Who can see my portfolio?
Your Sifter Portfolio is private by default. Your public Credential only shows what you choose to publish. No one on your fund can see your personal portfolio unless you share it.
The Credential
What is the Credential?
Your personal investing track record on Sifter — timestamped, auditable, and shareable via a public link. Pick a strategy (Max Return, Max Sharpe, Max IR, or Concentrated), build your book, and compete in that league. Every trade is logged and signed off by Sifter.
How do I share my public card?
Go to Credential > Publish and copy the card URL. The page stays in sync with your live portfolio and metrics, so the link never goes stale. Send it anywhere — no explanation needed.
How are returns calculated?
Sifter uses Time-Weighted Return (TWR), the industry standard for measuring portfolio manager performance. TWR strips out the timing of cash flows so the number reflects your investment decisions, not when contributions happen to arrive.
For investment funds
What roles are available?
President and VP have full admin access. Managers and Portfolio Managers run the portfolio and moderate channels. Analysts submit pitches. Board members and observers have read-only access. Faculty advisors have oversight with optional approval workflows.
Can alumni stay connected after graduation?
Yes. Alumni keep read access to selected channels, their personal Credential, and the network. They continue recruiting on behalf of the fund and can DM any current member. The alumni flywheel means your fund gets stronger every year without extra work.
Can multiple people work on a document at once?
Yes. Real-time presence banners show who else is in the doc, and version checks prevent overwriting each other's work.
For recruiters
How is Sifter different from LinkedIn or Handshake?
LinkedIn shows you a resume; Sifter shows you a portfolio. You see the actual positions a student is running, the thesis behind each one, and the time-weighted returns they've produced. Every trade is timestamped on submission so the record can't be backdated or polished for an interview.
Can I post my own screen or challenge?
Yes. Define the investable universe, set the scoring goal (IR, Sharpe, Total Return, or Concentrated), set position and eligibility constraints, and pick a scoring window. Finalists are ranked on your chosen metric and the leaderboard can be anonymous or by-name.
How is the record verified?
Every trade is timestamped on submission to a forward-only ledger — no backdating, no silent edits, no curated highlights. Returns are computed using time-weighted return (TWR), the methodology institutional managers use. The metrics you see come from the underlying ledger, not from self-reported claims.