In this episode of Momentum: Where FinTech Meets AI, host Stan Altshuller sits down with Kirk McKeown, CEO and Founder of CarbonArc, to explore how AI is reshaping the economics of data access—and redefining where alpha comes from.
For years, alternative data was expensive, fragmented, and largely reserved for hedge funds and institutional investors with deep pockets. Kirk built CarbonArc to challenge that model by making high-value data more accessible through modern, consumption-based pricing and AI-driven analytics.
Stan and Kirk break down how traditional financial research evolved into today’s alternative data ecosystem—and why the next wave will be powered by AI agents that can analyze information faster than ever before. They also discuss the friction that has historically slowed adoption, why accessibility matters, and how industries beyond finance are beginning to leverage these tools for smarter decisions.
From Wall Street to enterprise strategy, this conversation explores what happens when access to intelligence becomes cheaper, faster, and more scalable.
If you’re an investor, operator, data leader, or simply curious about the future of AI-powered decision-making, this episode offers a compelling look at where the market is heading.
Key Takeaways :
Key Moments:
04:57 Building a frictionless data market
08:38 Transforming the license structure
13:37 Rev share and flexible solutions
17:25 Exploring data and analytics
19:34 AI economy and data structure
24:51 Understanding alpha in trading strategies
26:55 Understanding data accessibility challenges
30:58 Evaluating company decisions
33:35 Expanding developer community
About the guest :
Kirk McKeown is the CEO and Founder of CarbonArc, a company focused on democratizing access to alternative data through modern pricing models and AI-driven infrastructure. With over two decades of experience in financial data and investment research, Kirk has helped reshape how institutions source and consume intelligence for better decision-making.
Connect Krik :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-mckeown-400607214/
Website: https://www.carbonarc.ai/
About the host :
Stan Altshuller is a leading figure at the intersection of fintech and artificial intelligence. As an investor, founder, and advisor, he has collaborated with some of the world’s top hedge funds, asset managers, and data companies, helping them leverage technology for smarter decision-making and growth. Stan hosts the Momentum podcast, where each week he shares practical AI strategies designed to help financial professionals cut through the noise, beat data overload, and build intelligent, data-driven workflows. With a passion for exploring what’s next in finance, Stan empowers his audience to stay ahead of the curve by turning ideas into actionable results.
Connect Stan :
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanalt/
Website www.acadia.im
In the debut episode of Momentum: Where FinTech Meets AI, host Stan Altshuller sits down with AI engineer Ady Ngom to explore how hedge...
In this episode of Momentum: Where FinTech Meets AI, Stan Altshuller sits down with Shea Malcolmson, Director of Sales at Apaylo, to unpack how...
In this episode, Stan Altshuller sits down with Michael Muniz, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Canoe Intelligence, to discuss how AI is reshaping...
