Innovations in ETF Investing: A Deep Dive with Mike Venuto, Tidal’s CIO

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Mike Venuto, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Tidal Financial Group, to discuss the fascinating world of ETFs. Tidal Financial is a leading ETF investment technology platform, managing over $29 billion in assets across 183 ETFs, including popular brands like YieldMax, Defiance, Amplify, Sofi, and Cambria. Mike shares insights into the latest ETF innovations, the growing active ETF landscape, and the introduction of two F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early) focused ETFs—FIRS and FIRI. We also explore Tidal's unique approach to portfolio management, compliance, and strategy, as well as their role in supporting thematic ETFs such as CCSO, ETHO, and JSTC. Learn how Tidal helps investors align their portfolios with their values, the rise of Dividend and REIT ETFs, and the story behind YieldMax ETFs like TSLY and YMAX. If you’re curious about the future of ETFs or thinking about launching your own, this is a must-watch! ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Tidal ETFs 01:00 CIO Mike Venuto’s Background 01:21 Welcome Mike and all about Tidal 04:45 Mike’s role at Tidal and background on the state of ETFs and recent innovations 07:45 Tidal’s role as advisor to ETF clients 12:10 Active ETF landscape and Tidal’s role 12:55 Discussing BLOK ETF 13:35 Cathie Wood’s role in developing Active ETFs 14:52 Discussing JEPI and QYLD ETF 15:43 Discussing Kevin Simpson and DIVO ETF 16:20 Introducing F.I.R.E. ETFs 18:10 Discussing FIRS and FIRI ETFs 19:35 Comparing FIRS and FIRI to VTI 21:55 Discussing VETZ ETF 23:00 Difference between using FIRS and VTI for F.I.R.E. 26:00 Mike’s F.I.R.E. Journey 27:45 How FIRI and FIRS can fit into a F.I.R.E. Plan 32:52 Climate focused ETFs - CCSO - Carbon Collective Climate Solutions ETF 35:14 Discussing ETHO ETF 35:37 Discussing Sharia-aligned ETF - SPUS 36:05 Discussing Social Justice ETF - JSTC 36:27 Discussing Women’s Empowerment ETF - WOMN 38:00 How Tidal gives you control of what your money is supporting 39:35 Discussing Dividend ETFs 39:45 Discussing DIVY ETF 41:38 Discussing REIT ETFs 41:42 Discussing IRET ETF 43:04 Discussing HAUS ETF 43:27 Discussing LBAY ETF 44:40 Discussing YieldMax ETFs 45:24 How YieldMax started 46:38 Discussing TSLY ETF 47:17 Discussing YMAX ETF 48:07 Discussing NEW Dorsey Wright ETFs - FEAT and FIVY 51:28 Investing in Small-Cap ETFs - IWMY 51:31 - How different asset classes performed over time 51:50 What’s coming next in ETFs and with Tidal 54:43 Discussing Tom Lee’s Granny Shot ETF - GRNY 55:36 How can I start a “Dividend Stockpile ETF” with Tidal? 58:33 Where to get more info on Tidal funds 59:20 Thanks Mike!