Inference Research, an AI-native quantitative trading firm based in Hong Kong, has announced its launch and the expected closing of a US$20 million Seed funding round.

The round was led by Avenir Group, an investment group originating from Li Lin’s family office and a major institutional investor in Asia.

Founded by Luke Li, former Co-founder and Head of Trading at Amber Group, Inference Research aims to combine AI infrastructure with institutional trading practices.

The firm plans to address challenges in modern markets, including asset pricing and liquidity provision, as global finance adapts to AI and blockchain technologies.

Avenir Group’s investment supports Inference Research’s infrastructure development and the scaling of its AI systems.

Jacob Zhong, Managing Partner of Strategic Investment & Partnerships at Avenir Group, said:

“Inference Research represents a compelling step forward in quantitative finance, blending institutional-grade discipline with AI-native innovation. This approach aligns closely with our mission to bridge traditional finance and digital assets.”

The funding will also enable Inference Research to expand its team, recruiting quants, engineers, and researchers focused on performance and integrity.

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