The Alternative Data Podcast

This is an Emergency episode prompted by the SEC’s recent judgement which resulted in a $10 million fine for alternative data provider App Annie.In this episode I first asked Jonathan Kay, CEO of App Annie rival Apptopia, to set the scene and explain what he thinks the judgement means for the market.I then spoke to alternative data lawyer Kelly Koscuiszka of law firm Schulte, Roth & Zabel as she talked me through the legal aspects.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I speak to Nico Smuts, a senior data scientist formerly of Citadel now on gardening leave.In our conversation, Nico and I discuss his evolution from a long-short investor in South Africa to a Citadel senior data scientist in London, via an interesting project at Imperial University using Telegram data to find alpha on crypto. We also discuss the impact of AI on hiring and organizations and how the alternative data space has evolved.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Nico Smuts recorded in May 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Nico Smuts 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 Vadim Khidekel, a semi-retired buyside quant with 30 years experience at houses like Art Advisors and Teza Technologies.In our conversation, Vadim and I discuss the evolution of quant investing and data, what makes a great quant, what to do with data types like job data, patent data, the problems with credit card data, crowded datasets and a lot more.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Vadim Khidekel recorded in May 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Vadim Khidekel 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 Freeman Lewin, co-Founder of Brickroad, a data sourcing company that began by servicing not hedge funds but AI labs.In our conversation we discuss the evolution of AI labs data needs, and differences between how they and hedge funds approach data.My apologies for the sound quality for large parts of the recording.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is an edited recording of an interview with Freeman Lewin recorded in April 2026. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of Freeman Lewin 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 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.