An NYU research problem that became an investment platform.
The story
A research problem, in four moves.
Research
It started from a narrow technical observation: the numerical code behind portfolio construction was leaving most of the machine unused. Not because the mathematics was wrong, but because software written once and shipped everywhere cannot know what hardware it will land on.
Engine
That became Aqua, an engine that reads the machine and adapts to it. At NYU, it became a patent application.
Platform
An engine on its own proves nothing. So we built the thing that would test it hardest: Zeton, a full investment platform.
Proving ground
AQTF, our own systematic strategy, runs real capital through it. Our ideal customer sits in our founding team, which means the platform is stress-tested by the person it was built for long before anyone else sees it.
Zeton is what we commercialize. Aqua is why it is different. AQTF is how we know it works.
Team
Vaibhav
Chief Executive Officer
- Emerging CRO Program, Columbia Business School
- 30 years in fintech and consulting: Citi, DTCC, Bank of America, PNC, RBC, BMO
- Cutting-edge solutions across banking and capital markets
- GTM and revenue strategy for deep-tech and AI ventures
Carlos de Oliveira
Chief Technology Officer & Chief Investment Officer
- PhD Mathematics, UC Berkeley
- MBA, NYU Stern
- 25 years: Credit Suisse, BNY Mellon, TD Ameritrade, Fidelity
- Adjunct Faculty, NYU Tandon
- Named inventor on Aqua's patent application
Advisors
Willie Bass
Business Advisor
Managing Partner, The WC Group
ex-EY, ex-KPMG, ex-BNY Mellon
Karla Williams
Legal Advisor
CPO, University of Michigan
Carlos Tomei
Technical Advisor
Associate Professor, PUC-Rio
Recognition
Patent filed.
Aqua's core numerical methods are the subject of a patent application filed through NYU in June 2026, with our CTO among the named inventors.
Built in the START-UP NY ecosystem.
Operating out of NYU Future Labs with official START-UP NY status, providing state tax benefits and direct access to New York City's premier research community.
Selected by four competitive programs.
NSF I-Corps, the NYU TAC Award 2026, NYU Summer Launchpad, and NYU Tech Venture.
Partnerships.
Active deployment discussions underway with an international brokerage platform exploring white-label integration, alongside an established ETF sponsor serving as an early design partner. Names available under NDA.