This week I did an X Spaces (audio podcast on X) conversation with my friend @innerdevcrypto.
We live in different parts of the world so we don’t often meet face to face, but it’s always good to catch up with him and talk about life, the state of the world, AI, Robotics, and crypto. During this podcast I among others explain my new investment strategy and how I selected the assets. If you don’t want to spend a hour listening to the Spaces, this is an AI-generated summary with time stamps.
Innerdevcrypto is a (semi-)anonymous, extremely successful crypto trader, but unlike most crypto whales he is more focused on Inner Development and helping others, than on creating more financial wealth. Check out his X feed for some very interesting and sometimes unexpected content.
Marc van der Chijs (@marcvanderchijs) & Tim (@innerdevcrypto)
9 March 2026, 10 PM Singapore time
1. Geopolitics and the Middle East conflict
~0:55 – 6:00
Main points
- The conversation opens with discussion about the escalating conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and the broader Middle East.
- Marc believes war is always a mistake, and thinks the U.S. leadership underestimated Iran.
- There is uncertainty about the direction of the conflict:
- Could become a long war similar to Vietnam
- Could escalate into a larger global conflict
- Marc mentions that:
- Friends in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are mostly safe, though tensions are felt.
- Bombing is heard in the region but daily life continues normally in the UAE.
- Concerns discussed:
- Potential oil infrastructure attacks
- A 1970s-style oil crisis if oil supply is disrupted
- Oil prices above $100 often trigger recessions
- Marc suspects Trump expected a quick operation, similar to earlier regime-change attempts.
- However, Iran is described as:
- A large, historic civilization
- Unlikely to collapse quickly under pressure.
Marc’s investment stance during geopolitical uncertainty
- He is not trading around the news.
- Markets are too headline-driven.
- Strategy:
- Hold existing positions
- Avoid reacting emotionally to geopolitical volatility
2. Marc’s new investment strategy
~6:00 – 11:30
Tim asks about Marc’s portfolio reshuffling over the last year.
Major shift in portfolio
Marc explains:
- His crypto exposure is much smaller than before, although he remains bullish on Bitcoin.
- His portfolio is now heavily focused on AI and robotics.
Key holdings mentioned
- Tesla (large position)
- Galaxy Digital (AI data centers + crypto exposure)
New focus: Robotics
Marc believes:
- Robots will eventually replace most human labor
- Robotics is the next major technological wave after large language models
His strategy:
- Invest in “picks and shovels” for robotics
- Example components:
- Vision sensors
- Robotic actuators
- Motion systems
- Robotics hardware suppliers
3. Increasing investment exposure to China
~7:45 – 10:30
Marc explains he is diversifying geographically.
Previous allocation
- ~90% of investments in the United States
New target allocation
- ~60% United States
- ~40% outside the U.S.
Focus areas outside the U.S.
Mostly Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong, particularly in:
- Robotics
- AI infrastructure
- Data centers
- Solar and energy systems
Reasons:
- China may become a major AI power alongside the U.S.
- Provides a hedge against U.S. geopolitical or economic risks
Marc believes the future AI landscape will likely be dominated by two superpowers:
- United States
- China
4. How Marc used AI to build his portfolio
~10:00 – 11:30
Marc describes using AI models to help construct his investment strategy.
Tools mentioned:
- Grok
- ChatGPT
How he used them:
- Discussed investment goals with the models
- Analyzed robotics companies
- Compared:
- financial metrics
- industry positioning
- growth potential
- historical performance
Outcome:
- Selected 8–10 robotics-related stocks
- Chose direct investments rather than ETFs
Reason:
- Robotics ETFs had mediocre returns
- Individual companies had stronger growth potential
Strategy:
- Hold these companies long-term
- Expect robotics to become a major economic sector
5. Robotics and humanoid robots
~11:30 onward
Discussion shifts toward humanoid robotics, particularly:
- Tesla Optimus
- Chinese robotics companies (like Unitree)
Marc argues:
- The robotics revolution will be bigger than many investors currently expect.
- Robotics may become the next trillion-dollar industry after AI software.
His thesis:
- LLMs transformed software and knowledge work.
- Robotics will transform physical labor.
Implication:
- Eventually most labor could be automated.
Core Themes of the Conversation
1. Geopolitical instability
- War risk
- Oil shocks
- Economic consequences
2. AI-driven economic transformation
- AI software revolution
- Next phase: robotics
3. Investment strategy changes
- Less crypto concentration
- More AI infrastructure and robotics
4. China vs U.S. technological race
- Dual AI superpowers
- Geographic diversification of investments
5. AI as an investment research tool
- Using LLMs to analyze markets
- AI-assisted portfolio construction
Full conversation https://x.com/Innerdevcrypto/status/2029775982509322471
Innerdevcrypto X feed: https://x.com/Innerdevcrypto
Note: This conversation and this summary are not investment advice, just my personal opinions and my views on where the world is heading and how you can prepare for it.