Whether you’re new to investment or already have a well-established portfolio and are simply looking for some fresh ideas, the following future-shaping industries all offer the potential of great profitability. These fields have exciting implications for the world, and could offer you more than mere financial R.O.I – such as fascinating insights into today’s most relevant and fast-developing industries.
Travel Accommodation
Travelling is easier than ever before. Cheap and regular flights can be booked online in mere minutes, whilst advances within the transport industry has shortened commuting time and made the overall experience of going abroad more comfortable and efficient. As countries begin to welcome more tourists from more parts of the world, the holiday accommodation industry is booming. Whether it is hotels, hostels, holiday apartments, home exchanges or other accommodation options such as those offered through Airbnb and Couchsurfing – the hospitality industry continues to flourish and find innovative ways to offer a wealth of accommodation choices for the growing variety of travellers.
Contemporary Art
Notoriously difficult to get into, but with a surging profit potential for those with a good eye for art trends; the world of contemporary art continues to boom as galleries across the world sell conceptual and decorative pieces at shocking prices. In 2015, global art market sales reached £37bn. There are, however, plenty of art critics and successful investors who advise against putting money into such an unpredictable industry, whilst many others simply think that art should be bought ‘for pleasure, not profit’.
Virtual Reality Gaming
Virtual reality gaming is, without a doubt, the hottest thing to have happened to gaming in last couple of decades. Though the concept in itself is hardly new, 2016 has been the first year to see the idea well executed, with comfortable, immersive and affordable VR consoles now available on the global market. This transformative shift from traditional gaming will attract new players and new developers, with more money pouring into the industry as a result. As virtual reality gaming is still a new industry, there are tons of opportunities to get involved with up-and-coming indie game studios, console design development and companies specialized in the promotion and sales of games.
Online Casino and Poker
In the same vein as gaming, online casino has become the latest fast-growing segment within online gambling, with online poker also experiencing something of a revival. The comeback of online poker is likely to become more pronounced after US states such as California follow through with their online poker legislation bills which would decriminalize the act of playing poker for real money on licensed sites. With gambling laws relaxing in other countries across the world, the potential for both online casino and poker sites to increase their scope and profitability is worth considering in terms of investment opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is already becoming incorporated in countless industries, used for everything from customer service to self-driving cars to search engines. The scope of AI, and subsequent degree to which it is employed in various fields, is only going to increase in years to come. Whether you think AI will help humanity progress for the better, or believe AI marks the end of civilization as we know it, there doesn’t seem to be any stopping its development and appeal to businesses. The increasing extent to which AI is being used by companies makes the technology a very profitable field in which to invest today.
3D Printing
3D printing presents many cost-efficient solutions that are attractive to businesses. Whilst the technology has come a long way in recent years, there is a lot of room for development which will make the technology even more useful for businesses in the next few decades. Greg Emerson explains; “It’s not often that a revolution comes along to change everything, but like the Internet changed the way we communicate and share information, 3D printing will fundamentally change the way we make things.”
Drones
Everything from mail delivery to farming is, and will continue to become, more efficient with the use of drones. Just like with 3D printing, the drone industry is still relatively new and therefore presents difficulties for investors when deciding upon the best technologies in which to invest. It is important, before buying stocks, to research the major players within the drone industry and consider how well you think they will be able to stay on top of the rapidly changing drone technology.
Wine & Beer
Whatever the state of the economy, the wine industry never seems to get hit too hard. Unsurprising, perhaps, considering wine has played an important cultural role in societies for centuries, and is a passion for millions of people. The wine business is expected to grow even more profitable by next year, but it isn’t the only alcoholic beverage attracting investors. The popularity of craft ale has swept across Western cities of late, associated somewhat with a younger demographic interested in experimental and alternative brews as opposed to big brands like Heineken and Carlsberg. If the idea of investing in a local brewery has ever appealed to you, now is a good time to act.
Arguably more important than a speedy return on investment is that you choose to invest in an industry about which you’re passionate and therefore more likely to stick with. Knowing exactly what your investee company does and how capable thiscompany will be in dealing with industry hurdles in the future is the key to making safer investment decisions. Whilst all of the industries listed above can certainly be described as “the next big thing”, keep in mind that not all companies within those industries necessarily warrant a label so bold.
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