First-Party Data and You: Jef Rice on Building Data Strategies for Firm Growth

In this episode of Preferred Return, we sit down with Altvia’s very own Head of Engineering, Jef Rice, to explore the evolving world of data strategy and its impact on the alternative investment industry.

Jef shares how engineering teams and tech providers are helping to shape innovative, scalable solutions for firms to win in private capital markets. Jef dives into the power of data lakes, the importance of experimentation, and how de-codifying your data can transform the LP experience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The Power of Data Strategy: Jef explains how centralizing data into a single platform allows businesses to experiment, discover value, and outsmart the competition.

• From Data Warehouses to Data Lakes: Discover why the shift to data lakes is revolutionizing data storage and accessibility at scale.

• Innovation Through Experimentation: Learn how moving quickly, failing fast, and iterating based on data leads to better results in crowded markets.

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction to Jef Rice

(01:55) Jef’s background: From startups to Altvia

(03:48) Startup vibes at Altvia: Moving fast and staying innovative

(05:53) Rapid experimentation and customer-focused data strategies

(07:53) The phase of technology: AI’s role in rapid innovation

(10:00) Harnessing data to inform decisions and democratize innovation

(12:41) Jef’s approach: Saying yes, experimenting, and enabling teams

(14:33) Lessons from ZipRecruiter: Data-driven tools for impact

(17:00) Defining a data strategy: Turning data into a strategic asset

(18:54) Data lakes vs. data warehouses: Flexibility vs. structure

(22:22) Data lakes as enablers of discovery and experimentation

(26:20) Data lakes’ modularity and ability to scale innovation

(29:31) The role of AI: Context and the importance of a strong data foundation

(32:10) Connecting internal and external data for customer impact

(35:05) Data’s role in creating better customer experiences

(40:40) Jef’s vision for making data strategy accessible and impactful

Resources:

• • More from Altvia: https://altvia.com/
  • Connect with Jef Rice💡 LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefrice/