Mariana Barona (Synthera)

Image for Mariana Barona (Synthera)

Overview

Mariana Barona Velasquez, commonly known as Mariana Barona, is a notable figure in both the finance and music industries. She is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Synthera AI, an innovative fintech company specializing in synthetic financial market data using advanced generative AI. Barona's professional journey spans from her beginnings at Goldman Sachs to establishing a leading generative AI firm. Additionally, she has a parallel career as a singer-songwriter, blending influences from Colombian and British cultures into her music.

Recent Developments

  • July 2024: Both Mariana Barona and co-founder Lukas Schreiner ceased to be persons with significant control at Synthera AI, marking a shift in the company's control structure. Synthera AI Inc. was appointed as the new entity with significant control.
  • January 2024: Synthera AI was incorporated, advancing startup support from Entrepreneur First, where it was ideated.
  • March 2023: Mariana Barona released her debut single "Get Up," collaborating with Grammy-nominated songwriter Larry Dvoskin and featuring Spottie Wifi, a recognized name in the cryptocurrency community.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameMariana Barona Velasquez
BornJanuary 1998, Colombia
NationalityColombian, British
OccupationCEO of Synthera AI, Singer-Songwriter
Known ForCo-founding Synthera AI, Musical Career
EducationUniversity of Cambridge (BA in History)

Early Life and Education

Mariana Barona was born in January 1998 in Colombia. At the age of 16, she moved to the United Kingdom alone to pursue her education. Showing exceptional academic ability, she secured a place at the prestigious University of Cambridge, where she graduated with first-class honors in History. Her experience at Cambridge was not only academically enriching but also culturally broadening, influencing both her professional outlook and artistic pursuits.

Career and Notable Achievements

  • Goldman Sachs Asset Management: Mariana's career began at Goldman Sachs, where she worked for two years with institutional clients on multi-asset portfolios and quantitative investment strategies. Her work contributed significantly to the firm’s asset management division.
  • Synthera AI: Founded in January 2024, Synthera AI is pioneering in the field of using generative AI to create synthetic financial data for testing investment strategies. Mariana Barona serves as the CEO, overseeing operations and strategic growth.
  • Music Career: Alongside her corporate achievements, Mariana pursued a music career, blending pop, R&B, and reggaeton to create a unique sound that marries her Colombian roots with her experiences in the UK. Her debut single "Get Up" has been well-received, further establishing her as a versatile artist.

Current Work and Impact

Mariana Barona continues to impact the fintech industry through Synthera AI, focusing on addressing gaps in traditional financial modeling by using synthetic data to enhance portfolio simulations. Her work is crucial in providing investors with robust models that withstand various financial market conditions, aiding in strategic decision-making. In music, Mariana's cross-cultural approach continues to influence new and existing audiences.

Conclusion

Mariana Barona Velasquez stands out as a multifaceted individual bridging gaps between technology, finance, and the arts. Her leadership at Synthera AI is driving innovations in financial analyses, while her music continues to resonate with diverse audiences. As she continues to develop her ventures, her potential impact on both industries appears boundless, setting a precedent for integrated career paths.