Making Factor Models Work for Investment Teams with Sandeep Varma
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Factor models can seem intimidating, but when applied effectively, they transform how investment teams understand risk and return.
In this episode, host Paul Fahey interviews Sandeep Varma, Co-Founder and CEO of Equity Data Science (EDS). Paul and Sandeep discuss how factor modeling reshapes decision-making, performance analysis, and collaboration for managers. Sandeep shares his journey from quant to entrepreneur, why visualization and artificial intelligence (AI) matter, and how EDS empowers firms to integrate research and risk seamlessly.
Sandeep discusses:
- His journey from Wall Street quantitative analyst to founding Equity Data Science (EDS)
- How EDS combines research and risk tools to enhance investment management
- The evolution from simple alpha/beta models to advanced multi-factor frameworks
- The role of visualization, AI, and real-time collaboration in turning data into insights
- Why managers should embrace factors as tools for consistency and better communication with investors
Connect with Sandeep Varma:
About Sandeep Varma:
Sandeep Varma co-founded Equity Data Science in 2017 and serves as the company’s Chairman and CEO. His unique experience includes computer science, fundamental analysis, and data science. Prior to founding EDS, Sandeep was a quantitative analyst at Bridger Capital and a quantitative and fundamental analyst at Herring Creek Capital, a hedge fund founded by Steve Galbraith, where he developed a proprietary quantitative platform for idea generation and risk management. Prior to that, he was a quantitative analyst at Credit Suisse, where his responsibilities included portfolio and risk analysis and quantitative modeling for the Prime Brokerage and Securities desks. Before joining Credit Suisse in 2008, Sandeep developed and managed trading and risk management systems at Lehman Brothers and UBS. Sandeep received his Master of Engineering in Computer Science from Cornell University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.