In the latest episode of the addy Podcast, co-founder Stephen Jagger sits down with Brandon Beavis, co-founder of Blossom and one of Canada’s prominent voices in finance. Together, they explore the rise of Blossom, a social investing platform designed to empower individuals in building long-term wealth, as well as Brandon’s journey from being a YouTuber to leading a thriving fintech company.
Key Highlights from the Podcast:
1. The Birth of Blossom: A Community-Driven Approach
Brandon shares how his background as a Canadian finance YouTuber shaped the vision for Blossom. Focused on fostering a long-term investing mindset, Blossom was built to counter the short-term trading hype seen on platforms like Wall Street Bets. With over 200,000 users and counting, the app is creating a trusted space for investors interested in index funds, ETFs, dividends, and real estate.
2. Transparency as a Pillar
One of Blossom’s standout features is its portfolio transparency, where users can view others’ investment portfolios (without dollar values) to understand strategies and build trust. Brandon reveals how this openness not only strengthens the community but also encourages learning.
3. Influencers and Word of Mouth: Driving Growth
Brandon credits much of Blossom’s early success to partnerships with finance influencers. By collaborating with creators who openly shared their investments, the platform was able to build credibility and attract a loyal user base. Today, word of mouth and network effects drive a significant portion of Blossom’s growth.
4. Breaking Barriers with Learn & Earn
Blossom’s innovative Learn & Earn program allows users to engage with brands like Vanguard and BMO through interactive quizzes and video lessons, earning rewards while expanding their knowledge. Brandon explains how this approach provides value to users while also being a sustainable advertising model.
5. Expanding Beyond Canada
Blossom’s expansion into the U.S. has doubled its user base, presenting challenges and opportunities. Brandon discusses how the app navigates the nuances of serving two distinct markets, including localizing content for Canadians (RRSPs) and Americans (Roth IRAs).
6. Desktop Portal Coming Soon
Responding to user demand, Blossom is developing a desktop version of the app, scheduled for release soon. This marks a significant step in appealing to a broader demographic, especially older investors who prefer desktop tools over mobile apps.
7. ETFs vs. Individual Stocks
Brandon candidly shares his personal investing journey, explaining why he transitioned from stock picking to a passive two-fund ETF portfolio. He emphasizes how ETFs suit his lifestyle and busy schedule as a fintech founder, while also highlighting how some investors start with ETFs and move to individual stocks as they gain confidence.
Key Takeaways from Brandon Beavis’ Journey:
- Community is Key: Staying true to a clear mission attracts loyal users, even if it means slower growth.
- Transparency Builds Trust: Sharing investment strategies fosters learning and a collaborative culture.
- Adaptability Matters: Whether launching Learn & Earn or expanding to the U.S., listening to users is critical.
- Passivity Pays Off: For busy individuals, ETFs and automation can simplify wealth-building.
Listen to the Full Episode
Watch the full episode on YouTube
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Connect with Brandon Beavis and Blossom:
- Download Blossom: Blossom App Store Link
- Follow Blossom on Instagram: Blossom Instagram
- Brandon’s YouTube Channel: Beavis Investments
