In this episode, ETF.com founder and Stack Ventures industry partner Jim Wiandt explores the evolution of ETFs, the promise of AI in wealth management, and the power of building a strong company culture. Jim reflects on the early days of ETFs, the shift toward hyper-customized financial solutions, and why startups are best positioned to build transformative technologies. He shares how his team identifies problems in asset management and strategically builds or invests in companies to develop targeted solutions.
Show Notes:
02:04 The evolution of ETFs
05:57 AI-driven customization and direct solutions
14:55 Gaps in advisor-client relationships
21:01 Startups and cutting-edge technology
25:30 Private market disruption and IPOs
31:17 About Stack Ventures
35:33 Characteristics of a successful founder
37:38 The importance of building a strong company culture
39:31 Long-term trend
42:41 Trend or fad
Trend or Fad
Listen for Jim’s take on self-driving vehicles, decentralized autonomous funds, private equity secondaries, fractional ownership of everything, red light therapy, and California sober.
By Ed Lopez, Managing Director, Head of Product Management
Follow Ed Lopez @thatEdLopez on X (Twitter).
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Originally published June 17, 2025
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