Spark LP? Anyone know of this hedge fund?

Does anyone know anything about this hedge fund? They recruit at Harvard and Yale and offer very large starting salaries (often promising $240K+ first year out). Are they legit? Thanks.

27 Comments
 

There is a group based in Asia (Hong Kong) called Sparx. They are one of, if not the largest Asia focused hedge fund groups is the world. Not sure about what presence they may have in NYC so it may not be the same group. Stark, on the other hand, may have an office in NYC but it would only be a small regional office as Milwaukee is their home base. The pay figure sounds high for a group like Stark. Otherwise, I have never heard of Spark LP.

 

i saw this posting and was wondering the same thing- i haven't ever heard mention of this fund and the ad sounds like it was written by some fast-buck artist, so i wouldn't be surprised if they're a bunch of hacks.

probably going to drop my resume all the same.

 

spark is a very small, relatively old hedge fund that's been closed for quite some time and likes to keep a low profile. They seemed very much legit, but I have no real evidence (other than a business card!)

My interviewer seemed pretty great, we'll see how things go.

 
neutralnuke1/2 of their employees hold PhDs from top schools. Have employees from Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, MIT, Princeton.

^^paraphrased from their description on school's career services site.

1/2 have PhDs -> I'm guessing quant fund...

Funny... the posting on my career site says:

"We have a close-knit group, distinguished by their interest in our shared success, half of whom are graduates from Harvard, MIT, and University of Chicago."

Seems like they just do find and replace on the last school because they way they phrase "University of Chicago" seems odd- it's either UChicago or THE University of Chicago.

Anyway, would appreciate any info on these guys, including from past interviewees and those in the industry. Thanks.

 

I don't think they expect you to know what they do. In fact, they might be a little suspicious if you do (their lack of presence is intentional).

My interviewer described their strategy as "stat arb but actually done right" for what its worth.

Expect to be asked "Does money motivate you?" And to talk about your academic background.

In any case, doesn't look like I got a second round.

 

founded by Peter Laventhol, former DE Shaw guy

Disclaimer for the Kids: Any forward-looking statements are solely for informational purposes and cannot be taken as investment advice. Consult your moms before deciding where to invest.
 
Best Response

Spark LP or Spark Investment Management or Spark Management LP or Sparktrading dot com is a NY based hedge fund founded by Frank Tota and Peter Laventhol. "One of the most technologically sophisticated hedge funds on Wall Street and made Tota one of the youngest partners in the hedge fund industry.The company's main focus was developing proprietary computer networks and software systems to analyze global financial and economic data and exploit previously undiscovered market patterns.The management pioneered research in the financial application of advanced non-linear algorithms and employed some of the top scientists and mathematicians in the field.In two years and with an initial $20 million round of financing, Tota grew Spark from a one-person concept to a well-respected Wall Street presence." Zoom Info Never heard back on my corporate strategist application. Apparently they are not very good at communicating with non-Ivy applicants... ha ha

 

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