Alexander Harmsen is a serial tech entrepreneur with a passion for AI, finance, and autonomy. He is the founder of PortfolioPilot.com, an AI-powered financial adviser platform managing over $30 billion in assets. Previously, Alexander founded and sold Iris Automation, contributed to NASA’s Mars helicopter project, and completed the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator. With over $30 million raised in venture capital and a Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, Alexander’s journey is a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and adapting to new opportunities.

On this episode we talk about:

– Alexander’s first entrepreneurial hustle as a newspaper delivery boy and the lessons learned about persistence and customer service

– The journey from working at cutting-edge startups and NASA to founding Iris Automation

– The regulatory and technical challenges of launching a deep-tech company in the drone industry

– The importance of flexibility and pivoting in entrepreneurship, with real-world examples from Iris Automation and Portfolio Pilot

– How AI is transforming personal finance and why Alexander believes everyone will soon have a network of AI “coaches”

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Persistence and relentless follow-up open doors—whether it’s landing your first job or closing your first contract.

2. Success in entrepreneurship often comes from being willing to pivot, adapt, and even start from scratch when the market demands it.

3. The future of expert advice is personalized AI “coaches” that optimize every aspect of your life, from fitness to finance.

Notable Quotes

– "The only way to be successful is to just not die... your startup only stops once you give up on the idea."

– "Sometimes the packaging is all the difference—what people really want solved might not be what you set out to solve."

– "You need to be willing to pivot and react and change... that's the main key to success."

Connect with Alexander Harmsen:

– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderharmsen

– Website: PortfolioPilot.com

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