Principia Research & Analytics

Rigorous analysis.
Proprietary infrastructure.
Original research.

Advanced analytical research, machine learning systems, and bespoke algorithmic frameworks for corporate and public sector clients across Ireland and international markets.

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About

Research infrastructure built for the questions your existing data cannot answer

Principia Research & Analytics is the analytical intelligence division of Principia Capital. We deliver the rigorous research output traditionally associated with major research institutions — applied to the specific requirements of corporate and public sector clients who require depth, precision, and genuine analytical independence.

Where large research houses deploy standardised methodologies at scale, we deploy concentrated expertise with proprietary frameworks designed entirely to the brief. Every engagement is original work.

"We do not produce templated reports. We build research infrastructure."

Our work spans machine learning research, bespoke algorithmic development, macroeconomic and sectoral analysis, quantitative financial modelling, and policy-facing research. We serve clients across the corporate sector — asset managers, financial institutions, operating businesses — and the public sector, including government-facing projects requiring legislative intelligence and economic modelling grounded in live data.

The team carries formal credentials from UCD, LSE, and HEC Paris, reinforced by an advisory board with decades across PwC, Invesco, PIMCO, and central bank-regulated environments.

Capabilities

Six research disciplines. No generalists.

Each engagement draws on the full depth of our quantitative and research infrastructure, constructed around the client's specific analytical requirement.

01
Machine Learning Research
We design and build original ML systems — Bayesian models, Riemannian manifold analysis, Kolmogorov complexity frameworks. Our work produces tools that operate in production environments, not academic proofs of concept. Every model is stress-tested, documented, and built for integration.
02
Proprietary Algorithm Development
We develop bespoke algorithmic frameworks for client-specific problems: scoring systems, predictive engines, classification models, and automated decision architecture. Algorithms are delivered with full documentation, benchmarking, and integration support.
03
Quantitative Financial Modelling
From advanced valuation including option pricing and econometric scenario analysis to portfolio construction and risk modelling — our quantitative output meets the standards of institutional asset management. We work to investment committee-grade precision.
04
Macro & Sectoral Research
Primary macroeconomic research covering Irish and international markets, sectoral deep-dives, and structural analysis. Independently sourced, rigorously evidenced, and delivered to a standard comparable with major research institutions.
05
Legislative & Policy Intelligence
Our proprietary macro engine monitors the Houses of the Oireachtas and European regulatory frameworks in real time — tracking policy shifts, identifying sectoral implications, and translating legislative change into precise, actionable intelligence.
06
Data Infrastructure & Scoring Systems
Scalable quantitative infrastructure: continuous data ingestion pipelines, proprietary scoring models operating at scale, and analytical systems designed for enterprise integration. AI-native architecture built to operate under production load.
Sectors

Corporate and public sector. Both to the same standard.

Corporate

Asset managers, investment firms, financial institutions, and operating companies requiring analytical depth beyond standard advisory. Engagements typically involve proprietary modelling, competitive intelligence, or quantitative research suitable for investment committee consumption.

Public Sector & Government

Public bodies, government agencies, and policy-facing organisations requiring rigorous analytical research, economic modelling, and legislative intelligence. Structured to withstand scrutiny — independently sourced, clearly evidenced, and built to the standards of public sector outputs.

Financial Institutions

Banks, lenders, and regulated entities working across complex asset classes. Quantitative finance capability including option pricing, fixed income analytics, econometric scenario modelling, and risk frameworks built to institutional specification.

Technology & AI-Driven Business

For businesses integrating AI into operations — the underlying machine learning architecture, data scoring infrastructure, and algorithmic development that separates genuine capability from surface-level automation. Systems that function at scale.

The team

Deep expertise across every discipline we practise.

Every member holds first-class academic credentials and operates at the frontier of their domain.

D.B.
Dillon Burke
Founding & Managing Partner

BComm, UCD. Advanced studies in private equity and LBO optimisation at HEC Paris and Advanced Corporate Finance at LSE, both with First Class Honours. Leads all research strategy, client relationships, and analytical infrastructure across Principia Research & Analytics.

Y.B.
Yash Burman
Chief Data & Quantitative Analyst

First Class Honours MSc Finance, UCD Smurfit. First Class Honours Bachelor's, University of Delhi, 98th percentile. Financial and econometric modeller applying Black-76 option pricing to renewable energy portfolios at Flo-Gas. Leads quantitative modelling and data architecture.

R.R.
Robert Rafanelli
Head of Macro Research

First Class Honours BSc Business, UCD Lochlann Quinn. First Class Honours MSc Finance, Smurfit. Previously at Quadrant Asset Management, Atlanta, authoring US and Irish macroeconomic reports. NASA Space Apps Challenge winner. Oxford Model UN Best Small Delegation.

B.F.
Benjamin Falkenburg
Head of Machine Learning

Mathematics and Statistics, UCD. Member of the Royal Statistical Society. Top 0.1% globally in Kaggle modelling competitions. Research spans Bayesian Game Theory, Riemannian manifold analysis, and Kolmogorov complexity. Leads all machine learning development and algorithm construction.

T.D.
Tom Dowling
Tax Advisor — PwC

Chartered Tax Adviser at PwC. First Class Honours Bachelor of Civil Law, UCD. Tax advisory to corporate clients and investment funds — acquisition structuring, exit planning, compliance, and management incentive design.

C.S.
Cian Shaughnessy
Legal Counsel — Turner Solicitors

Practising solicitor, Turner Solicitors Dublin. Civil litigation, real property, probate, and commercial transactions. Legal due diligence, contract negotiation, and corporate legal support.

D.M.
Dara Murphy
Quantum Physics Advisor

PhD candidate in Theoretical Quantum Physics, UCD. Specialises in the thermodynamics of information and energy transfer in quantum networks. Contributes quantum computing insights and rigorous mathematical simulation frameworks to long-term quantitative strategy.

Advisory Board

Senior advisors across tax, investment, and transaction structuring.

Barry Murphy
Senior Tax & Legal Advisor

Partner in Legal and Tax practice at PwC London for over two decades (2003–2024). Complex transaction structuring, private equity fund formation, and tax-efficient structures. Now advising independently on transaction structuring, carried interest design, and cross-border tax planning.

Liam McKnight
Investment Strategy Advisor

Senior portfolio manager and quant lead, Invesco Fixed Income ETF and Indexed Strategies, London. Previously PIMCO and RenaissanceRe. CFA charterholder. First Class Honours MSc Quantitative Finance, UCD Smurfit. Portfolio construction, quantitative modelling, and investment frameworks.

Ian Higgins
Transaction & Special Situations

One of Ireland's youngest central bank-regulated CEOs. Led a €50 million private equity raise alongside €200 million debt financing. Recovered over €3 billion in debt. Structured €100 million-plus in deals across Ireland, Europe, and emerging markets.

Engage

Commission a research engagement.

Whether you require a discrete analytical project, an ongoing research relationship, or a bespoke algorithmic framework — we welcome the conversation. All enquiries are treated in strict confidence.