Marco Bitran is a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist with a rich background in technology and finance. As the founder of AI Exchange, Inc., he innovatively bridges the gap between alternative investment strategies and accessibility, utilizing transparent, liquid managed accounts. Marco holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His career began in engineering at Qualcomm, followed by roles in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and financial analysis at Wellington Management. Marco is deeply committed to philanthropy, actively supporting the MSPCA and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, among other causes. He recently volunteered with Sar-El, providing support to the medical teams of the Israeli Defense Forces. Marco’s personal life is enriched by his dedication to his family, including two young children, and hobbies like photography and running.
Q&A with Marco Bitran
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to found AI Exchange?
Marco Bitran: I started my career in engineering, designing computer chips for Qualcomm, before moving into finance with roles at Morgan Stanley and Wellington Management. My interest in leveraging technology to solve complex problems led me to found AI Exchange, Inc. The idea was to make alternative investment strategies more accessible through transparent, liquid managed accounts. It was a convergence of my background in technology and finance that really drove the creation of AI Exchange.
What drives your commitment to philanthropy, particularly with organizations like the MSPCA and the Combined Jewish Philanthropies?
Marco Bitran: I believe that success comes with a responsibility to give back. My family instilled in me a strong value of community support. The MSPCA and Combined Jewish Philanthropies align with my passions and values—they focus on animal welfare and supporting the community in meaningful ways. These causes resonate deeply with me, and I find it fulfilling to contribute to them.
You recently participated in a Sar-El program. What motivated you to volunteer, and what was the experience like?
Marco Bitran: The situation in Israel has always been close to my heart, and I felt a strong call to do something tangible that could make a difference. Volunteering with Sar-El was incredibly impactful. Working on the ground, especially organizing medical supplies for the IDF, showed me the direct benefits of hands-on involvement. It was also a profound way to connect with other volunteers from around the world and understand the broader implications of our work.
In your professional life, how do you balance the demands of being an entrepreneur with your personal life, especially as a father of young children?
Marco Bitran: Balancing professional and personal life is always a challenge, especially with young children. It’s about prioritizing time and being present when you’re with family. I try to integrate my family into my work where appropriate, like attending community events together, and I ensure that my time at home is quality time. Also, having a supportive partner and a good organizational system helps immensely.
AI and machine learning are rapidly evolving fields. How do you keep AI Exchange at the cutting edge of these technologies?
Marco Bitran: Staying at the cutting edge means continuously investing in research and development, and staying connected with the academic community, especially with institutions like MIT where I studied. We also collaborate with tech innovators and engage with new startups that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AI and machine learning.
Looking ahead, what are the next big goals for AI Exchange?
Marco Bitran: We’re looking at expanding our platform to include more diverse investment strategies and exploring deeper integrations of AI to enhance decision-making processes. Additionally, expanding our geographical footprint to include non-U.S. markets is on the horizon. The goal is always to provide more value to our clients and to make sophisticated investment strategies accessible to a broader audience.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to merge technology with finance?
Marco Bitran: My advice would be to focus on solving real problems. Technology for the sake of technology doesn’t lead to sustainable business models. Understand the pain points in the finance industry and how technology can solve them. Networking is also key—connect with others in the tech and finance communities, learn continuously, and be ready to pivot when necessary based on what you learn.
Are you open to mentoring young entrepreneurs?
Marco Bitran: Absolutely. I believe in passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation. Mentoring is a way to give back that not only helps young entrepreneurs but also keeps me connected with new ideas and perspectives. It’s a mutually beneficial experience, and I encourage others in positions of experience to consider mentoring.
Finally, what does success look like to you?
To me, success is about impact—both professionally and personally. It’s not just about achieving financial milestones or business growth, although those are important metrics. True success is measured by the positive influence I can have on the people around me, the value we provide to our clients at AI Exchange, and the contributions I make to the community. It’s also about being able to balance my professional ambitions with a fulfilling family life. Being successful means continually learning and growing in ways that align with my values and drive meaningful change.