2019 Tech Investment Trends: A Glimpse into the Future
March 2019
2019 Tech Investment Trends: A Glimpse into the Future
As we near the close of Q1 2019, it's a good time to reflect on emerging tech investment trends shaping the landscape. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it highlights key areas where global investment is flowing. From the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) to the commercialization of novel biotechnologies, the technological advancements influencing the economy are vast. Let’s take a closer look at these trends and what they might mean for investors and entrepreneurs in the years to come.
Key Investment Trends Shaping 2019
1. Commercialization of Lab-Grown Meat
The growing trend of non-antibiotic and lab-grown meat represents a significant investment opportunity within the food industry. As consumer demand for sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional animal farming increases, lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives are becoming more mainstream. This is part of a larger trend toward more sustainable food sources that reduce the environmental impact of meat production.
2. The Rise of Anti-GMO and Gluten-Free Products
Consumer preferences are shifting away from genetically modified organisms (GMO) and gluten-laden foods, giving rise to new categories of health-focused, clean-label products. The growing demand for organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free options creates lucrative opportunities for food tech companies to innovate and scale in the health-conscious food market.
3. AI vs. Human and AI vs. AI in Gaming
Artificial intelligence is playing a more significant role in the gaming industry, with AI vs. Human and AI vs. AI dynamics revolutionizing gaming experiences. AI technologies are now being used to design smarter, more interactive gameplay, while AI-driven characters and opponents enhance player experiences. This trend will only continue to grow as gaming becomes increasingly immersive.
4. Financial Intermediation for the Gig Economy
With the rise of the gig economy, there is a growing need for financial services that cater to non-traditional workers. Investment is flowing into platforms that offer gig workers financial products such as loans, pensions, and tax management services—solutions traditionally available only to salaried employees. This area promises a revolution in financial intermediation for the flexible workforce.
5. AI-Based Savings and Investment for Millennials
Millennials, who are more tech-savvy than previous generations, are increasingly turning to AI-driven platforms for personal finance management. These platforms offer automated savings, investments, and budgeting tools, allowing users to easily manage their financial portfolios without the need for traditional financial advisors. The convenience of AI-based financial planning aligns with millennials' preferences for simplicity and efficiency.
6. Smart Contracts in Real Estate, Capital Markets, and Legal
Blockchain technology and smart contracts are creating new possibilities in real estate, capital markets, and legal sectors. By automating contract execution and ensuring transparency and security, smart contracts streamline transactions, reduce fraud, and cut down on legal costs. As blockchain technology matures, we can expect widespread adoption of smart contracts across industries.
7. Off-the-Shelf AI and Federated Machine Learning
AI innovation is becoming more accessible through off-the-shelf solutions and federated machine learning. This trend allows companies, even those with limited resources, to leverage AI and machine learning technologies without needing deep technical expertise. Federated learning enables machine learning models to be trained across multiple devices while keeping data decentralized, offering a more secure way to utilize AI in industries ranging from healthcare to finance.
8. Ketogenic Diet and Ketosis-Related Products
The ketogenic diet has seen explosive popularity, and so have its associated products. This diet, which promotes weight loss through high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating, has driven investment in related food products, supplements, and wellness offerings. Companies that produce ketosis-inducing products, including those like raspberry ketones, are gaining attention from both consumers and investors.
9. Integrated Mobility Solutions
The future of transportation is all about seamless, hassle-free travel experiences. Rather than focusing on the modes of transport, integrated mobility solutions aim to offer consumers a unified travel service that makes commuting easier, more efficient, and more sustainable. This includes everything from multi-modal transport options to integrated payment systems and mobility-as-a-service platforms.
10. Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Edge Computing
Industrial IoT (IIoT) is poised to revolutionize manufacturing and production processes, with applications in connectivity, cybersecurity, and real-time data analytics. As edge computing becomes more mainstream, IIoT will enable faster data processing on-site, which can reduce latency and improve decision-making. With increasing connectivity in industrial environments, securing IIoT systems will become critical for ensuring operational integrity.
11. Managed Services for Energy Efficiency via IoT
The adoption of IoT in energy management is driving investments in smart energy solutions for buildings, factories, hotels, and homes. By using connected devices to monitor energy consumption, companies can optimize their energy usage and improve efficiency. This trend toward IoT-enabled managed services aligns with the global focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.
12. AI-Specific ASIC Hardware for IoT Devices
The rise of IoT devices has created demand for specialized hardware tailored for AI applications. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) are designed to optimize machine learning and AI functions within IoT devices, offering more efficient data processing and energy consumption. As IoT continues to proliferate, ASICs are likely to become a key investment area.
13. AI-Enabled Cognitive Behavioral Therapy via Wearables
AI is being integrated into wearable technology to provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), helping individuals manage mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. Wearables and mobile devices now offer digital therapies that support mood modulation, mindfulness, and meditation, paving the way for AI-driven mental wellness solutions.
14. Transition to Multi-Factor Authentication and Password-less Technology
The fight against cybercrime is pushing the tech industry toward more secure authentication methods. Moving beyond static passwords to dynamic, multi-factor authentication methods—such as biometric recognition or two- and three-factor authentication—will help secure sensitive information and reduce the risk of data breaches. The industry is also exploring the possibility of a password-less future to streamline user experiences and improve security.
15. Cloud Security and IoT Botnet Threats
As IoT devices continue to proliferate, the demand for robust cloud security increases. The vulnerabilities within cloud environments—especially in consumer products like smart home devices—are leading to an increase in IoT-based botnet attacks and worms. Investment in securing IoT devices and developing scalable cloud security solutions will remain a top priority.
16. Alt News Channels and Fighting Fake News
The spread of misinformation has led to a growing demand for more reliable sources of news. Alternative news channels and trustworthiness ratings of news sources are gaining traction as consumers seek verified, fact-checked content. Investment is flowing into platforms that can provide transparency in news reporting and combat the spread of fake news.
17. Fighting Rogue AI and Malicious Digital Threats
With the rise of AI, there is a growing concern about rogue AI being used for malicious purposes, such as creating malware, identity theft, or digital extortion. To counter this, companies are investing in cybersecurity solutions that can detect and prevent attacks from malicious AI. This trend highlights the need for robust digital defenses as AI becomes more integrated into everyday life.
18. Smart Glasses in Industrial Settings
Smart glasses, once seen as a consumer novelty, are finding applications in industrial settings. Companies are investing in augmented reality (AR)-enabled smart glasses that help workers in manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance perform tasks more efficiently by overlaying useful data and instructions directly onto their field of vision.
19. Virtual Characters and Digital Relationships
Virtual characters, including AI-driven “cyber” boyfriends and girlfriends, are becoming more popular, particularly among younger generations. These virtual personas, often powered by AI and machine learning, offer companionship and social interaction, which could represent a new frontier in digital relationships.
20. Reinventing Entertainment in the Social Media Era
The entertainment landscape is undergoing a transformation as social media platforms converge with the experience economy. New ventures are emerging that blend entertainment, social media, and social approval into immersive, interactive experiences. Investors are betting on the next generation of entertainment platforms that cater to the intersection of personal experiences, social validation, and content consumption.
21. Blockchain for FinTech: KYC, Trade Finance, and Regulation
Blockchain technology is becoming increasingly important in the financial services sector. Its application in Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, trade finance, and regulatory compliance is revolutionizing how financial institutions operate. As the need for secure, transparent, and efficient systems grows, blockchain’s role in fintech continues to expand.
Conclusion
These 2019 investment trends provide a glimpse into the rapidly evolving tech landscape, where AI, blockchain, and IoT are reshaping industries and creating new growth opportunities. From health tech to the gig economy, smart mobility to digital entertainment, the areas attracting significant investment reflect broader shifts in consumer behavior, technological innovation, and societal needs. As we move forward, it will be crucial to watch these trends closely and explore how they continue to intersect and evolve, driving the next wave of tech investment.