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Joakim Bruchmann
CEO & co-founder at Pluto.markets (YC W22)
Joakim Bruchmann is the CEO and co-founder of Pluto.markets, a Copenhagen-based neobroker established in 2021. The company aims to disrupt the brokerage market in the Nordic region by providing a more accessible and user-friendly investment platform, particularly for the 100 million Europeans living in non-Euro countries. Pluto.markets is backed by Y Combinator and has recently raised €2.4 million in funding to enhance its offerings and expand its market presence.12
Background and Education
Bruchmann has a strong background in finance, holding a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Copenhagen and Columbia University. Prior to founding Pluto.markets, he worked as a trader at Goldman Sachs and Danske Bank, specializing in base metals and equities respectively.34 His experience in high-stakes trading environments has informed his approach to building a modern investment platform.
Company Vision
Under Bruchmann's leadership, Pluto.markets seeks to simplify investing by eliminating high commissions and offering a broader range of investment products. The platform is designed to cater to ordinary individuals without extensive financial backgrounds, contrasting with traditional brokers that often maintain high fees and limited offerings.24 Bruchmann emphasizes creating a supportive community within the app, aiming for a superior user experience compared to existing Nordic competitors like Nordnet and Saxo Bank.2
Personal Insights
Bruchmann is known for his candid approach to entrepreneurship. He humorously noted that the company's original name, "StockTalk," was poorly received during investor meetings, prompting a rebranding to Pluto.markets.2 His vision for the company reflects a commitment to financial inclusion and innovation, addressing gaps left by older financial institutions.
In summary, Joakim Bruchmann is not only shaping the future of investment in the Nordics through Pluto.markets but also leveraging his extensive experience in finance to drive significant changes in how individuals engage with financial markets.