Key AI & Data Insights from BattleFin Miami & Data Day Texas 2025

January was a dynamic month for Automated Data Inc. (ADI) as we participated in one of the most insightful industry events of the year: BattleFin Miami Alt Data Discovery Day 2025. While we were unable to attend Data Day Texas, we gathered top insights from attendees to ensure we stay at the forefront of industry trends. These events provided a wealth of discussions on alternative data, AI, graph modeling, and data strategy—topics central to our mission of revolutionizing data integration and entity resolution. Here’s a look back at key moments from each event.

BattleFin Miami Alt Data Discovery Day 2025

This year’s BattleFin Miami event provided a deep dive into the latest applications of alternative data in investment management, highlighting the evolving landscape of data-driven strategies. Here are some of the standout moments:

The Power of Data Partnerships

The event kicked off with Exabel’s Data Partner Day, bringing together over 65+ data partners to discuss strategies for accelerating go-to-market (GTM) success and leveraging the Exabel platform for enhanced analytics.

Alternative Data in Investment Management

Tim Harrington (CEO, BattleFin & Exabel) led a discussion on findings from Exabel’s 2025 research report, which surveyed 130 portfolio managers and analysts about their use of alternative data. This provided crucial insights into how investment professionals are adopting data-driven strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Industry Panels: Consumer and Industrial Trends

Two key panels explored the integration of alternative datasets to drive insights across industries:

• Industrials Mosaic Panel: Data providers from INRIX and Placer.ai discussed how transportation and foot traffic analytics are revolutionizing insights into industrial performance.
• US Consumer Mosaic Panel: Experts from Sensor Tower, Consumer Edge, and Datos demonstrated how app traffic, consumer spending, and web traffic data can be combined for a differentiated view on consumer trends.

New Tech & Product Showcases

• Kayrros Product Showcase: Kayrros introduced their geospatial imaging dataset, designed to offer investors deeper insights into LNG, cement, and steel equities.
• Exabel Platform Demo: VP of Product Zac Yang provided a hands-on look at how analysts can leverage Exabel’s AI-powered analytics for more precise investment decisions.

Overall, BattleFin Miami 2025 reinforced the growing importance of alternative data, AI-driven insights, and collaborative data partnerships in shaping investment strategies.

Data Day Texas 2025: AI, Graphs, and Metadata

While ADI could not attend Data Day Texas in person, we gathered insights from industry experts like  Juan Sequeda and Tony Baer on the event’s most impactful discussions. At Data Day Texas 2025, discussions revolved around the future of AI, the evolution of knowledge graphs, and the increasing importance of metadata as the glue holding data ecosystems together.

AI: Expanding Beyond the Hype

AI was a dominant theme, with discussions on LLMs (large language models), AI agents, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and AI-driven automation. Talks by industry leaders, including Bill Inmon and Chip Huyen, highlighted the shift from AI experimentation to real-world application.

Graph Technology: A New Standard

Graphs are no longer a niche concept—they are now fundamental to data modeling and analytics. Key presentations included:

• GraphRAG (Graph + RAG): An innovative approach to integrating graph databases with retrieval-augmented generation.
• Graph Modeling Best Practices: Practical insights on optimizing graph queries and structuring data for maximum efficiency.

Metadata: The Missing Link in AI and Data Strategy

A major takeaway from Data Day Texas was the critical role of metadata in AI governance and context-building. Presenters emphasized:

• The role of metadata in improving AI decision-making and ensuring accuracy.‍
• Data contracts as a means of structuring data governance, with discussions led by Jean-Georges Perrin and Malcolm Hawker.
• The rise of Knowledge Engineers—specialists who bridge the gap between technical AI development and business-driven insights.

Strategic Takeaways: Human Judgment Still Matters

Despite AI’s rapid advancements, speakers reinforced that human judgment remains essential in ensuring the right data is used for the right applications. As AI models become smaller and more specialized, context-driven data strategies will be the key to unlocking true value.

Looking Ahead: Automated Data’s Role in the Future of AI & Alternative Data

January’s events provided invaluable insights into the intersection of AI, alternative data, and knowledge management. At Automated Data, we remain committed to advancing data connectivity, AI-driven automation, and metadata-driven intelligence to help businesses unlock deeper insights and maximize the value of their data.

Were you at BattleFin Miami or Data Day Texas? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Want to learn more about how Automated Data’s AI-powered platform can help you unify and connect disparate data sources? Contact us today to explore how we can transform your data strategy.

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