Rodrigo Huerta, with a financial industry background, was instrumental in evolving the initial model from an Excel-based automation to a fully-fledged AI engine. The fintech formed its first major partnership with Vector Capital after securing US$125,000 from an angel investor and officially launched in July 2022.
The AI engine at Self’s core analyzes asset trends by monitoring real-time prices, such as those on the Santiago Stock Exchange, to calculate dynamic risk and signal entry and exit points for trades. This technology has led to low rates of negative transaction returns and above-average industry profitability.
With around 50 clients and managing approximately US$250 million, Self operates on a business model charging an annual fee of 2.5% plus VAT, with no transaction fees. The firm has established operational alliances with brokerage firms Vector Capital and Itaú to facilitate its trading activities.
As 2023 draws to a close, Self’s leadership is already strategizing for the next two years. They plan to enter Colombia in October 2024 through a partnership with Voultech, a fintech arm of Vector Capital. Following this, they aim to expand into Mexico by 2025. Additionally, the first half of 2024 will see them expanding their offerings to include the first entirely AI-managed mutual fund and incorporating major U.S. stock exchanges into their platform.
Self’s ambition extends beyond geographical expansion; they seek to become advisors for wealth management across various financial institutions, leveraging their proprietary AI technology to guide investment strategies. This move marks a significant step in the fintech’s evolution and commitment to revolutionizing asset management with AI.
