PhillipT

It is worth being aware that contracts are either express or implied. An express contract is one where the terms of which are stated in words. An implied contract is one where the existence and terms of the contract are manifested by conduct of the involved parties. A contractual agreement can be oral and in many US states (for example California) and Countries (UK etc) it is enforceable - especially if there are witnesses or proof of joint activities etc. Your best bet to get out of the situation is follow Tzunamiton's good advice and find someone you both trust and that you can both agree as an impartial adjudicator. Then discuss with the adjudicator to either wind the company up or get a written termination agreement that you are both willing to sign. If you want to pursue the idea then the termination agreement between you and your former partner must set out the payment terms and limit or sign away any future claims against the idea/ip. hope this helps.

Rather than guess - I'd recommend asking. Most places will be happy to explain what languages/tech they use to an incoming employee and many will be happy you asked. Ultimately they are recruiting you because of your skill profile and trying to find the best place for you since in the long run it will benefit them (and hopefully you). So ask your recruiting contact for more info - and when you do so mention what you have found in your research and readings - because it (a) shows your committed and (b) will help them quickly see what are relevant possibilities.

The quants i know in finance have varied backgrounds but are predominantly maths, comp.sci and physics backgrounds and all asked similar questions on entry into their banks and financial institutions. As for languages they work with a range of tools including Matlab ,Mathematica and K for those on research side to C++, java, Python (wrapping C++ libraries), K /Q and R for those on production and reporting side. (edit - there are some who also use .net - but i forgot about them :-)) What tech is used will really depend on the bank. As a quant your job will be to work out how to implement and maintain algorithm, systems and tools around their tech environment - so it is probably better to be open on the language side and look at it all as huge good learning opportunity (which it is) and find a spot where the subject matter is going to intrigue/interest you. Again hope this helps.

Usually asset class would be the investment strategy area the bank follows and would include stuff like equities, fixed income, convertible bonds, alternative investment, commodities etc (depending on the bank they may have more or different asset management classes). Most of these have dedicated systems and tool sets (meaning you could end up maintaining windows apps or having to learn Q or K languages - depending on bank and system you work on). If you are leaning to quant/math then commodities is a good area which will draw on quant/math background as opposed to back office which is more standard IT. Hope this helps.