David Mechner

David Mechner is CEO and co-founder of Pragma Securities, a New York-based financial services firm specializing in innovative algorithmic trading solutions developed and customized for both buy- and sell-side clients. Pragma’s unique combination of broker independence and quantitative expertise in market microstructure distinguish the firm as an ideal partner for a range of clients, including exchanges, brokers, institutions and hedge funds. Before founding Pragma Securities, Mr. Mechner developed and implemented short-term trading strategies as Director of Research at Pragma Hedge Fund, and prior to entering the field of finance, he was a doctoral fellow at New York University's Center for Neural Science. His interest in intelligent systems originated during his computer-science undergraduate years, during which he spearheaded a research effort in developing a sophisticated program for the game of Go. Mr. Mechner participated in the Japanese professional promotion system for Go and still ranks among the strongest non-Asian Go players in the world.