Thoughts on Akuna Capital?
I really loved all the guys I talked to, like that they're in the process of building things up still but a bit more established than some of the younger firms who entered the space. I like how they're trader focused but still have opportunities for quants/python-focused guys who add value, and I like how they have an education program. What are your thoughts on the Akuna Capital office and culture in Chicago because objectively everything looks great from the outside.
NG offer is 220K no negotiation and potential for a discretionary bonus but rare for new grads. Base 150, signing 30, 1st-year bonus 40. With competing offers I'm sure you can go higher.
Culture very meritocratic and quick to adapt - was involved in cryptocurrency in 2017 and an early market maker on Deribit. Like another commenter said, pretty selective now - a majority of the incoming class have some insane backgrounds.
We also now have some course you can take that will fast-track you to a final round interview for Trader/Trader Intern and the one kid I know who is coming in from that has some institutional-level options trading/market-making knowledge already and I know won't need much training. (IMC has a similar program that fast tracks you)
I enjoy the culture and I have a lot of friends here as opposed to some stories where I've heard people just go in, do their job, make a lot of money, and leave. We actively chat on Telegram and discord about the markets and crack jokes and have fun while learning a lot. When markets get crazy everyone is dialed in but when they aren't my product is very OTC oriented so just filling quotes, putting on prop risk when I see a good opportunity to, and chilling.