In this funded trader interview, David Tapia explains how he moved from unprofitable forex attempts into data-driven small-cap short selling, earning a $25K FLEX funded account and two payouts. David trades large percentage gappers during premarket and the opening hours, avoiding midday periods when his data shows a weaker edge. His evaluation produced a 58% success rate, 1.53 profit factor, and $499.09 VIVK short.

His defining risk rule is unusual: he avoids partial profits, instead reducing initial risk when he intends to hold for a deeper fade.

► $25,000 FLEX Funded Account:

• Best stock: Vivakor (VIVK) - July 21, 2026
• Success rate: 58%
• Profit Factor: 1.53
• Biggest win: +$499.09 VIVK short x 116 shares 🟢
• Biggest loss: -$260.00 AEHL short x 800 shares 🔴