Imagine having a financial advisor that’s always available, completely unbiased, charges a fraction of the cost—and learns from you over time. That’s exactly what Alex Harmsen, founder of Portfolio Pilot, set out to build. On the latest episode of Power Talk, we speak to the serial entrepreneur about his vision to revolutionize wealth management using artificial intelligence—and why the traditional 1% advisor model is long overdue for disruption.
From Robotics to Fintech
After selling his previous AI company, Iris Automation, Alex found himself navigating the complexities of wealth management. But after unsatisfying experiences with financial advisors and robo-advisors, he set out to solve a very personal problem—how to get real-time, trustworthy, and personalized investment advice without giving up control.
The solution? Portfolio Pilot, an AI-powered super app that helps individuals optimize their investments, manage risk, plan taxes, and slowly nudge them toward a more efficient portfolio.
Solving the Trust Problem
Alex understands that the biggest obstacle in fintech is trust. That’s why Portfolio Pilot doesn’t require you to hand over your money. You can start with screenshots or PDFs and graduate to account integration over time. The system offers read-only access, uses 256-bit encryption, and allows for one-click trades only if you enable it.
Unlike platforms that require upfront transfers, Portfolio Pilot allows users to ease into their financial journey, prioritizing transparency and gradual trust-building.
What Makes Portfolio Pilot Unique
Most robo-advisors offer generic allocations. Portfolio Pilot goes beyond, using:
- Modern portfolio theory
- Hedge fund-style macroeconomic models
- User psychology and behavioral prompts
- AI feedback loops and tax optimization engines
With over $30 billion in assets connected, the platform evaluates your unique situation—down to your job industry, tax position, retirement funds, and even whether you own a home—and offers slow, sustainable improvement strategies.
“We’re not trying to beat the market every day. We’re helping people make better decisions consistently.”
Building a Financial Super App
Alex envisions Portfolio Pilot as your complete financial command center: budgeting, investing, estate planning, risk assessment, and goal-based optimization all in one place. And unlike human advisors, the system never sleeps and doesn’t charge 1.5% for it.
“We charge 95% less than human advisors and help people make smarter decisions, not push products.”
Try Portfolio Pilot free for a month using code: PODCAST
The Road Ahead
Portfolio Pilot is doubling down on user feedback, iterating weekly, and improving the psychological delivery of its suggestions. Rather than forcing users to act, it recommends optimal paths and backs them with solid reasoning—down to ETF selection, tax costs, and timing.
The platform is already looking to expand geographically and continue developing its internal AI models—aiming to eliminate human bias from wealth advice.
Horror Stories & Why They Matter
One user tried to leave her advisor after years of paying fees, only to be blocked by them citing “money laundering concerns.” These stories are sadly common, and Portfolio Pilot wants to give users the tools—and the confidence—to go independent, safely.
“We don’t just want to build a product. We want to change the culture of financial advice.”
If the last decade belonged to fintech, the next belongs to AI-powered financial autonomy. Portfolio Pilot is at the forefront of this shift—empowering everyday investors with the kind of data-driven advice once reserved for hedge funds.