Ever wondered what Kevin O’Leary is working on when he’s not in the Shark Tank chair? Beyond his reputation for chasing royalty deals on the show, he’s now stepping into sectors he once dismissed. Kevin O’Leary, best known as ‘Mr. Wonderful’ on Shark Tank, is making waves outside the Tank with his investing app, Beanstox. Once a critic of cryptocurrency, O’Leary has now added Bitcoin and gold ETFs to the platform, signaling a major shift in his investing philosophy
Kevin O’Leary Adds Bitcoin To His Crypto Investment App
Mr. Wonderful has expanded his Beanstox app to include regulated exchange-traded funds tied to Bitcoin (IBIT) and gold (IAU). This lets users invest in these assets without dealing with crypto wallets or the hassle of storing gold themselves.
Kevin’s own portfolio has more than 10% of Bitcoin and 5% of gold, so we can be sure this is something close to his heart. By heart, we mean wallet.
Beanstox CEO Connor O’Brien revealed the launch and explained that the ETF option is designed to make investing in alternative assets easier. The starting point can be as low as $20.
Kevin has commented on the matter, saying, “By investing in Bitcoin and Gold using ETFs in a Beanstox account, investors could benefit from additional diversification. Using ETFs for Bitcoin and Gold in a Beanstox account decreases the need for wallets, keys, or the physical storage of any assets when invested in.”
What is Beanstox?
Beanstox is a mobile app created by Kevin O’Leary to make investing less intimidating for beginners. It builds personalized portfolios using ETFs and handles the investing automatically. Users can set financial goals, invest small amounts through fractional shares, and let the app manage rebalancing and dividend reinvestment.
Beanstox also includes educational resources and runs on a simple monthly subscription, making it easier for anyone to start building long-term wealth.
Unlike trading apps such as Robinhood or Coinbase, Beanstox is designed for hands-off investors. It focuses on automatic portfolio management rather than day trading, making it closer to Acorns or Betterment but with O’Leary’s personal investing philosophy built in.
Why ETFs Matter?
By choosing ETFs like IBIT and IAU, Beanstox avoids the risks of wallets, hacks, and direct custody. ETFs also provide regulated exposure, making them more attractive for traditional investors who may be skeptical of crypto exchanges.
Quick Breakdown of Beanstox
Below is a snapshot of Beanstox’s key features and how Kevin O’Leary positions the app for investors.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Options | Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) and Gold ETF (IAU) |
| Minimum Investment | $20 |
| Premium Benefits | Commission-free trading |
| Kevin O’Leary’s Personal Holdings | 10% Bitcoin, 5% Gold |
| Beanstox Ownership | Kevin O’Leary (50%), Conan O’Brien (50%) |
Bitcoin and Gold as Portfolio Diversifiers
Gold and Bitcoin are not in the same boat as other investments in the current economy. In other words, they don’t always follow the same market patterns as other traditional investments. Being free from the market, they practically become immune to diseases like inflation.
O’Leary’s Beanstox is designed to give people an easy way to add these assets without being specialists. Those with Beanstox Premium can now invest in the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU) with zero commission costs or hidden charges.
With Bitcoin’s market cap now exceeding $1 trillion and gold holding steady as a $13 trillion asset class, O’Leary’s move positions Beanstox at the intersection of traditional wealth protection and modern digital finance.
Beanstox Ownership
Kevin co-owns Beanstox with the American TV and talk show royalty Conan O’Brien, and both have a 50% share. Kevin serves as the Chairman, while Connor is the CEO.
Why Kevin O’Leary Changed His Mind on Crypto
Kevin O’Leary was once one of the loudest critics of cryptocurrency, calling it risky and even “garbage.” His stance has shifted, probably because he saw major institutions and governments beginning to legitimize digital assets.
On top of that, Bitcoin and other crypto holdings could act as a hedge and provide diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Now it appears to be less of a gamble and more of a strategic asset to have in your portfolio.
The Future of Beanstox and Kevin’s Investing Vision
As O’Leary continues to expand Beanstox, the app could become a bridge between traditional finance and the digital economy. With crypto adoption on the rise and gold remaining a timeless safe haven, Beanstox is betting on a future where alternative assets are no longer ‘alternative,’ but essential.
