I began my investment journey on August 10th, 2020, during Tesla’s boom. At Purdue University, many of my peers were jumping on the bandwagon, and the idea of making easy money through zero-commission trading apps was irresistible to my 18-year-old self. I saw great returns, especially during the GameStop rally in January 2021, and thought I had cracked the code to investing. But by February, my portfolio crashed—ultimately losing 85% of its value. I quickly realized that I, along with my peers, had no idea what we were doing.This experience opened my eyes to how many retail investors feel—lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain. I wanted to learn how to invest properly, but fragmented information online only added to the challenge. On top of that, the GameStop saga eroded my trust in fintech platforms. Luckily, my father, an expert in finance, guided me through the complexities of the markets, helping me turn my losses into profits. It made me realize that most people don’t have that kind of support. Many are left to make poor decisions independently, often leading to setbacks or giving up on investing entirely.That’s why, in 2021, I switched from aerospace engineering to computer science and economics at Washington University in St. Louis. I was determined to build a platform that empowers retail investors with the tools, insights, and guidance they need to make informed decisions. That platform is UnBound X.I am the co-founder and product head at UnBound X, a next-generation investment platform that integrates social connectivity, financial education, and disruptive technologies to transform how retail investors engage with the financial markets. With expertise in economics, computer science, and creator economies, I am building a platform that prioritizes trust, offering cutting-edge investment products backed by regulation, compliance, and user security at the core of its operations. My goal is not just to provide access to different asset classes but to empower users with actionable insights and knowledge that previous platforms have failed to deliver effectively.UnBound X is designed for a new generation of investors seeking more than just access to assets—they want insights presented in a digestible way. My mission is to shift power into the hands of retail investors, enabling them to take control of their financial future and reshape how investing is understood and practiced. By developing a community-driven platform, UnBound X redefines what it means to be an investor, empowering users to make smarter, more informed decisions.