The Alternative Data Podcast

In this episode I speak to Vin Vacanti, Co-founder and CEO of Yipit Data, which is one of the largest providers in the alt data space.In our conversation, Vin and I discuss Yipit’s fascinating evolution from Groupon deal aggregator to alt data unicorn, why consumer data led in alt data types, how he approaches pricing, and much else besides.Meanwhile, if you have any feedback on the alternative data podcast I’d love to hear from you on LinkedIn.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Vin Vacanti recorded in April 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Vin Vacanti 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.

In this episode I speak to Zach Zboralske, until recently a senior sales representative at Consumer Edge. I subtitle this episode “Confessions of an Elite Alt Data Salesman”.In our conversation, Zach and I discuss the evolution of transaction data, pricing, selling to quants vs discretionaries, and Zach’s new challenge at Stavtar.Correction – when I’m describing the evolution of credit card data with Yodlee I say credit cards when I mean hedge funds, sorry about that.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Zach Zboralske recorded in March 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Zach Zboralske 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.

In this episode I speak to Christina Qi, founder and CEO of challenger market data provider Databento and former founder of HFT hedge fund Domeyard.In our conversation, we discuss the challenges of starting an HFT hedge fund, how Databento differentiates itself in the market data space, how AI labs are using market data and the hazards of being based remotely in Utah.As we mention in the episode, we will be on stage together at Quantvision on Thursday, and I will be at Eagle Alpha on Wednesday. I look forward to catching up with familiar faces in New York.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Christina Qi recorded in March 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Christina Qi 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.

In this episode I speak to Charles-Albert Lehalle, a professor at Ecole Polytechnique formerly of ADIA and CFM.In our conversation, we discuss Yann LeCun’s theory of AI world models, the differences between working for banks, hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds, how to diagnose why performance is bad, and the dream alpha-generating dataset. More broadly, I never hear any feedback on the podcast so if you have any, please find me on LinkedIn and let me know.

In this episode I speak to Evan Reich, a veteran of the alt data space who has worked at Millennium, SAC Capital, Quandl and most recently Verition in various data roles.In our conversation Evan and I discuss a wide range of topics from how to hire a good data sourcer, to which data types are overrated, to whether exclusivity is a thing in the data market, to which jobs AI will erase first in our space.In the podcast we mention Evan’s excellent conversation on Matei Zatreanu’s System2 podcast, which you should also check out if you like this one. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Evan Reich recorded in February 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Evan Reich 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.

In this episode I speak to Natalya Dmitriyeva, former senior data strategy executive at Two Sigma and Schonfeld.In our conversation, Natalya and I discuss her career evolution as it tracked that of the whole alternative data sector. She opines on what makes a dataset valuable and the latest buzz out of Battlefin Miami last month.In other news, I will be hunting for interesting datasets in Japan during the week of February 9th, so please do reach out if you know of any, either there or indeed anywhere else. DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Natalya Dmitriyeva recorded in January 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Natalya Dmitriyeva 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.