I'm Breno Niero, a forward-thinking researcher, merging data and intelligent technology to uncover insights, and disrupt conventional thinking.
-What key strategic moves served as the rocket fuel behind companies' meteoric ascent?
- How accurate is it to determine if a stock is oversold and predict price movements by loading candlestick images with RSI analytics into Large Language Models (LLMs)?
-Is there a connection between the volume of social media news and stock price movements, and can it be used to predict future price changes?
(-Why do we press harder on a remote when we know the battery is dying? ;)
……to best answer those unusual, sometimes even seemingly odd, questions.
I work on research and build state-of-the-art data labs.
Work
My journey into researching the best way to answer complex questions began with my first role as an IT Analyst at HSBC Bank. For three years, I worked closely with the investment team, diving into Bloomberg datasets and creating strategic reports on why corporate clients should invest in certain IT companies. It was here that I was—sometimes painfully—introduced to the world of linear regression.
After moving from São Paulo to the UK, I landed at the University of Westminster’s Fabrication Labs in London. For three years and a half, I worked as a Business Analyst at a startup called DD+, helping build a business around content management systems during the height of the dot-com boom. It was an exciting time—funding was everywhere, and I had a front-row seat to witness the rise and fall of the internet bubble.
A few years later, I joined Blackstone as a Senior Business Analyst, where I led data analysis projects and built a data lab that uncovered insights and significantly reduced costs in data and voice communications. Working with engineers across three continents, we developed an advanced monitoring system that handled massive datasets using Hadoop—saving Blackstone a ton of money.
With Blackstone paychecks and consulting gigs at IBM and Sonda under my belt, I shifted gears from 2006 to 2016, focusing on startups in cybersecurity, big data, and machine learning. I became a partner and co-investor at Silverlink Technologies, where for 11 years, we delivered cutting-edge technology to major corporations. The projects we handled were truly next-level. Check my work experience and skills.
Today, I spend most of my time researching predictive models, open innovation and data ecosystems for my PhD, while building models for my financial prediction labs at Ocean Capital.
Education
I hold a Master’s in International Business with Distinction from the University of Sydney and am currently pursuing a PhD in Business Data Innovation and Artificial Intelligence. I also have an MBA in Information Technology with High Distinction from the University of São Paulo and a BSc Honours in Business Computing from the University of Westminster in London, UK.
At the University of Sydney, I led several research initiatives, including a project where I helped my team to design a business prototype integrating Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models (LLM) with Gartner’s techy trend concept of mobility and super apps. This project earned me and my team the KPMG Australia Innovation Challenge Award 2023, demonstrating how AI can transform industries like law. That same year, I received the International Student Award for my academic and innovation achievements.
Currently, my PhD research proposal focuses on data-driven business and open innovation.
Side Hustles
My Commitment to Marine Conservation
Since 2016, I’ve proudly supported The Ocean Cleanup, backing their innovative efforts to tackle ocean plastic pollution. Boyan Slat’s groundbreaking work has inspired me to the point where I’ve even written a paper about it—feel free to check it out here.
In 2021, I took my commitment further by supporting Sea Shepherd Australia, both financially and by volunteering at sea when time allows. Helping protect marine wildlife and contributing to ocean conservation has been a rewarding experience.
At Ocean Capital, I’ve built a business model that dedicates a portion of the investment profits to causes I care about, like The Ocean Cleanup, Sea Shepherd Australia, The Great Barrier Reef Foundation, the Australian Marine Conservation Society, and Surfers for Climate.
I think it’s about aligning my work with my commitment to ocean conservation and finding meaningful ways to contribute.
Sports
Swim, bike and run.