Episode 75: Julia Programming; AI & Alternative Data; Digital Currencies; Game of Thrones

On the podcast, Viral Shah, co-founder and CEO of Julia Computing and a co-creator of the Julia programming language, talks with Anthony about the launch of Julia 0.6, what’s expected of Julia 1.0, and how finance and insurance firms are using the language for research and risk modeling. Then, Anthony and James take a look at how machine learning and alternative data are starting to be paired, creating both interesting use cases and, perhaps, overblown hype. Next, they turn their attention to digital currencies and how they’re filtering into the buy side. Finally, they discuss the recently released trailer for the upcoming season of Game of Thrones. Julia Language (1:25) A quick update on this year’s JuliaCon conference. (2:10) Then a look at Julia 1.0, which could be released later this year. (2:40) This week, Version 0.6 was released. Viral talks about enhancements made with this rollout. (3:30) With Julia Computing receiving $4.6 million in seed funding from General Catalyst and Founder Collective, Viral talks about how that investment will help drive open-source contribution and get the language to 1.0. (5:30) A preview of the product types that Julia Computing will look to offer the finance and insurance industries. AI and Alternative Data (7:45) James and Anthony look at the pairing of machine-learning techniques and alternative data. (8:55) Can this combination prevent Flash Crashes? (10:45) What are the potential benefits? (12:45) Hype machine and noise. Digital Currencies (15:15) First James talks about digital currencies and the Quantave announcement. (16:00) A look at the regulatory space—or lack thereof—when it comes to these instruments. (18:00) Do you—the listener—have some thoughts? Game of Thrones (19:00) The new Game of Thrones trailer is out (!!!) and the guys talk about some theories for the new season. (23:45) Anthony and James give some book recommendations.