The Next Big Thing: How to Spot It Before It’s Too Late
Sometimes, we feel like we have a great intuition about the future. But, acting on that belief is the hard part. I’ve experienced this firsthand, especially when my friend bought a Palm Pilot in 1997. At the time, I thought, they will make a phone out of this someday. Yet, I didn’t act on that belief. I did buy some Apple stock for my clients, but not as much as I should have.
While earlier tech companies didn’t always succeed, the ones that did changed the game. Had I just bought and held onto those stocks, the outcome would have been much better. Now, I spend my time researching AI to see how it will truly reshape the world. The AI revolution is unfolding right now, but the question remains: who will be the winner?
Rather than betting on several startups, I believe the winner is usually one of the big companies that buys up promising technology. But how can we spot the next big thing before it takes off? Here are five keys to watch for when researching companies poised for future success.
1. Visionary Leadership
A company’s leadership is often a strong indicator of its future success. Look for CEOs or founders who think outside the box and have a clear vision for how they want to disrupt their industry. Companies with leaders who understand where technology is headed—and how to leverage it—are often the ones that create the next big thing.
2. Disruptive Technology
The companies that rise to the top are often the ones with disruptive technology. Look for innovations that challenge the status quo or introduce entirely new ways of solving problems. These technologies usually offer something faster, cheaper, or more efficient than current solutions, and they have the potential to reshape entire industries.
3. Scalability
It’s essential to assess whether a company’s technology can scale. Can the product or service grow to serve millions—or even billions—of people? If the answer is yes, the company is far more likely to dominate its market and become the “next big thing.”
4. Strategic Partnerships
Often, the companies that succeed in becoming industry leaders form strategic partnerships early on. These partnerships can help them gain market share, access new customers, or develop complementary technologies. Pay attention to the alliances a company is forming—they can be a good indicator of its future potential.
5. Track Record of Acquisitions
The real winners are often big companies that buy up promising startups. Rather than focusing solely on small, unproven companies, it’s worth watching larger companies that have a history of acquiring innovative tech. These companies often leverage these acquisitions to stay at the cutting edge of new technology trends.
The next big thing is already in motion. Whether it’s in AI, quantum computing, or another yet-to-be-discovered field, being prepared to recognize the signals can help you get ahead. While startups can be exciting, often the safest bet is to keep an eye on the giants—they’re usually the ones that strike gold in the end.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.
