Activist investing is a strategy where investors, often called activist investors, buy significant shares in a company to influence its management and operations. Their goal is to improve the company's performance and increase shareholder value, often by pushing for changes in strategy, governance, or financial practices. These investors may engage in discussions with the company's board or even launch public campaigns to gain support from other shareholders. Activist investing can lead to positive changes, such as restructuring or cost-cutting, but it can also create tension between management and investors, as seen in high-profile cases involving companies like Carl Icahn and Elliott Management.