# Simplified Investment Applications The Grain App Makes Searching for Stocks Easier and More Social By Michael Hines | Published 2017-03-22 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grain-app References: [producthunt](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/grain) & [itunes.apple](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grain-invest-with-friends/id1059700759?mt=8&ref=producthunt) The Grain app wants to make building a portfolio less intimidating. The investment app is powered by [IBM's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ibm-consulting) Watson supercomputer and lets you browse and buy stocks right from your phone. A simplified search function makes it easy to find companies and easy-to-understand terminology breaks down complex financial phrases. The Grain app also acts a bit like Venmo in that you can see what your friends are buying and selling in real-time. In addition to letting users [build a portfolio](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portfoliogpt) in the Grain app, existing portfolios can also be linked. This lets those who already have their investments lined up use the platform as more of a social media tool. The Grain app is one of a handful of fintech startups aiming to make the stock market less of a mystery and more of a social experience. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 45% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Simplified Investment Applications:** The Grain app uses IBM's Watson supercomputer to make it easier to browse and buy stocks from your phone. - **Easy-to-understand Terminology:** The Grain app breaks down complex financial phrases into simpler, more accessible language. - **Social Investing:** The Grain app allows users to see what their friends are buying and selling in real-time, creating a more social experience. ### Where This Applies - **Fintech:** Fintech startups like the Grain app are disrupting the stock market by making investing more user-friendly and social. - **Mobile Applications:** The Grain app brings simplified investment functionality to mobile devices, revolutionizing the way people manage their portfolios. - **Artificial Intelligence:** The Grain app leverages IBM's Watson supercomputer to provide intelligent search and analysis capabilities for investment purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Community-Centric Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communitycentric-investment-app.md) - [Real-World Data Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streetbeat-investment-app.md) - [Gamified Stock Trading Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stock-trading-apps.md) - [Teen-Targeted Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloom-app.md) - [Millennial-Minded Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/millennialminded-investment-app.md) - [Crypto-Compatible Investment Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cryptocompatible-investment-app.md) - [Influencer-Involved Investing Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/influencerinvolved-investing-app.md) - [AI Wine Investors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vinovest.md) - [AI-Powered Investment Strategies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-investment-strategies.md)