The Alternative Data Podcast

Matei Zatreanu, founder of System 2, and Alexander Izydorczyk, head of data science at CyberSyn, dive into the future of alternative data during a lively panel discussion. They explore the revolutionary impact of large language models on hedge funds and the landscape of data consulting. The conversation touches on regulatory changes affecting the industry, the potential for market consolidation, and the critical shift in recognizing data teams as profit drivers rather than mere cost centers. Tune in for insights on navigating the complex intersection of AI and compliance!

Wenqi Zhou, a quantitative researcher with experience at Balyasny and Citi, dives into the nuanced world of alternative data. She breaks down how sell-side traders utilize data for risk management and trading strategies. Wenqi discusses the transformative impact of AI on productivity and the evolving role of data across investment horizons. She also shares her insights on the China market, emphasizing the importance of policy changes and the unique characteristics of its market structure. Plus, she draws intriguing parallels between music and investing.

Tom Liu, founder and CEO of Chinascope, shares invaluable insights into the Chinese market and alternative data landscape. He discusses the evolution of data attitudes in China and challenges investors face in navigating a complex market. Tom highlights advancements in AI and machine learning that are reshaping financial strategies. He also addresses the impact of changing geopolitical views on investment and the significance of smart cities in enhancing urban governance, showcasing the shifting dynamics of China’s data ecosystem.

Abraham Thomas, co-founder of Quandl and a seasoned angel investor, returns to discuss the seismic shifts AI and large language models bring to alternative data and hedge funds. He dives into how these technologies could reshape investment strategies, pinpointing potential winners and losers in the process. Abraham shares his journey as an angel investor, emphasizing data proliferation's impact on business models and the nuances of leadership in an AI-enhanced finance world. He also explores the future of alternative data sourcing and its implications for market players.

In this episode I speak to Tim Baker, a familiar face in the community with a long and storied history in various data and markets roles.In our conversation of two halves, Tim and I start by discussing a court case in which Tim is taking a deep interest, around the fate of the CUSIP identifier. We then discuss Tim’s recent coup in which he swooped to buy the assets of the IEX Cloud platform from his former employer, we discuss what he now plans to do with it. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Tim Baker recorded in September 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Tim Baker and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Brian Peltonen, longtime Director of Data Analytics at Fidelity and recent co-founder of his new startup, Parcosm.In our conversation, Brian and I talk about his development from computer game programmer to alternative data guru, and how the types of data that is available have changed over the years, as pricing trends and achievable alpha have also shifted.We also discuss the vision for Parcosm.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Brian Peltonen recorded in August 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Brian Peltonen and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Alternative Data Podcast, powered by CFM. I’m Mark Fleming-Williams.In this episode I speak to Mathias Dail, Co-founder and CEO at Exorde a data provider that ‘tells you what the world thinks in real time’.In our conversation, we talk about the benefits of starting a company in Lyon, and Mathias’s achievements in building out his vision for a crowd-sourced exhaustive social media dataset that is perfectly point in time thanks to blockchain technology.One mistake correction – in the episode when I talk about pigeons, I actually mean sparrows.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Mathias Dail recorded in July 2024. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Mathias Dail and Mark Fleming-Williams and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of either CFM or any of its affiliates. The information provided herein is general information only and does not constitute investment or other advice. Any statements regarding market events, future events or other similar statements constitute only subjective views, are based upon expectations or beliefs, involve inherent risks and uncertainties and should therefore not be relied on. Future evidence and actual results could differ materially from those set forth, contemplated by or underlying these statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that these statements are or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Neufeld from ValueStream Ventures discusses their investments in data-rich companies and 'data flywheel' companies. They talk about leveraging data for startup success in fintech, Ocrolus' evolution to AI integration, software vs. data as a service companies, adapting investment strategies post Chat GPT, and the current climate around AI and startup liquidity in VC.

Darren Voges, a pioneer in alternative data, discusses the launch of the Yodlee credit card dataset, evolution of data pricing, navigating data reselling dynamics, and transitioning to innovative data analysis in this engaging podcast episode.

Qaisar Hasan, founder of Maiden Century, discusses the evolution of alternative data, predictive modeling using unique data sets like Netflix's subscriber growth, and the creation of a platform to streamline data integration in the financial markets ecosystem. The podcast explores how hedge funds leverage data sets for investment decisions, the importance of data quality in model building, and maximizing insights through combining diverse data sets.