Ryan Matthes
Builds with AI · Thinks like a trader · Merced, CA
I build with AI and think like a trader. I've made decisions with real money on the line for more than 20 years: at the poker table, in the markets, and now in the AI systems I build.
My grandparents taught me markets at 13, and I've traded seriously since around 18. I played poker professionally from 2004 to 2014, then spent 2018–2021 as an NFA-registered Associated Person at a commodity brokerage. Today I build AI systems, hold a California real estate license, and write about where AI meets markets and real estate.
I grew up in a music family, live in Merced, and play golf to a single-digit handicap. Long term, I'm working toward the fund and venture side of markets.
How I got here.
A music family
My dad, Andrew Berliner, built Crystal Sound in Hollywood in 1967, designing the studio and hand-building its console. Stevie Wonder and many others made records there. My mom is a songwriter.
Markets, from my grandparents
My grandparents taught me how markets work. I've followed them ever since, and traded seriously since around 18.
Professional poker
Ten years of decisions with incomplete information and real money on the line. The discipline carried directly into trading.
Commodity brokerage
NFA-registered Associated Person at Goldbridge Capital under Eric Kay; former Series 3 & 30 commodity broker. I learned the compliance reality and what separates traders who last from those who don't.
The Daily Option
Trading research, education, and tooling brand, now being rebuilt around data-driven tools.
FilmTorch & HashPrism
Built and shipped FilmTorch, a platform for independent filmmakers, and HashPrism, a Solana Pay payments platform. FilmTorch reached real users; HashPrism ran as a private beta. Both were retired in 2026.
California real estate license
CA DRE #02344385, broker: Wealth Managers (DRE #01239694). Mainly commercial and investment deals, open to all types.
Building with AI
I build AI systems, automations, internal tools, and analytics, and write about where AI meets markets and real estate.
Credentials & licenses.
Licenses, registrations, and education, current and past, stated plainly.
Want to work together?
You'll speak directly with me — no assistant, no automation.