Learn how a data science executive thinks about building scalable data systems at startups.
Scott Strong
Data Science & Machine Learning Expert | 2x Founder | Fractional CTO | Startup Advisor
Scott Strong is a data science and machine learning expert who helps tech companies build data products, hire data teams, and develop data strategy. As a consultant, Scott brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked in many different industries from aerospace to finance, cloud infrastructure, ecommerce, fraud detection, fine art appraisal, and more. Through this work he has learned to quickly absorb knowledge from domain experts and identify opportunities to infuse data driven solu…
Work
Initiating a Company/Product Pivot
https://www.cloudzero.com/While at CloudZero, I noticed that I didn't have enough data to do my work and move forward our goals as a Chaos Engineering company. Instead of spinning my wheels and doing nothing, I looked everywhere for data I could actually use. I discovered that the AWS billing data could act as a proxy to the data that we were trying to get elsewhere. By prototyping my discoveries with a small team, I was able to change the course of CloudZero who today is a successful cloud cost management company.
How I Recreated Pandora on Spotify | The Data Hackr
https://www.thedatahackr.com/posts/projects/music/how-i-recreated-pandora-on-spotify/Read on for the details on how I recreated Pandora's artist radio functionality on Spotify. This post is a deep dive into the world of music, artists, genres, and their relationships to one another. Enjoy!
Catching Phone-based Fraud
https://www.pindrop.com/Pindrop Security specialized in catching phone based fraud at banks and other financial institutions. Their initial product worked well, but was expensive to deploy, run, and maintain. As a lead researcher and data scientist, I set out to find a way to catch the same fraud or more, but at a significantly reduced cost (think cost of good sold). To do this I conducted several semi-structured interviews of subject matter experts within the company to gain an appreciation for the process of catching fraud. Over the next few months, and several follow-up interview, I was able to create a new set of machine learning features that were then tested and deployed across several customers to validate the new model. The end result? A brand new way to catch phone fraud without all of the original cost.
This process of baking expert knowledge into machine learning is tried and true. Combining this with my breadth of experience and focus on real business outcomes has made this an excellent approach on more than one occasion.
Experience
Appraisal Bureau
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Oct 2023 - Present
Appraisal Bureau is a data and analytics firm specialized in the valuation of Fine Art and Digital Assets. The proprietary Appraisal Bureau NFT valuation methodology is used by major international insurance markets. Appraisal Bureau’s work focuses on the development of solutions utilizing distributed ledger technology including a tokenized appraisal system in partnership with Arweave, a Decentralized Storage Network.
- Leading the technical team at Appraisal Bureau, including application developments and machine learning efforts.
Salus
Advisory Board Member
Mar 2022 - Present
A microlending platform for the next generation of borrowers using AI-powered underwriting.
- Oversaw the development of Salus' first machine learning model to predict borrower creditworthiness.
- Provided strategic advice on hiring, fundraising, and product-market fit positioning.
PadSplit
Head of Data & Research
Feb 2022 - Aug 2022
PadSplit is disrupting the affordable housing industry with a platform for people to find safe, attractive, and respectable co-living spaces.
- Led the Data organization at PadSplit, including a complete organizational restructuring to align with company needs.
Previsio
CEO & Founder
Apr 2019 - Oct 2021
Previsio is a personalized lifestyle planning tool that helps people create well-grounded financial plans that are aligned with their goals and good financial practices that easily adapts to the constant changes of everyday life.
- Led Previsio's algorithmic efforts as well as fundraising, marketing, UI/UX design, and product development.
CloudZero, Inc.
Director of Research
Aug 2017 - May 2019
CloudZero is the leader in cloud cost intelligence. We empower the world's engineers to build cost-efficient software without slowing down innovation. CloudZero's platform automates the collection, allocation, and analysis of cloud cost data to uncover savings opportunities and improve unit economics. Our unique approach ensures organizations have the most complete, accurate, and granular source of truth for their cloud costs. CloudZero is used by industry leaders worldwide, such as Demandbase, New Relic, Nubank, Rapid7, and Skyscanner.
- At CloudZero, Scott was in charge of research activities including building out data science and machine learning based models to create new products. Using his machine learning expertise alongside his modeling and simulation experience, he strived to create solutions that improved website reliability management and could forecast problems in the cloud before they happen.
Pindrop
Machine Learning Researcher
Jul 2014 - Aug 2017
Pindrop® solutions are leading the way to the future of voice by establishing the standard for security, identity, and trust for every voice interaction. Pindrop solutions protect some of the biggest banks, insurers, and retailers in the world using patented technology that extracts an unrivaled amount of intelligence from every call encountered. Pindrop solutions help detect fraudsters and authenticate callers, reducing fraud and operational costs, while improving customer experience and protecting brand reputation. Pindrop solutions have been implemented in 8 of the top 10 US banks and 5 of the top 7 US life insurers. Additionally, 70% of Pindrop US customers are Fortune 500. Pindrop, a privately held company, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, was founded in 2011 and is venture-backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Citi Ventures, Felicis Ventures, CapitalG, GV, and IVP. For more information, please visit pindrop.com.
- Research and design machine learning algorithms to rate risk of fraud for incoming calls based on phone number characteristics.
Lucena Research
Quantitative Analyst and Software Developer
Dec 2012 - Aug 2014
Neuravest empowers asset managers across the globe striving to deliver superior fund performance by applying machine learning and data science to portfolio construction and management. Launched in 2021 as a successor to Lucena Research, Neuravest takes AI-based investment insights and decision support to the next level by designing and delivering both pre-configured thematic portfolios as well as bespoke investment models using best-in-class alternative data sources. The company’s mission is to bridge the gap between data providers and investment professionals who seek to enhance their investment decisions with predictive analytics.
- Perform research and development in machine learning techniques to predict financial market movement. Collaborate with clients to create custom investment strategies utilizing a variety of techniques, from traditional optimization to advanced statistical machine learning.
Boeing Defense Space & Security
Senior Technical Intern
Apr 2012 - Aug 2012
We are the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers, and invest in its people and future growth.
- Technical support of internal research and development for Phantom Works SDI Propulsion group, particularly related to the testing of the afterburning J85 engine and propulsive system design for the F/A-XX next-generation fighter
Blog Posts
Fractional Focus: Unveiling the role of Data Science leadership with Scott Strong What Does a Chief Data Officer Do? (Roles, Salary, How to Hire) Discover what a Chief Data Officer (CDO) is, key responsibilities, skills and experience needed, and salary. Also, find out the best way to hire a CDO.
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