Born in New York City’s east village, Noah Kerner is the CEO of the micro-investing app Acorns and co-founder of the shareholder rights startup Say. His background is colorful: 4X entrepreneur, Co-author of "Chasing Cool” with the former CEO of Barneys, and former DJ for Jennifer Lopez. In his 20s, Noah built the leading creative agency for the young adult market, Noise. Before being acquired by Engine, Noise developed hundreds of products and marketing campaigns for this generation including Facebook’s first application, the first credit card to reward responsibility rather than spending for Chase, Vice's music site Noisey, and the top branded game in the App Store. Noah has been recognized as one of Billboard Magazine’s “Top 30 Under 30,” AdWeek’s “Top 20 Under 40,” Fast Company’s “Innovation Agents” and “Impact Council” members, and as a judge for the Webby Awards. He has also advised and invested in a variety of fast-growing startups, including WeWork, where he served as the first Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer from 2013-2014. Passionate about educating today’s youth, Noah has lectured on entrepreneurialism, fintech, and media at NYU, UCLA, Stanford, and Columbia and currently serves on the Board of VH1's Save The Music Foundation. Noah is a graduate of Cornell University where he studied Psychology and Economics.

What's been your best investment?

My apartment in New York City. I love it and it keeps appreciating. That's the best kind of value.

Best financial advice?

Try to never make decisions driven by fear. But since we all get afraid sometimes, I think it's good to just take a long walk in the sun before making a big investment decision.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

I've always hoped investing allows me to get involved in things that bring me pleasure and/or create positive change in the world - whether it's an apartment for myself or a great company advancing society.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I don't really splurge. I've been wearing the same t-shirts since I was 18.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

Prior to joining Acorns, David was the CEO of Simple Finance, a banking and personal finance app acquired by BBVA USA (now part of PNC Bank). Previously, David was a Director at Amazon for 12 years where he managed product, marketing, engineering, and operations teams across leadership roles in Amazon Global Payments, Amazon Web Services, and Amazon Advertising. David holds an MBA from Wharton School, an MS in Applied Physics from Cornell University, and a BS in Physics from MIT.

What's been your best investment?

By far my best investment has been in my education both formal, in the classroom, and informal, traveling the world and stretching my comfort zone. Investing in yourself is a no-regrets move!

Best financial advice?

Start investing as early and often as possible. It's so much easier to make mistakes or take risks and recover when you are younger than when you are older. However if you are older, it's also never too late to start investing!!

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

One of my dreams is to help my community in Hawaii, where my wife and I grew up. We recently moved back to help our family and raise our kids here and I would love to play a part in pushing Hawaii toward a sustainable economy and provide opportunities for folks growing up here to have more options to stay with fulfilling careers.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

This is really tough. I had to ask my wife and she was quick to point out that I start a LOT of hobbies that I never finish. So the money to buy all those ukuleles, DJ equipment, and bicycles for every type of terrain could have been put to better use in my investments.

Marissa brings over 20 years of experience in Design, UX, Product and Research. She joins us from Shipt, where she was SVP of Design, Research and Experience Insights. Prior to that, she held design and product leadership roles at LinkedIn, Apartment List, and Adobe. Marissa graduated from Stanford with a BS in Computer Science and an MS in Human Computer Interaction.

What's been your best investment?

My graduate degree. I realized I didn't want to do exactly what I was studying for my undergrad, but instead of entering an unhappy career I decided to invest further in myself and find something I love.

Best financial advice?

When there is free money, take it! In particular, participate fully in your company's 401k, or at least as much as they match. Learn to budget for a quarter so you can fully participate in your company's ESPP plan. Open accounts that grow tax free. Learn that even the best colleges offer free tuition and/or full financial aid (the Ivy's do for certain financial situations) and apply for every scholarship out there.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

I want to retire, travel until I'm bored, and then spend my time volunteering to help people live their best lives. Or maybe those last two together!

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I honestly don't have a splurge I regret, but I do on occasion wish I hadn't sold my first house and would have kept it as an investment.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

Rich’s career spans two decades where he has served as a leader in Treasury, Corporate, and Investor Relations at publicly traded companies. Most recently he was the Vice President of Finance at Twitter. Prior to Twitter, Rich held executive positions at AT&T and DreamWorks Animation, where he spent ten years as Deputy Financial Officer helping build the company into the leader of premium family content. While at Dreamworks, the company released the world’s highest-grossing animated film, Shrek 2. Rich holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BA in Economics from Hamilton College.

Patricia has dedicated 20 years to creating engaging workplaces. Patricia was the first HR hire for Acorns and during her time she has built a values-based culture focused on growth and talent development. Prior to Acorns, she held multiple roles at Experian, including overseeing HR Operations. Patricia earned a bachelors degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley. She currently resides in Irvine with her two future Acorns investors.

What's been your best investment?

My home. Not only does it continue to appreciate in value, it's also the home I plan to raise my family and create many lasting memories in. 

Best financial advice?

Start contributing early to a 401(k), but don't stay so laser focused on saving that you forget to enjoy the life that you earned.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

The ability to provide a nurturing and fulfilling life for my children and also live a comfortable retirement.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

Every handbag in my closet, whether a splurge or inexpensive, because I use the same one every day.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

Jessica is the Chief Communications Officer for Acorns and the Founder & Chairwoman of Bevel, the leading consumer finance communications consultancy, which is responsible for the communications and public relations strategies for a robust portfolio of clients. Before founding Bevel, Jessica led communications for Point72 Ventures, where she also served as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Steve Cohen’s family office, a $20B+ fund. Before Point72, Jessica was the Head of Marketing Communications and Director of Global Sales at Moody’s. Jessica holds her MBA in Finance from Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College and graduated summa cum laude with the Highest Honors from Quinnipiac University, where she studied Public Relations. She currently serves on the Board for Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation and volunteers a significant amount of her time doing public relations for nonprofits focused on pediatric cancer.

What's been your best investment?

Although at the time I wasn’t happy, investing in my future by pursuing my MBA in Finance while working full-time. It advanced my career at a young age and I’ve applied what I learned to a career in financial communications.

Best financial advice?

Don’t wait to invest. The worst decision you can make is doing nothing at all.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

The first time I stayed in Laguna I fell in love with the views and calmness of the water. I’ve always hoped to own a vacation home in the Hills so I can surf every morning.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

A Lululemon sweater crop top that was more than $150. Sweaters that are crop tops don’t make any sense. Also crop tops that are more than $20 should always be reconsidered.

Seth Wunder, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer of Acorns. Previously, Seth founded Los Angeles based black-and-white Capital LP as it's sole Portfolio Manager in May 2016, with assets at peak greater than one billion dollars. black-and-white Capital's investment mandate centered on innovation, including a concentration in software, internet, fintech, e-commerce and other disruptive trends. Before black-and-white Capital, Seth was a founding partner and portfolio manager at Contour Asset Management LLC, in New York. During the almost seven years of operating Contour, he led growth in assets from approximately $500mn to over $1.5bn. Seth started his career over two decades ago as an equity analyst at two mutual fund complexes: OppenheimerFunds and Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He holds a B.S. in Applied Economics and Business Management from Cornell University. 

What's been your best investment?

Starbucks (SBUX), we love the brand and the product! In 2008, my wife owned it in her 401k, and we have continued to stick with it. The stock was below $10 then and it’s over $100 today.

Best financial advice?

It’s important to leave emotions out of investment decisions. I’ve found it helpful to write down a couple sentences on why to buy or sell an investment.  The process of writing down the decision brings clarity and discipline to your financial decisions.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

Peace of mind in retirement.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I loved video games as a kid and owned EA stock at that time - I sold it and splurged on something (I can’t even remember what). If I had stuck with it, 25+ years later it would be worth dramatically more money - $100 then would be worth nearly $15,000 today.

Denise brings over 20 years of extensive Compliance experience with Investment Advisers and Broker Dealers. She was most recently Chief Compliance Officer at Forge Global. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Synovus Financial Corp and Legacy Advisory Partners. Denise earned her Bachelors of Science degree from St. John’s University and her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.

What's been your best investment?

My son's college education. He recently started the University of Southern California as a freshman.  As his mother, I carved out a path where his tuition is covered - without incurring debt, thus allowing him to fully focus on his studies.  There is the greatest and best investment I can make, in my child.

Best financial advice?

It's never too early to plan for the future.  Make a solid plan and stay on course.  Educate children at an early age, so they understand the importance and discipline it takes to strive for and achieve generational wealth.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

I hope to get to a place where I stop, pause, look around and say... "Yes, I did it!"

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I am methodical with my planning and spending, as a result there aren't any splurges that I would want to take back.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

Hugh is a technology executive, product leader, and architect who has built innovative technology at-scale for the world’s largest financial institutions. As Chief Architect and CTO for 14 years at JP Morgan Chase, he led the execution of strategic technology initiatives, including mobile banking, mobile payments, merchant acquiring, customer support systems, and big data. His mobile payments work has earned multiple industry awards, and 5 patents. Working with both large and small companies throughout his career, Hugh has a history of scaling platforms to new levels of potential. He has a BS in Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Delaware, and lives in Wilmington, DE with two future Acorns investors.

What's been your best investment?

My two kids. The financial investment is massive, but the returns are better than anything else I ever committed money to.

Best financial advice?

Just be comfortable living within your means.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

A beach house where I can open the windows and nap to the sounds of the ocean.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I worked in New York and I bought a lot of nice expensive suits. I don’t expect to wear a suit to work ever again.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

Ashley has over 18 years of legal experience, including 13 years leading in-house legal, regulatory and compliance teams at private equity and venture backed companies. Her business experience in executive roles as Chief Growth Officer of a social commerce startup and Chief Sales Officer at Arbonne, a global health and wellness company, offer her invaluable insight to the needs of her business partners and the customers we serve. While Chief Legal Officer at Arbonne, Ashley was named General Counsel of the Year - Private Company by the Orange County Business Journal and Top 20 Leading In-House Counsel by the Los Angeles Daily Journal.  Prior to going in-house, Ashley started her legal career at the global law firm Latham & Watkins, LLP where she focused on securities matters, public company representation, corporate finance transactions and mergers & acquisitions.  Ashley attended Duke University School of Law (Juris Doctor), Stanford University Graduate School of Education (Masters in Education) and Stanford University (Bachelors in Human Biology).

What's been your best investment?

Education. Law school is a serious financial investment. It was a proud moment for me when I was able to pay off all my student loans.  With my legal degree, I've created a career path with a rich variety of fulfilling professional and personal opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise.  

Best financial advice?

Make a budget and stick to it so you don’t live beyond your means. Having a plan can help reduce stress and allow you to thoughtfully focus on your personal priorities.  

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

The freedom to travel the world with my family and discover its rich diversity of landscapes and cultures.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I don’t splurge unless I’ve saved and planned for it, so they feel more like rewards for hard work than regrets.  

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

Prior to joining Acorns, Pete worked at AT&T where he was most recently the Vice President of Advanced Analytics & Marketing Technology for the AT&T Consumer Group. He has 20 years of experience leading data teams, including a team of 180 data scientists, data engineers, business analysts and marketing technologists to optimize customer acquisition, reduce retention and maximize CLTV for more than 70M Wireless, TV and Broadband customers. Throughout his career Pete has made it a mission to drive the business with fast actionable analytics and insights. He sits on the Georgia Tech Business Analytics Council, the Facebook Global Measurement Council and patented an algorithm on graphically rendering data. Pete also served in the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Pete has an AS in Computer Science, a BSBA from Tory University, an MBA in Technology Management from Georgia Tech and a certificate in AI from MIT. Pete has 4 college aged kids he’s counting the days till they’re off his payroll.

What's been your best investment?

My best investment has been in my education. I enlisted in the Army out of high school and after being injured and medically discharged I was faced with the reality of having no job, no education and kids to take care of. I spent years in night school earning an Associates, Bachelors and eventually a Masters Degree. Life is a journey and investing in learning has opened up opportunities for myself and my family I would have never dreamed possible.

Best financial advice?

It’s never too early to begin investing. Even a small bit put away when you’re young, has the chance to compound and grow.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

To keep improving my alpine skills and pursue climbing around the world.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

All the things I purchased on credit cards when younger; they seemed so necessary at the time but in hindsight were so costly.

Kennedy wasn’t looking for an in-house role when she took on Acorns as a client through her content and brand strategy consultancy. The mission and team changed her mind. Today, she works across the organization to bring our story, values, and vision to life. Previously, she started Kennedy Reynolds Consulting and partnered with clients from Under Armour to Microsoft on writing, content strategy and brand identity. Kennedy created the Brand and Storytelling Team at Zeno Group, a Daniel J. Edelman agency, while Vice President and Head of Digital Content in their New York Office. Her clients included Virgin America, Unilever, WeWork and the NFL. Prior, she was a Content Manager at Edelman, serving two of their largest global accounts.

Kennedy received her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at the University of London, where she published a collection of short stories and poems written by her class. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature and Language at Harvard University.

What's been your best investment?

My passport.

Best financial advice?

You can live in the moment and save for later. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Invest a portion of your money regularly, however small, and let that be the pot you never, ever touch. Forget it's there. With the rest, carpe diem.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

I hope my children get to see the world and I hope I get to see a bit of it with them.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

Outside of travel, all of them.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.

James has a proven record of scaling businesses across multiple industries in the Fortune 50, Fortune 200 and at start-ups. Most recently, as Chief Marketing Officer, James helped build the performance marketing and brand teams at Upstart, the leading AI lending platform. Before Upstart, he was the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Marketing Officer of Metromile, the leading usage-based car insurance business. Prior to joining Metromile, James was Chief Marketing Officer at DISH Network, the telecommunications giant, where he built the customer acquisition team to help accelerate subscription and ARPU growth. James started his career at Procter & Gamble where he led many brands including Old Spice, Gillette, Prilosec OTC, and Vicks.  James was named ADWEEK “Grand Marketer of the Year” for his work leading the Old Spice “Smell like a Man, Man” campaign.

James lives in Moraga, California with this wife and three daughters.

What's been your best investment?

Hands down the best investment has been my college education. It made me curious and passionate about learning.

Best financial advice?

Start saving early for your kids' college. Just a small amount every month compounds over time and I have been surprised how quickly it adds up. My father-in-law suggested I start early and now my three daughters will have the opportunity to go to college.

What dream do you hope investing helps you realize?

I love to travel and explore. My dream is to travel the world on a boat with my family.

What splurge do you wish you could take back (and invest instead)?

I bought a hot tub when I was in my 20’s and didn’t contribute to my IRA for several years because I was making payments on the hot tub. If I was thinking long-term I never would have made that decision.

Disclosure: Answers to the Q & A are not meant as investment advice and should not be read as recommendations to buy or sell securities.