Story
Since 2011, our founding team has managed capital at scale
for one of the world’s largest and most respected family offices.
Guided by a foundational “risk-first” investment philosophy, we have developed a data-driven approach that systematically combines a sophisticated alpha engine with liquid, capital-efficient beta that can be customized to the absolute or relative return objectives of investors.
LAB QS was established in 2019 and began offering to a broad set of sophisticated investors, giving access to what we believe to be next-generation portfolio construction.
Timeline
Strategy Evolution & Firm History
2008
Tactical Alpha model developed by Trent May
2009
Trent May joins Wyoming State Pension and implements Global Tactical Asset Allocation strategy
2011
Trent May joins Koch Industries as CIO managing family, foundation, and corporate capital
2015
Trent May becomes the first President and CIO for 1888, a large U.S. Family Office
2019
LAB QS is formed
2021
LAB QS registers with SEC and CFTC. All strategies merge into single ‘hedged equity’ solution
2024
LAB QS opens multi-strategy solution to external investors
2025
Firm officially launches enhanced equity solution for external investors
Solutions
LAB QS combines boutique innovation with the investment discipline and infrastructure of a global institution.
Ultimately, we offer turnkey portfolios that help our clients stay invested across cycles.
Investment expertise
Our experienced team is comprised of individuals with deep expertise across research, portfolio construction, risk management, technology, and operations.
Precision at scale
Our dynamic platform, powered by Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence, enables us to process vast datasets, detect inefficiencies, and execute at scale with precision.
Liquidity is paramount
In line with our risk-first mentality, our portfolios are built with liquidity as the core consideration, ensuring flexibility and resilience in fast-changing environments.
Alpha and beta ingenuity
We are continuously improving how we combine alpha and beta, seeking to create the most efficient, effective, and scalable solutions for our clients.
Portable Alpha Specialists
Leadership
Trent May, CFA
CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Trent is the founder and Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”) at LAB QS. He is a member of LAB QS’s Executive Committee and Investment Committee. Trent’s primary responsibilities with LAB QS include business and investment strategy, asset allocation, team development, and risk management. Trent developed the original LAB QS models in 2008. These models remain in use today and form the basis of the LAB QS investment strategy. Previously, Trent was the President and CIO of 1888 Investments since its inception in January 2015 through March 2023. In his role as CIO of 1888 Investments, Trent was responsible for capital allocation between liquid and illiquid investments and led 1888’s liquid investment strategy. Prior to 1888, Trent was CIO for Koch Industries Treasury Group where he oversaw investments on behalf of the Koch family, Koch Foundations, and a portion of Koch Industries Inc. Trent joined Koch Industries in September 2011 from the Wyoming Retirement System, an $8 billion Public Pension Fund, where he served as CIO. Previously, Trent was a managing member of an equity-focused systematic macro hedge fund and a global partner and portfolio manager with Invesco Funds Group. Trent has over 30 years of experience in alternative investments, global equity markets, systematic investment strategies, and portable alpha. Trent holds an M.B.A. from Rollins College and a B.S. from Florida Institute of Technology - College of Engineering and Science. He holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst.
Strategic Advisory Board
James Cornell
BOARD MEMBER
James “Jamie” is a member of the Strategic Advisory Board at LAB QS. Jamie is an investment professional with four decades of experience working with family businesses, multi-generational families, and complex taxable investment portfolios. Jamie has served on numerous for-profit and non-profit boards and investment committees. He spent most of his career at Fidelity Investments, where he held senior roles within Fidelity Ventures/Fidelity Capital, Fidelity Portfolio Advisory Services and Fidelity Private Wealth Management, where he served as President. Jamie is a seventh-generation (G7) family member of Cornell Enterprises, one of the original manufacturing businesses in North America, founded in 1828 in New York City and sold to Griffon Industries (NYSE: GFF) in 2018. Jamie and his wife, Stephanie, divide their time between Denver, Jackson Hole and Boston.