History
AIQ was founded on the idea that intelligent investing comes from blending advanced technology with deep human insight.
Our proprietary AI models trace their roots back to the early 1990s, when rigorous mathematical models designed to interpret complex seismic data were first adapted for financial markets. These models have been developed and continuously enhanced by our dedicated team of partner data scientists since.
Co-founders Jean Paul Lagarde and Michael Thomas forged separate careers in institutional investment management: Michael as a portfolio manager/research analyst starting in the mid-1990s, and Jean Paul as an analyst and hedge fund strategist starting in the early 2000s.
After years of collaboration and shared vision, they formally joined forces in 2020 and launched AIQ in 2022. The firm immediately strengthened its operational core:
- Early in 2022, AIQ hired Shana McHaffey to optimize the firm's operations. Shana simplified the advisor and client onboarding process while laying the groundwork for a culture of white-glove service.
- Later that year, Nick Moore left his role as head trader of a hedge fund to build out a scalable and efficient trading process for AIQ, leveraging his extensive background.
Today, AIQ is a rapidly growing firm dedicated to helping its advisor partners deliver advanced, risk tuned portfolios to their clients, save time, and grow their practice—with technology and experience working in harmony.
