“InvestorAi is democratizing wealth management”

Faiz Askari: Bruce, let’s begin by understanding the fundamentals. What is InvestorAi, and how does it actually work?

Bruce Keith: InvestorAi is a technology platform built to empower retail investors using artificial intelligence. Over the past five years, we’ve seen an explosion in interest around equity investing. But for many first-time investors, it’s still confusing to know what to buy, when to sell, and how to manage a portfolio effectively.

Our platform creates AI-based model portfolios—or investment baskets—that offer clear buy, sell, and rebalance recommendations. Since 2018, we’ve developed our AI infrastructure, and our live investment baskets have been available since April 2021.

To complement this, we built YouTrade—an execution tool that integrates directly with broker apps, offering users one-click access to these model portfolios. This allows them to maintain control while benefiting from AI-generated strategies.

Meet Vani: The Virtual Investment Assistant

Faiz Askari: You’ve introduced a virtual assistant called Vani. How does she enhance the user experience?

Bruce Keith: Vani is an intelligent chatbot designed to simplify the investment journey. While our platform is data-rich and highly technical, we wanted to create a way for users to interact with it conversationally.

Vani allows users to ask any investment-related question—basic or advanced—and receive non-judgmental, real-time responses. She offers guidance on suitable investment baskets, explanations of market performance, and more. It’s about education, exploration, and empowerment.

Fueling Growth: Funding and Expansion Plans

Faiz Askari: Has InvestorAi raised any funds recently? What’s next on your growth roadmap?

Bruce Keith: Yes, last year we raised Rs 80 crore from Ashish Kacholia and Lucky Investments. This funding is helping us diversify our product offerings, expand our presence, and prepare for the next phase of growth. It’s also enabling deeper integration with brokers and better support for retail investors.

Standing Out in a Crowded Fintech Space

Faiz Askari: With so many fintech startups, what differentiates InvestorAi from the competition?

Bruce Keith: We are still in the early stages of systematic AI investing for the retail market. While more players will enter this space, our first-mover advantage, strong performance track record, and commitment to transparency will set us apart.

We are also shaping the market by developing clear reporting standards that help users assess their investment options with confidence.

India and the AI Investment Opportunity

Faiz Askari: How do you see AI in equity investing evolving in India?

Bruce Keith: AI investing is not a fad—it’s the future. Institutions like hedge funds have used these strategies for years, and now it’s becoming affordable for retail investors too. While India’s equity investment base is still relatively low, it is growing steadily, and AI will only accelerate that.

Building Trust Through Broker Partnerships

Faiz Askari: How are you working with brokers and stakeholders to drive adoption?

Bruce Keith: We have a broker-first distribution strategy. We partner exclusively with brokers, offering them white-labeled solutions and a revenue-sharing model. This aligns incentives and ensures we’re reaching engaged, pre-qualified investors.

Virtual Advisors vs. Human Advisors: Complement or Conflict?

Faiz Askari: Do virtual advisors like Vani complement or compete with traditional financial advisors?

Bruce Keith: It’s a complement, not a replacement. Earlier robo-advisors were too rigid, offering generic portfolio matches. With AI, users get more dynamic and engaging experiences, without stepping into regulated advice territory.

But for those needing personalized financial advice, human advisors are still essential. Vani helps users get informed, but doesn’t offer advice.

The Role of AI in Personalized Investing

Faiz Askari: Can AI truly create personalized portfolios based on risk profiles?

Bruce Keith: Technically, yes. But regulatory frameworks—especially SEBI’s—don’t allow full personalization yet. However, we expect these regulations to evolve as technology and investor expectations grow.

Vani’s Business Model: Adding Value Without a Price Tag

Faiz Askari: What’s the business model behind Vani?

Bruce Keith: Vani is part of our broader platform and we don’t charge for her. Her primary value lies in helping users understand and navigate the investing process. Whether or not someone invests afterward is secondary—our focus is on creating a better-informed investor base.

Looking Ahead: The 2025 Market Outlook

Faiz Askari: What’s your prediction for 2025’s financial environment?

Bruce Keith: 2025 is going to be a rollercoaster. With geopolitical issues like Trump’s potential second term and global tensions, we expect market volatility. But India remains a bright spot—its demographics and growth trajectory make it a strong candidate for global capital when conditions stabilize.

Final Thoughts

InvestorAi is more than a fintech startup—it’s a visionary force helping retail investors gain confidence and clarity in a fast-changing market. With innovations like Vani, seamless broker integration, and a data-first mindset, the company is poised to redefine how millions invest.

As India continues its digital financial revolution, platforms like InvestorAi are not just keeping up—they’re leading the charge.