Dave Umstead, PhD, CFA
Managing Principal & Founder

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Dave Umstead is an experienced investment professional pursuing a lifelong passion of marrying technology and investments. Dave founded Cape Ann Capital in 1999, and remains an active member of the firm as managing principal. Dave’s foray into advanced analytics began four decades ago in a shoe factory where he used software to maximize efficiency of an assembly line. The shoe factory experience left Dave with a burning desire to apply analytics to improve processes and outcomes.

Dave’s interest in using technology to make better investment decisions originated during his studies at Boston University. Concluding his academic tenure, Dave joined Putnam Management as Director of Quantitative Research and installed the first computer at the firm dedicated to investment research. Subsequently, Dave headed up the international equity group at State Street Global Advisors, focusing on applying quantitative techniques for investing overseas.

Throughout his career, Dave has held numerous leadership roles in the financial services industry, including serving on the faculty of The Wharton School, working at State Street Global Advisors as head of international investments, and co-founding Boston International Advisors, Inc. Dave has earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Vermont, an M.S. in mechanical engineering from MIT, an MBA from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

On an ongoing basis, Dave is on retainer with the CFA Institute to educate its members on the use of returns-based style analysis, a statistical technique that helps to separate skill from luck in the analysis of investment performance. Dave is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys skiing, hiking, and sailing with his family and friends.

Contact Dave directly by email or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Jim Jasinski, CFP®, CMT
Managing Principal

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Jim Jasinski is an experienced investment professional with Certified Financial Planner™ and Chartered Market Technician® certifications. He brings industry-leading expertise in analytics and a deep commitment to developing lasting and trusting client relationships. Jim joined Cape Ann Capital in 2009 and was attracted to the firm’s mission to rigorously scrutinize the entire mutual fund universe through technology-driven analytics to determine optimal funds and managers.

At Cape Ann Capital, Jim is able to combine his passion for an analytical approach to investing with his desire to provide strategic, thoughtful guidance to clients throughout their investing timeline. Jim appreciates the opportunity to work closely with individuals, families, and institutions, helping identify their goals and objectives, and designing an investment solution geared toward meeting those needs. As a student of history, Jim appreciates the insights gleaned from studying the past. Jim believes the skills of an historian – such as, understanding the author and their true motives – are similarly applied within the investing arena.

Prior to joining Cape Ann Capital, Jim was a financial advisor within the private wealth management division of UBS Financial Services. Previously, Jim held leadership positions at three leading Boston-based investment bank boutiques Adams Harkness & Hill (presently Canaccord Genuity), America’s Growth Capital, and Avondale Partners. Jim earned a B.A. in History from Williams College.

Jim is often found playing ice hockey, coaching high school ice hockey, and coaching soccer and lacrosse for his daughter. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter.

Contact Jim directly by email or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Jeremy DiStefano, CFA
Portfolio Manager

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Jeremy DiStefano is an experienced professional with a diverse background in the investment management industry. He was drawn to the blend of both a client-focused and technically driven approach at Cape Ann Capital, and the firm’s employees’ commitment to investing right alongside their clients.

Prior to joining Cape Ann Capital, Jeremy led the development effort on numerous software tools, including the build-out of a portfolio and risk management data warehouse, a best-of-breed security analytics platform, and a client report generation and distribution system. He has also served in a client service capacity, working with portfolio managers and research analysts on calculation, customization, and visualization of portfolio analytics.

Previously, Jeremy served in a client service role at Lightkeeper, a performance attribution and risk management software platform for hedge funds. Prior to that, he served in technology positions at Income Research + Management (IR+M), a fixed-income asset manager, and Financial Architects Partners, a firm specializing in managing large life insurance portfolios. Jeremy earned a B.S. in Computer and Information Systems from Bentley University.

In his spare time, Jeremy enjoys running, basketball, golf, and spending time with his young children exploring Boston’s North Shore.

Contact Jeremy directly by email or connect with him on LinkedIn.