We are so excited to meet you!
We are a team of dedicated data science graduate students from UC Berkeley Masters of Data Science and Information (MIDS) program. Our team fuses expertise in financial investments and data science to bring Very Intelligent Portfolio (VIP) to retail investors.
Differ from proprietary systems, our product is open source, making sophisticated investment strategies accessible to all retail investors. We believe that by sharing our knowledge and tools freely, we can level the playing field and help all individuals achieve their financial goals.
Rachel Gao is a CPA with a robust background in corporate taxation, financial statement consulting, and auditing. She is experienced in leading diverse teams to drive and successfully implement automation initiatives. With her master's degree in data science, Rachel is passionate about bridging the gap between traditional finance and modern data-driven approaches to deliver innovative solutions. Rachel also shows proven track records in project management, product development, data analysis and engineering, machine learning, NLP, and time series modeling.
Ray Cao is the Head of Quantitative Portfolio Management in RPIA LP, a global fixed income asset manager with a focus in credit investment. His primary responsibility is to lead the quant investment team and apply numerical methods into the entire portfolio management process, develop quantitative strategies to optimize RPIA’s investment process and achieve sustainable returns. Before MIDS, Ray holds MFin from Wilfrid Laurier University; MSc, Mathematical Finance from the University of Birmingham; and BEcon, Financial Engineering from Nankai University. Ray is also a CFA and FRM charterholder.
Jenna Sparks is a data science professional with a background in environmental studies and biology from UC Santa Cruz. She has transitioned into the world of data science, bringing a unique perspective to her work. Her experience spans from environmental research to AI in research applications, including her current role on the Data Science Team at the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Jenna's expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and data engineering has been applied to various fields, including ocean conservation and now, financial technology.
Shuo Wang is currently enrolled in the MIDS program at UC Berkeley, he has over two years of hands-on experience with AI and machine learning projects, including work with LLMs, NLP, and deep learning. Shuo’s technical expertise spans model development and deployment, utilizing programming languages such as Python, R, SQL, and Java. His professional experience includes leading data-driven projects, developing innovative solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and deliver impactful results.