HNY, this is George. You probably know me from the YouTube channel formerly known as FintechOrama. It's now called InvestOrama.
I’m rebranding YouTube and this newsletter, in line with a more explicit purpose: to explore the future of investing. Here are some of the questions that excite me, and I’d like to answer:
The infrastructure is changing; blockchain has the potential to become the backend of the financial system. What does that imply for investors big and small?
The investable universe is expanding like never before, from NFTs to collectibles to exotic trading strategies. But does this make sense in the long run?
Market dynamics are changing: How long can this bull run last? Will there be more meme stocks?
Billions of dollars are pouring into startups that can potentially redefine the space. But how do you discern the real life-changing tech from the hype?
If you want to know more about the changes, read on.
My YouTube journey: how it started
The about page will tell you that I started the channel on 28 January 2012. And the first video I posted was about Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). I had enough of finance and decided to launch a video business. After over a decade in financial markets selling derivatives and alternative investments, it was my first video production. In hindsight, the execution is poor, but the content is still relevant today. I had a vague idea that videos could be a way to “democratize investing knowledge”.
As it turns out, it was my only financial video for a long time. I saw more traction in food than finance, and my company became the “hospitality video” specialist. We filmed Michelin-starred chefs around the world. That worked for a while, but I was keen to change industries. I’m not a foodie, I would never watch a food shows on TV.
In parallel, I became more involved in investing my own money and advising family and friends. It started taking more of my time and contributing more to my income (the video business was doing ok but never really took off). That made me realize that although I didn’t work for big banks anymore, I was still very interested in the financial world.
In 2019, I launched an investment channel called: InvestOrama. (Yes, if you followed, it’s the same name as the new name).
I interviewed a few ex-colleagues and personal contacts. But it was a half-hearted effort. I didn’t want to create a “basic investment” channel (what’s a stock, what’s a bond, what’s a call, what’s a put). Instead, I wanted to talk about cutting edge stuff. But I was looking at the past, not the future.
From InvestOrama to FintechOrama
I got in touch with Olivier Bossard, Professor of Finance at HEC Paris (where I graduated). Olivier had been a Head of Derivatives at top banks. So when he told me he wanted to talk about Bitcoin, I was slightly disappointed at first. I had heard about Bitcoin but didn’t understand the hype.
But he was right!
There’s nothing really new in the investment world (a few SPACs, maybe?). True innovation in finance comes from tech. Crypto is a big part of it, but there’s a lot more.
That was the beginning of my fintech journey. The more I learned about it, the more I wanted to know. I started working with a few fintechs; I renamed the YouTube channel FintechOrama.
I tried different video formats, but nothing took off until I got the idea to “disrupt the script of Billions” by adding real-life Fintech solutions to their fictional episodes. It wasn't a straight line, but the views and subscribers started taking off. When the subs rapidly passed 10K, it was a proud moment.
Billions being about a hedge fund, I drifted more and more into alternative investing and launched a course about the fundamentals of alternative investing.
However, I wasn’t totally comfortable about the direction I was heading. Fintech and Hedge Funds are linked, but it’s a narrow window on the investment universe. I was disappointed about Billions Season 5. And the growth on YouTube didn’t last.
In the last few months of 2021, I considered stopping YouTubing.
Back to InvestOrama
I was looking at the past instead of looking at the future.
And it's not about Fintech.
Fintech can be a closed loop: Fintech nerds talking to Fintech nerds. It’s like talking about web protocols and underwater cables when talking about the web: interesting, but not helpful.
But I think I have found a solution. It now appears obvious, but it took me a long time.
It's about how Fintech and the rest will change investing.
And that's why the channel is becoming Investorama again. It will be about investing, but looking forward.
(I will also create a FintechOrama channel and newsletter that’s going to be more focused on things like payments, banking, BNPL, and other fintech themes)
My “North Star” will be sharing what I learn. From the comments on YouTube or discussions on Discord, I know there’s a lot to learn from the community too and I’ll be looking to create more opportunities for those who want to participate more actively.
I hope you're excited about this as well. DMs are open. Just hit reply. I’d love to read your thought & suggestions (or even complaints).
I wish you a profitable, risk-controlled, meaningful & fun investment year.
If in doubt, investing in yourself is always a good bet.
Happy New Year!