We invited Nina Tranquet – Chief Operating Officer at NovaQ Capital for an interview with Most Popular Stories. Let’s get to know about her entrepreneurial journey.â €
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an Entrepreneur.
I come from a small village in Normandie, France. From a very young age, I was interested in mathematics and solving complex problems which led me to Paris to the University UPEC and additional schooling from MIT which is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The teachings that I received had an emphasis on mathematics, financial engineering, artificial intelligence, and Machine learning.
I have helped Paris-based start-ups with looking over their day to day administrative and operational work, as well as negotiating and managing contracts with external lawyers and advisers, prime brokerage, etc. for hedge funds.
2. Why did you choose entrepreneurship over a job?
The knowledge and experience I gained over the years made me realize that many hedge funds invest from an instinctual way with valuable instincts which possibly may be assisted by some data. There is another view which by using a lot of data Machine learning can be an incredible powerful tool. Deeply applied scientific methods where all areas of the process of investing are transformed in scientific hypothesis are tested with data.
Truly scientific Using this strategy impacts our differentiation and focus giving us an edge. Machine learning is the best methods anyone has come up with to algorithmically to find knowledge in unstructured data. So I CO-founded NovaQ Capital in New York City.
3. What was the vision behind it?
The vision behind is making the most out of investable long-term opportunities in the market, amplifying them with the capabilities of data science, mathematics and science.
4. Describe the services that you offer to your customers and in what way they are unique?
NovaQ Capital is a long/short investment strategy that merges information, innovation and human skill to create value for our clients. We leverage advanced mathematics and statistical methods to synthetize large amounts of data to mine knowledge and alpha in unstructured data. Using the most advanced techniques in data science, we are dedicated to finding the best ideas that are shaping and disrupting the world today and in the future.
Our fund will rely on differentiation and focus to set it apart from conventional funds who for one thing would rely mostly on traditional methods from an instinctual technique which aided by some data use to invest. By using A.I. machine learning and human intellect to analyze large amounts of data to be tested, this gives an edge. We can algorithmically discover new knowledge in unstructured data. If you have a lot of data, machine learning can be an incredible powerful tool.
5. What difficulties which you have faced or you are facing?
In the beginning it was difficult to tap into a talented tech workforce. Most hedge funds find it very difficult to find talent from the tech sector to recruit. It has become a daunting task. Technology firms having the edge such as Google, Facebook and Amazon and many other start-ups are offering so many perks. Open spaces instead of cubicles, kitchens with an abundance of food, recreational and relaxed areas to think, are just a few of the benefits provided. Being that most hedge funds can’t offer this same set up exactly, then what would be the secret sauce to entice these computer science savvy individuals?
Giving purpose and meaning to recruit by showing them there are problems to be solved from a scientific perspective is one way. In other words, investing can be transformed into a particular scientific hypothesis tested by data, challenging this talent pool of women and men to use creativity to generate higher alpha.
Another difficulty was the gathering of huge datasets that we have assembled over the years. Programs that we have written making it easy to prove out hypothesis.
Having a well-established infrastructure and everything being aligned just right.
Many years it took to acquire that.
6. How do you handle the pressure and manage stress?
I have techniques that I use to manage stress. I follow a rigorous exercise regimen which includes running, bicycling and swimming. As well as this I do a plank workout which is an isometric core strengths exercise.
Meditation and yoga are also ways I use to distress.
7. How many hours a day do you work on average & can you describe/outline your typical day?
My work is very demanding and as I am responsible for the daily operations of the firm with tasks and obligations related to everything from hiring, promoting and enforcing new investment and tax strategies, the hours are long.
8. In your opinion what are the keys to success?
Being attentive. Being able to see what other can’t see by paying attention. Stay focused.
9. What advice would you give to someone starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?
My advice would be as I said before to stay focused, be attentive at whatever the task is at hand and making sure whatever you are doing you have passion for and does not feel like work. Believe in yourself.
Connect here,
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-tranquet-900384190/
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