
The Alternative Data Podcast
On this show we reveal some of the latest developments in the fast-growing Alternative Data sector. Satellite imaging, news-crawling, credit card data... and many more fresh new data sources are increasingly being used by investors to gain a competitive edge when making market decisions. We speak to data providers, asset managers, and anyone else in the sector to better understand this dynamic phenomenon.For more of an introduction to Alternative Data and its past, present and future, please check out this blogpost: https://www.exabel.com/blog/alternative-data-the-past-present-and-future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2022 • 41min
The Robeco Episode
In this episode I speak to Robbert-Jan 't Hoen of Robeco.Robbert-Jan is a Quantitative Researcher in the Fixed Income space for Robeco, and in our conversation we discussed the implications of how alternative data can be used to trade corporate bonds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 14, 2022 • 38min
The Soleadify Episode
In this episode I speak to Florin Tufan of Soleadify, a provider of alternative data around private companies.In our conversation, Florin and I explore the use cases, clientele and functionality of how Soleadify works, along with the burgeoning tech scene growing up in Bucharest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 7, 2022 • 40min
The Alexandria Episode
In this episode I speak to Dan Joldzic of Alexandria Technology.Alexandria was one of the earlier alternative data providers on the scene, and in our conversation Dan discuss the early challenges of explaining NLP data to an unprepared market, and how the alternative data scene has developed in the subsequent decade and a half. Meanwhile, it’s about time I gave a plug to John Farrell’s excellent weekly alternative data newsletter, sign-up link here: https://mailchi.mp/1c0d35628d4b/alt-data-weekly-subscriptions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 31, 2022 • 45min
The Balyasny Asset Management Episode
Joining the conversation is Carson Boneck, Chief Data Officer at Balyasny Asset Management, a leading multi-strategy hedge fund. They delve into the complexities of building an effective data function and the importance of collaboration among portfolio managers. Carson emphasizes the culture of teamwork and idea-sharing that sets Balyasny apart. The discussion also highlights strategic advancements in data processes, including AI and machine learning, and the innovative Antenna tool that enhances investment strategies with real-time data insights.

Jan 24, 2022 • 42min
The Herb Blank Episode
In this episode I speak to Herb Blank, all-round alternative data figure of interest.Along with being one of the first investors to use an ETF, Herb boasts extensive experience in alternative data since its very earliest beginnings, and has a particular interest in ESG. We discuss all manner of topics in our conversation. In other news, please join me at Eagle Alpha’s virtual Insight 2.0 event on February 2nd, where I will be hosting an interactive discussion around the International Data Landscape - https://www.eaglealpha.com/2021/11/24/interact-2-0-a-3-hour-virtual-event-february-2-2022/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 2022 • 32min
The CenterBook Episode
In this episode I speak to Ross Fabricant of CenterBook Partners a new investment fund that transforms discretionary insights into systematic strategies. CenterBook is a fund that maximizes the benefit of having a privileged knowledge of a vast number of hedge funds’ investment positions, which it uses to build systematic portfolios adding in its own proprietary technology. In other news, please join me at Eagle Alpha’s virtual Insight 2.0 event on February 2nd, where I will be hosting an interactive discussion around the International Data Landscape https://www.eaglealpha.com/2021/11/24/interact-2-0-a-3-hour-virtual-event-february-2-2022/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 2022 • 37min
The Helios Life Episode
In this episode I speak to Sean Austin and Gerwin Schalk, the CEO and Chief Science Officer of Helios Life, a company on the cutting edge of alternative data types. Helios takes natural language processing a step further by analysing not just the words spoken in, for example, earnings calls, but actually delving into the tone and cadence of the speaker. This technology attempts to reveal what the speaker is actually feeling about what they’re saying, allowing an analyst to expose potential mismatches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 3, 2022 • 44min
The Maven Securities Episode
In this episode I speak to Aron Cooper, Head of MidFrequency Alpha at Maven Securities. In our conversation, Aron and I discuss what drove him out of NASA and into quantitative finance, the quant quake, how much alternative datasets are worth and whether data reliability is the key issue, and what he means by ‘market-leading’.On a more topical note, wishing all my listeners a very happy and prosperous new year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 27, 2021 • 44min
The Nowcast Episode
Season's Greetings!In this episode I speak to Masashi Tsujinaka, CEO at Nowcast, the pre-eminent alternative data provider in Japan.In our conversation, Masashi and I explore the alternative data scene in Japan: the types of data that are available, the types of customers looking to get hold of it, and value that can be extracted from it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 20, 2021 • 37min
The SigTech Episode
In this episode I speak to Vera Shulgina of SigTech, a software platform for quantitative investors. Vera has recently joined SigTech having previously enjoyed a successful career on the operations side of hedge funds including Two Sigma and Citadel.In our conversation, Vera and I talk about the recent trend of buysiders moving across into product companies, SigTech’s offering, and some of the challenges Vera faces in creating a new US office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.