Matthew Epstein
AI-Driven Financial Strategist | Real Assets, Energy, Hedge Funds, and CRE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-epstein-ai-finance/ | (203) xxx-xxxx | Weston, CT
Professional Summary
Over three decades, I’ve built and led businesses at the intersection of institutional investment, commercial real estate, and energy finance—where capital strategy, operational discipline, and data-informed decisioning converge. From managing energy portfolios at Citadel to scaling advisory and analytics platforms, I’ve consistently delivered value by aligning capital allocation, risk management, and investor communication across asset classes and economic cycles. Demonstrated success partnering with global firms (e.g., Google, Schlumberger, Halliburton) and applying AI-driven insights derived from geospatial and satellite analytics. A strategic operator with a sharp analytical edge and an entrepreneurial lens.
Professional Experience
Managing Member
Pioneer Plaza LLC | Weston, CT | January 2018 – Present
Own and operate a commercial shopping plaza; lead real estate investment strategy, tenant relations, leasing structures, and operational oversight.
Revenue Growth: Increased occupancy from 67% to 95%, driving significant NOI growth.
Lease Optimization: Extended average lease terms by 80%; instituted CPI-linked escalators for 50% of leases.
Asset Enhancement: Upgraded property infrastructure and management systems, reducing overhead and improving tenant retention.
Strategic Leasing: Attracted essential service tenants, increasing foot traffic and asset valuation.
Managing Director – Head of Geospatial Analysis
Cowen Inc. | New York, NY | Jan 2018 – Dec 2019
Founded Cowen’s geospatial analytics division to integrate advanced machine learning with satellite-based intelligence for institutional clients.
Business Development: Transformed radar satellite analytics concept into a commercial geospatial intelligence platform.
Innovation Leadership: Delivered predictive geospatial insights for commodity markets and corporate clients.
Client Engagement: Advised hedge funds and corporates on satellite-derived data products to inform investment theses.
Chief Investment Officer & Energy Strategist
Aremet Group LLC | Greenwich, CT | 2005 – 2017
Led boutique advisory and investment firm focused on energy-technology, commodity markets, and private capital deployment.
Capital Deployment: Raised and managed over $250M across thematic energy investments and structured vehicles.
Strategic Advisory: Advised Google’s Terra Bella on oil & gas market entry; supported SLB and Halliburton in energy-tech pivots.
Deal Structuring: Originated acquisition targets and capital strategies for oilfield services and upstream clients.
Risk Mitigation: Created project-level hedging programs and navigated cyber-risk in energy asset due diligence.
Energy Sector Head | Long-Short Equities
Citadel Investment Group | Greenwich, CT | 2001 – 2004
Directed a highly-leveraged, market-neutral energy portfolio within Citadel’s multi-strategy hedge fund platform.
Alpha Generation: Delivered consistent, non-directional returns through stock-specific positioning.
Event Analysis: Capitalized on post-Enron structural dislocations; advised on physical commodities desk creation.
Team Leadership: Managed analyst team and collaborated with arbitrage and credit divisions.
Senior Energy Analyst (Buy Side)
Morgan Stanley Asset Management | New York, NY | 1999 – 2001
Led oil and gas research for the $18B American Opportunities Fund.
Integrated macro analysis with fundamental modeling to shape energy positioning and derivative overlays.
Mentored junior analysts and coordinated multi-sector investment frameworks.
Equity Research Analyst
Lehman Brothers | New York, NY | 1998 – 1999
Published equity research on oilfield services and tech; ranked team member by Institutional Investor.
Conducted extensive due diligence with C-level executives and institutional clients.
Supported investment banking with sector insights and client sentiment.
Equity Research Associate
Salomon Brothers | New York, NY | 1995 – 1998
Co-authored sell-side coverage of drilling, seismic, and OFS companies.
Maintained dynamic valuation models and proprietary databases.
Trained junior staff and contributed to top-ranked research output.
Education & Certifications
MBA, Finance, Summa Cum Laude
Boston University – Questrom School of Business, 1992
BA, Economics, Summa Cum Laude
Boston University – College of Liberal Arts, 1990
Skills
Financial: CFO Operations | Capital Raising | Investor Relations | Financial Reporting | Risk Management | Budgeting & Forecasting | Executive Collaboration
Real Estate: Property Management | Lease Structuring | Portfolio Strategy | Dispositions & Acquisitions | Valuation
Data: AI-driven Analytics | Geospatial Intelligence | Predictive Modeling | Financial Modeling | Data Analysis | Advanced Excel
Software & Technical Proficiency
QuickBooks | AppFolio | Yardi | CoStar | Placer.ai | Crexi | LoopNet | Advanced Excel | Financial Modeling | Data Analytics Platforms
Keywords
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), AI-Literate Financial Leader, Advanced Financial Modeling, Strategic Investment, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, Asset Optimization Expert, Portfolio Management, Capital Raising & Investor Communication, Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement, Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (AI), Investor Relations, Board Member, Strategic Planning & Asset Management, Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation, C-Suite Operational Authority, Data-Driven Decision-Maker, Consulting & Strategic Advisory, Equity and Debt Analysis, Equity and Commodity Research Analyst, Legal Documentation & Compliance, Technology & Analytics, Tax Planning, Regulatory & Risk Management