2021 was generally considered a year of recovery and growth for the venture capital ecology, while 2022 was a year of opportunity. The rise of hybrid work, headline-grabbing supply chain woes, and renewed emphasis on sustainability and climate change in business provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and their fast-growing start-ups to tackle challenges and offer new solutions. Despite more uncertainty next year, entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to disrupt the market, attract venture capital (VC) firms and gain a foothold. So in this blog, let’s look at the major factors of technology investment in startups in 2022 and beyond.
Technologies: Leading Drivers
The venture capital ecosystem is starting to look like the only lifeblood of a world economy largely devoid of new concepts. In 2021, a record amount of money will be poured into venture capital. Through 2022, the investment will increase as reliance on the creativity, efficiency, and problem-solving capabilities of VC-backed technologies increases. Today, several trends and technologies have influenced investment choices and cycles. John Lervik, the founder of Cognite, argues that the contribution of industrial technology to mitigating global warming needs to be more appreciated. Industrial companies now need to implement digital software tools. The venture capital Indian ecosystem is poised to tap into this fast-growing segment.
As more and more companies embrace automation and digitization, data is becoming increasingly important in environmental decision-making. Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, Powerful AI Services, business intelligence, and cloud tools will be important in solving environmental problems. These tools will support sustainable business practices through greater transparency, productivity, and energy management.
The Next Tech Paradigm Shift- Meta Hype
Venture firms and other early-stage investors are watching the next technology paradigm shift: the Metaverse. While still in its infancy, the Metaverse is already starting to take shape as an extension of the physical world thanks to cutting-edge innovations in blockchain, virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). And many other fields. The effects on workplace dynamics, participant or employee satisfaction, and the companies will be profound. As the metaverse focuses on building a user-centric economy, which will, in turn, financially benefit thousands of people, and this transformative capability of new technology has attracted venture capital firms and early-stage investors, it is this trend. This trend is likely to continue. For example, the Silicon Valley-based startup striver is already working with Bank of America and Walmart, providing the infrastructure needed to train employees in virtual reality.
The concept of “meta” is at the top of most innovation programs due to continuous technological advances, remote working, decentralization, and the growing emphasis on virtual worlds. An arrogant tech giant took over even the name. But it is becoming clear that mega-development cycles are taking much longer than initially thought and that more hardware innovation is still needed. Therefore application domains still need to be improved. Big Tech will attempt to control the metaverse but will face serious hurdles due to shifting power dynamics, IP/content rights, and the rapid decentralization of technology, especially the increased use of the blockchain. New technologies play a transformative role in the education, retail, tourism, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. Early-stage investors and venture capital firms in India will continue to seize opportunities in these sectors beyond 2022.
Healthcare: The Rise Of Telemedicine
Digital platforms will continue to take center stage, moving beyond current apps that connect patients and therapists to offer more self-service solutions, given the severe shortage of healthcare workers, including many who also face burnout. In 2022, patients will have more treatment alternatives thanks to the maturation of psychedelics and increased support, just as video consultation and telemedicine have become essential elements of the health mix. The deployment and delivery of psychedelic-focused therapies will be highly dependent on technology. Although current technologies are still in their infancy, they will give millions of people who currently do not have access to treatment better access as venture capital investment increases. The adaptation of virtual reality in healthcare is a reality of today and tomorrow; it will be a dominant factor. Building on the metaverse’s promising features, New York City-based healthcare companies Medivis and Los Angeles-based Embody Labs are using HoloLens to train medical personnel with 3D anatomical models and 360-degree video tutorials. The opportunities are immense for investors and startups working in the healthcare sector.
Reverse Globalization
We have all experienced disruptions and shortages as customers and businesses due to shortages in the supply chain. A perfect storm for the global supply chain formed in 2021 due to a surge in severe weather and a lack of workers and space for goods, putting further pressure on companies to change how they produce and market their goods and reorganize transport. Companies focus less on cost reduction and building the capacity and resilience to weather the turmoil. As a result, the supply chain is on the brink of revolution. This will likely lead companies to move their operations closer to the consumer. In Bank of America research, 75% of companies reported reshoring activities at their headquarters or in neighboring countries.
Cloud Computing
Those focusing on overhauling or optimizing corporate structures and operations in response to pandemic issues are particularly effective. The right brand has the potential to revolutionize contract administration, supply chain management, and warehousing, and many VCs will be happy to invest in this innovation. Faster technological learning and the introduction of useful applications will favorably affect routine operations. Countless new integrations and use cases are being created using AI applications, whether used in self-driving vehicles, warehouses, or general distribution. There is a tremendous opportunity for startups to take advantage of this, with organizations that enable AI being inextricably linked to the operational framework of any business that stands out. Thanks to COP26, climate catastrophe and sustainability are now at the center of public opinion. To achieve sustainable growth, job creation, and action against the climate crisis, several developed and developing countries have aimed to develop a reputation as a country renowned for cutting-edge technologies and green innovation.
The Road Ahead
Growth is what all startups are looking for. It’s a dominant force in the startup ecosystem worldwide. To achieve this, they need investment. Venture capital firms and startup investors focus on their ability to adapt to new technologies. Venture capital firms and investors carry a certain degree of risk, but every venture capital firm also considers Apple and Microsoft.
