The latest in the Telecom Trailblazers series
Hello, I am Shirin Dehghan and I am the CEO of Oxford Algorithms. We create and apply proprietary AI software solutions to drive investment decisions that result in consistent and excellent net returns. We have used our experience in the telecoms sector where we often have to extract the signal buried in the noise. Financial markets are very similar in that we need to detect signals amongst what is mostly noise, and this makes Telecoms one of the backbones of what we do.
I have worked in the technology industry for over 35 years. I started as an engineer and ten years later turned to entrepreneurship as I saw a problem in the market that wasn’t being solved. This is my third adventure. My team includes technology investors and entrepreneurs with experience in AI software development, in addition to mathematical and financial experts with deep market knowledge and proven track records in successful investments.
Of course, financial trading is not new. But machine learning allows us to adapt to the conditions of the market. Last year the traditional correlation between equity and bonds, for example, completely broke down, which resulted in wrong decisions and a lot of money lost. AI offers the only way to gain stability in our investments and returns in an uncertain world—which, of course, would not be possible without connectivity.
We launched our fund in January, and have since returned a 15% net to our investors. This is an impressive return, one which I am proud of. But we are only at the beginning of our journey. I’m hoping to reach a billion dollars in the next seven years. Joining forces with a University of Oxford professor, a card counter and a market trader, what could go wrong?
1/ What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
Learning something new every day. I enjoy a new challenge. I like taking on new things, whether it's new sectors, looking at new business models, or new technologies. Watching our team grow has also been extremely exhilarating.
2/ What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
Oh my goodness! I have done many, many ridiculous things. But perhaps the most ridiculous was hanging around in the car park of a customer’s workplace to secure a meeting and pitch a product. Thankfully, it did actually work…
3/ What is it like to work in telecoms?
I studied mobile communications at university, and then spent 10 years working as a telecoms engineer. I love the technology and it never amazes me how quickly it seems to innovate, bringing new services. I’m excited about the future. For example, how will quantum computing, VR and AI change the way we think about telecoms? There’s so much more to come and unpack.
4/ What would you like people to know about your work?
I am a very focused person, and I like to plan with a high degree of realism. As a CEO, it is important to be responsible. I try to underpromise and overdeliver.
5/ Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
Communication is the backbone of our life. It is a human right. Telecoms are fundamental to our progress and the development of humanity. It is absolutely critical that we secure communication infrastructure for the entirety of the UK. Our economy and well-being are all dependent on effective and timely communication.
