We harness volatility as a tool for prudent asset allocation, investing broadly and systematically across the economy. We see above average returns.
Here at Magma Capital Funds, we believe humans drive research and machines drive trading decisions.
We leverage a systematic strategy that utilizes machine learning to respond to volatility by tactically allocating capital between asset classes.
Magma was founded on the belief that investor sentiment is heavily impacted by volatility, and that volatility can be used as an indicator for asset allocation in all market environments.
Our flagship fund, the Total Return Fund, was launched in March of 2020 followed closely by Obsidium and Aestus.
We aim to produce above average returns over the long term, regardless of economic environment, while limiting downside capture.
The Magma Mission
We aim to deliver consistent, elevated returns irrespective of volatility and market conditions.
We strive to meet investors at the intersection of IQ and EQ.
We approach privilege with humility and act to empower those with less resources.
01.
Our Stats
Assets Under Management
Operating Capital Raised
Employees
Offices
02.
Our People
Gershie Vann
CEO & Founder
Brooke Stratman
Chief People Officer
Liza Karic
Director of Operations and Investor Relations
Wendy Gao
Director of Quantitative Research
Kai Mei
Quantitative Research Lead
Aerin Han
Quantitative Researcher
Stanley Zhang
Quantitative Researcher
CJ Molino
Business Development Associate
03.
Our Social Purpose
At Magma Capital Funds, we approach privilege with humility and act to empower those with less resources.
We prioritize the importance of equitable access to education and programs that support students nationwide. So far, we’ve been able to make an impact for over 15,000 students in Chicago and Dallas.
We look forward to continuing to empower even more students in STEM, the arts, and physical fitness through monthly donations to charitable organizations.
04.
Get In Touch
Investing designed to perform in all environments. Find out what Magma can do for you.
Gershie Vann
CEO & Founder
Gershie is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Magma Capital Funds. Gershie provides vision to the broader organization and implements strategic investment decisions in accordance with Magma’s investment approach and philosophy.
Gershie has previous professional experience utilizing data analytics and process design. Gershie holds a BS in Finance from Touro College and can be found running, reading The Economist, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Katie Franks
COO/CMO
Katie is the Chief Operations Officer & Chief Marketing Officer at Magma Capital Funds. Katie leads Magma’s daily operations by ensuring a smooth end-to-end investor onboarding experience and influencing the Magma brand through ongoing outreach initiatives.
Katie has previous professional experience assisting in early marketing efforts for startups, building client-facing teams, and working on large-scale ad campaigns. Katie holds a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, a Juris Doctor from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, and often can be found jogging with her dog and working on home improvement projects.
Aerin Han
Quantitative Researcher
Aerin is a Quantitative Researcher at Magma Capital Funds. Aerin is responsible for developing tools for quantitative research and finding features.
Aerin has professional experience in both buy-side and sell-side companies in the financial industry in the US. She worked as an associate for fixed income pricing in an investment bank and got experience in risk management in a hedge fund in New York. Aerin earned a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering from New York University. Besides work, Aerin likes skiing, hiking, and making dishes.
Liza Karic
Director of Operations and Investor Relations
Liza is the Director of Operations and Investor Relations at Magma Capital Funds. Liza is primarily responsible for implementing the investor onboarding process and working closely with investors to address any issues.
Liza has previous professional experience managing multiple complex cross-functional projects and streamlining operations. Liza holds a BS degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Cincinnati and can be found rock climbing or perfecting her Thai cooking skills.
Ashley Bell
Systems Architect
Ashley is the Systems Architect at Magma Capital Funds. Ashley is responsible for integrating Magma’s internal systems and implementing IT security.
Ashley has previous professional experience assisting in the implementing Salesforce solutions for varying business types. Ashley holds an AA from Brookhaven Community College, a Salesforce Administrator Certification, and often can be found running or making jokes with her improv team.
Richard Hunter
Director of Business Development | Obsidian
Richard is the Director of Business Development | Obsidian at Magma Capital Funds. Richard leads business development opportunities at Magma and is one of the key points of contact for current and potential future investors.
Richard has previous professional experience in sales, including managing, coaching, and training sales teams. Richard holds a BA in International Business from the University of Otterbein, and is always busy juggling dance class, gymnastics, and other activities with his three daughters.
Brooke Stratman
Chief People Officer
Brooke is the Chief People Officer at Magma Capital Funds. Brooke is responsible for implementing Magma’s core values across the organization and creating processes to measure success.
Brooke has previous professional experience working for real estate start-ups and overseeing the management and sales of various assets. Brooke holds a BS in Finance and Commercial Real Estate from Marquette University and can be found spending time with family and friends or exploring the local sites in her neighborhood.
Wendy Gao
Director of Quantitative Research
Wendy is the Director of Quantitative Research at Magma Capital Funds. Wendy works on a team of quantitative researchers and is responsible for managing Magma’s neural network.
Wendy has previous professional experience interning for financial services companies in both the United States and China. Wendy holds a BS in Economics from Peking University, an MS in Financial Mathematics from the University of Chicago, and often can be found jogging in the gym and watching K-pop music on the internet.
Cenchen Wu
Quantitative Researcher
Eric is a Quantitative Researcher at Magma Capital Funds. Eric works on a team of quantitative researchers and assists in Magma’s algorithmic model development.
Eric has previous professional experience serving in short-term research roles for financial services companies in both the United States and China. Eric holds a BS in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Peking University, an MS in Financial Engineering from Columbia University, and often can be found swimming in the pool and reading novels on the internet.
Stanley Zhang
Data Scientist
Stanley is a Quantitative Researcher at Magma Capital Funds. Stanley works on a team of quantitative researchers and assists in managing Magma’s neural network.
Stanley has previous professional experience interning for financial services companies in both the United States and China. Stanley holds a BS in Mathematical Finance and Mathematical Economics, an MS in Financial Engineering from Columbia University, and often can be found jogging in parks, watching movies, and playing board games with his friends.
Jenna Menue
Product Marketing Lead
Jenna is the Product Marketing Lead at Magma Capital Funds. Jenna leads initiatives that support the capital introduction team’s efforts and overall Magma brand.
Jenna has previous professional experience building marketing programs in the insurance and software industries, as well as in public relations. Jenna holds a BA in Public Relations and Marketing from Bradley University and can often be found reading, painting, and playing with her dog.
Jillian Hall
Product Marketing Lead
Jillian is the Product Marketing Lead at Magma Capital Funds. She is responsible for the development and implementation of marketing campaigns that support the launch of new financial products for the company. Prior to joining Magma, Jillian led marketing initiatives for cloud-based SaaS companies in the real estate investment and mobility industries and holds a degree in Global Studies from The University of California, Santa Barbara. In her free time, Jillian can be found running at the lakefront or exploring local restaurants in her neighborhood with friends.
Kevin O’Keefe
Director of Business Development
Kevin is the Director of Business Development for Float Management at Magma Capital Funds. Kevin spent the last 5 years as a strategy consultant focused on helping fortune 100 companies rapidly lift revenue through pricing changes. Prior to that, Kevin worked in construction doing everything from working as a laborer, project manager, and structural engineering. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. When not working, Kevin can be found spoiling his puppy or training for his next triathlon.
Kai Mei
Quantitative Research Lead
Kai is the Quantitative Research Lead at Magma Capital Funds. He’s now focusing on the firm’s trading strategy building and applicable machine learning research on trading-related topics. Kai has previous professional experience in the hedge industry both in the US and China. Before joining Magma, he worked in the equity derivative team at Millennium, one of the biggest hedge funds in the US. Kai holds an MS in Computational Finance from Carnegie Mellon University. When not working, Kai can often be found skiing/snowboarding, playing video games, and handing out with friends.
CJ Molino
Business Development Associate
CJ is the Business Development Associate at Magma Capital Funds. CJ is primarily responsible for managing IT protocols and assisting with the investor onboarding process. CJ has previous professional experience consulting clients on corporate filings and compliance of entities. CJ holds a BS degree in Marketing and Professional Sales from Indiana University and can be found playing basketball, mountain biking, or traveling to try new foods.