R.J. Hottovy, CFA, is Head of Analytical Research at Placer.ai, bringing nearly 20 years of experience covering the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce sectors. Previously, he held analyst roles at Morningstar, William Blair & Co., and Deutsche Bank. He also has extensive experience advising and investing in early-stage consumer and technology companies. Hottovy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in Finance and Computer Applications.