Episode 292: Empowering Self-Directed Investors with Alexander Harmsen, Founder & CEO of Global Predictions; San Francisco, CA, USA
I love discovering founders who are using technology to democratize access to services that have traditionally been out of reach for many people. That's why I was so excited to speak with Alexander Harmsen, the founder and CEO of Global Predictions. Alexander created PortfolioPilot, an AI-powered financial advisor that helps individuals take control of their financial lives without the high fees or intimidation factor of traditional firms. What started as a personal side project has become a platform managing over $30 billion in assets all while helping simplify investing for the everyday person. In our conversation, Alexander shares how he’s building not just a product, but a movement to empower everyday investors with real, personalized advice. Here are highlights of our conversation: - From Side Project to $30 Billion Platform: Alexander built the first version of PortfolioPilot to manage his own finances after selling his previous startup. Today, the platform serves tens of thousands of users and continues to scale rapidly. - Designed for Real People: Rather than expecting users to know what to ask, PortfolioPilot delivers a full written assessment based on inputs like income, age, assets, and risk tolerance. It helps people feel confident and in control of their financial future. - AI Meets Fiduciary Responsibility: PortfolioPilot provides truly personalized, fiduciary-level financial guidance by asking the right questions and giving users clear, actionable monthly advice based on their actual financial picture. - High Output, Lean Team: With a team of just 10 people working remotely around the world, Alexander attributes their efficiency to smart hiring, tight feedback loops, and extensive use of AI tools across development, marketing, and operations. - The Future of Financial Advice: Alexander believes we’re entering an era where everyone will have AI-powered advisors in many areas of life. His goal is for PortfolioPilot to become the go-to financial advisor in your pocket, offering clarity, confidence, and convenience. About the guest: Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com, an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30. Connect with Alexander: Website Global Predictions: https://www.globalpredictions.com/ Website Portfolio Pilot: https://portfoliopilot.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderharmsen/ Connect with Allison: Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/ Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/ #CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
I love discovering founders who are using technology to democratize access to services that have traditionally been out of reach for many people. That's why I was so excited to speak with Alexander Harmsen, the founder and CEO of Global Predictions.
Alexander created PortfolioPilot, an AI-powered financial advisor that helps individuals take control of their financial lives without the high fees or intimidation factor of traditional firms.
What started as a personal side project has become a platform managing over $30 billion in assets all while helping simplify investing for the everyday person.
In our conversation, Alexander shares how he’s building not just a product, but a movement to empower everyday investors with real, personalized advice. Here are highlights of our conversation:
- From Side Project to $30 Billion Platform: Alexander built the first version of PortfolioPilot to manage his own finances after selling his previous startup. Today, the platform serves tens of thousands of users and continues to scale rapidly.
- Designed for Real People: Rather than expecting users to know what to ask, PortfolioPilot delivers a full written assessment based on inputs like income, age, assets, and risk tolerance. It helps people feel confident and in control of their financial future.
- AI Meets Fiduciary Responsibility: PortfolioPilot provides truly personalized, fiduciary-level financial guidance by asking the right questions and giving users clear, actionable monthly advice based on their actual financial picture.
- High Output, Lean Team: With a team of just 10 people working remotely around the world, Alexander attributes their efficiency to smart hiring, tight feedback loops, and extensive use of AI tools across development, marketing, and operations.
- The Future of Financial Advice: Alexander believes we’re entering an era where everyone will have AI-powered advisors in many areas of life. His goal is for PortfolioPilot to become the go-to financial advisor in your pocket, offering clarity, confidence, and convenience.
About the guest:
Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com, an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30.
Connect with Alexander:
Website Global Predictions: https://www.globalpredictions.com/
Website Portfolio Pilot: https://portfoliopilot.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=organic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderharmsen/
Connect with Allison:
Feedspot has named Disruptive CEO Nation as one of the Top 25 CEO Podcasts on the web, and it is ranked the number 6 CEO podcast to listen to in 2025! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/ceo_podcasts/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonsummerschicago/
Website: https://www.disruptiveceonation.com/
#CEO #leadership #startup #founder #business #businesspodcast
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
