NYAIR Episode 32
How Alternative Data is Changing Discretionary Investment
Alternative data is not just a buzzword—it's changing the way leading investment firms generate alpha, manage risk, and anticipate market moves. In this must-listen NY-AIR episode, discover how advanced data science, machine learning, and unconventional datasets are being harnessed by top funds to outpace the competition. Whether you're overseeing portfolios or advising clients, this discussion is your roadmap to the strategies and philosophies transforming discretionary investing right now.
Featured Guests
Matei Zatreanu
Founder, System2
A trailblazer in alternative data and investment research, Matei Zatreanu has redefined how the world’s most sophisticated investors source and leverage nontraditional intelligence. Matei’s career spans leadership roles at top hedge funds, including his formative years spent shaping data science at Kindred Capital. He holds a master’s in mathematics from Columbia University and degrees in psychology, mathematics, and economics from Cornell. At System2, he leads a multidisciplinary team blending AI, data science, and financial acumen to deliver bespoke insights for elite asset managers, helping them refine models and drive returns in the most competitive segments of the market.
Austin Berg
Managing Partner, Fortin Noon Capital Systems
Austin Berg commands attention as managing partner at Fortin Noon Capital Systems, where he cultivates investment strategies built on innovation and rigorous analytics. He’s renowned for advocating for systematic approaches in alternatives and has partnered with institutional investors and Fortune-ranked funds to navigate today’s data-driven landscape. Austin’s influence extends into sponsoring and organizing panels at global finance forums, always pushing the boundaries of what technology can deliver for asset management.
Key Insights From This Episode
The Expanding Universe of Alternative Data
Today’s investment landscape is redefined by the scale and variety of alternative datasets, with providers ranging from consumer transaction aggregators to location-data startups—fueling real-time decision-making power.
True Data Quality Demands Deep Diligence
Not every dataset is created equal. The best investment teams go beyond backtests—they interrogate data collection methods, uncover biases, and resolve sample churn to extract reliable insights.
Granularity Drives Better Questions
Industry leaders are moving from broad revenue forecasts to highly granular queries—dissecting everything from foot traffic shifts to the effectiveness of targeted marketing campaigns.
AI and Human Context: A Powerful Duo
Data science skills are vital, but contextual market understanding remains irreplaceable for translating statistical anomalies into investable signals—a theme echoed throughout the discussion.
Navigating Data Privacy and Ethics
With alternative data’s rise, new challenges emerge around privacy, quality standards, and regulatory risk—requiring robust frameworks for every investment process.
Adapting to Accelerating Change
The only constant is rapid evolution. As alternative data proliferates, the victors will be those who combine agility in technology adoption with domain-specific expertise.
Access the Full Conversation
Don’t miss out on practical, actionable takeaways for every financial professional. Stream the full discussion now for an insider’s look at how data leaders approach sourcing, diligence, and the strategic implementation of alternative data. Plus, download your exclusive Insights Deck crafted from this episode to accelerate your own research with proven frameworks and real-world cases.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“Every single dataset—even the most promising—is flawed. The only way you gain edge is by understanding those flaws and accounting for them in your research.”
— Matei Zatreanu
“To get meaningful signals out of alternative data, you need to know a little bit about everything, but also a lot about what moves markets.”
— Matei Zatreanu
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