With 2022 on the horizon, many are curious as to which trends and industries are expected to flourish in the next year. In 2021, we saw an interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Healthcare, and all things surrounding remote work. Acknowledging that accurate predictions are difficult, if not impossible, what trends and industries are we watching in the new year?
White-Labeled Tech
One of the biggest trends in tech we anticipate taking hold in 2022 is white-labeled technology. At their core, white-labeled tech products are ready made licensed software products that are rebranded and sold to suit the purchaser’s needs.[1] In 2020, this trend emerged as many businesses turned to cheaper external solutions rather than having more expensive in-house resources. Specifically smaller businesses with limited resources turned to white-labeled tech in 2020 as a more cost-effective solution in light of the pandemic. With the ease of implementation and the low costs involved, we anticipate interest in white-labeled technology to grow.
Automobiles
Both new and used vehicle markets have soared throughout 2021 and we anticipate the same trend to continue into 2022. Supply chain delays have created bottlenecks for semiconductor chips used in the production of new cars.[2] As more people are back in their vehicles after loosened COVID-19 restrictions, those bottlenecks are limiting the production of new vehicles, shifting automobile demand has shifted from the new car market to the used car market. Since March of 2020, used car prices are up 39.8%, according to FRED Economic Data.[3] With supply chain inconsistencies not anticipated to be resolved until 2023, the markets for both new and used automobiles are a trend to watch over the next year.
Real Estate
Working from home caused many individuals and families to desire to upgrade their living quarters, and the housing supply is reported to be at the lowest level since the 1970s.[4] Paired with high inflation and low interest rates[5], the residential real estate market has soared around the country, causing many to stick to the rental market longer than desired. With the market red hot, it will be interesting to see how long this trend lasts into 2022.
Metaverse
The metaverse concept has been around for years but re-emerged into the spotlight in recent weeks after Facebook rebranded its parent company to “Meta” and announced a focus on furthering the metaverse. Simply put, the metaverse is a hypothesized version of the internet with a focus on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). In theory, users interact within the metaverse as if they were in person. A concept welcomed by many, and criticized by even more, many prolific tech CEOs and founders sing the praises of the “next generation internet”. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, declared that the metaverse is a “multitrillion-dollar opportunity” in a recent article on Bloomberg.[6] With skeptics and believers alike, we anticipate ongoing interest in the metaverse.
Sustainability
Social responsibility and ESG factors have come into focus as customers desire to know the true costs of supporting a company. Amount of carbon emissions and pollution, fair labor practices, and political beliefs can deter a new customer or solidify an existing customer, based on how closely a company’s beliefs and actions match the customer’s beliefs. Customers are demanding more sustainable and ethical businesses, and this is a trend expected to continue into 2022.
Final Thoughts
Which of these trends are you most excited for in 2022? Head over to our Twitter to let us know.
[1] https://www.cynopsis.com/cyncity/will-white-label-ad-tech-solutions-become-the-new-black/
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/chip-shortage-car-prices-sky-high-through-2023/
[3] https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CUSR0000SETA02
[4] https://www.noradarealestate.com/blog/housing-market-predictions/
[5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor-intelligence/2021/11/24/inflation-interest-rates-and-the-fed/?sh=3887615742b5
[6] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-17/metaverse-is-a-multitrillion-dollar-opportunity-epic-ceo-says
*****
The information presented here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as, comprehensive offering documentation for any security, investment, tax or legal advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, an interest, directly or indirectly, in any company. Investing in both early-stage and later-stage companies carries a high degree of risk. A loss of an investor’s entire investment is possible, and no profit may be realized. Investors should be aware that these types of investments are illiquid and should anticipate holding until an exit occurs.
