If you don’t think about the future, you cannot have one
Sometimes it seems that the startup world is coming to an end and every idea has been looked into and someone has already tried it out. But that is not the case. There are not only many new good ideas but also ways to improve an existing idea. It’s about the execution of an idea.
Having said that one wants to make sure that one also makes money in their project. And they want everything to go in their favor. Well, not everything can go in your favor, but you can choose to go in the direction the world is leaning towards. and get a head start. Below are some of the industries which not only solve customers’ requirements but also make investors invest in your company.
1. AI-Based Startup
Ok. let’s get rid of the elephant in the room first. Artificial Intelligence. This is something that has been creeping into our lives, whether we know it or not, whether we like it or not. People who know about AI, either just love it or think that this will be the end of humanity. But both parties agree to that the only way to be on top of it is to be ahead in this technology. That means even if the world is going to end, if you choose to stay ahead, you might die in a Billion dollar mansion.
So AI seems to be the most promising field to put your resources in. But beware, do not pick a tech/service that could be replaced easily by another AI.
Some AI Based Startups are doing really well. Which have piqued the interest of investors worldwide. Especially in the last couple of years.
SenseTime
Funding raised: $2.6B
Location: Hong Kong
SenseTime has successfully raised the most amount in this realm – an astounding $2.6 billion. They are currently focused on facial recognition technology but are also working on driving and other domains where AI can be useful.
UBTech Robotics
Funding raised: $2M
Location: Shenzhen, China
UBTech Robotics is more focused on making human-like robots. They design, engineer, manufacture, and retail these robots, with 4 models already out for purchase. They are trying to introduce AI in the Education system as well. They want the robots to be the future teachers. Along with that, they are also working on Human Assistant models.
Horizon Robotics
Funding Raised: $2.2B
Location: Beijing, China
Horizon Robotics is making AI efficient in the backend, that is embedded technology. They are basically designing the brain of the hardware. These chips/hardware will be used in auto-driving cars and other self-sufficient robots, including factory assembly units.
2. Sustainability
Well, this should not come as a surprise that today we are more concerned about our sustainable life than ever. People are getting more and more aware of the importance of the same. Anything related to sustainability is seeing massive growth both from the point of view of audience/consumers as well as investors.
Part of this is using recyclable material in products. From Clothing to shaving kit. Anything that is currently having a negative impact on the planet should be rethought and if possible changed. And this is the best time to do so.
Grove Collaborative
Funding Raised: $632M
Location: San Francisco, United States
Grove Collaborative claims to be the best company out there to provide multiple options for sustainable household products for daily use. These include soaps, dispensers, cleaning materials, etc.
Moxion Power
Funding Raised: $113.2M
Location: Richmond, California, United States
Moxion is working on creating efficient temporary power. Portable power to support the construction industry, events & entertainment, utilities, EV fleet operators, and government agencies. It is trying to change the way we move energy through our environment.
Bevi
Funding Raised: $130M
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Bevi is working to provide a smart solution to replace one-time-use, water bottles with smart water dispensers. They have both residential as well commercial models available.
3. Waste management
It’s not enough to live a sustainable life you also have to make sure you do not produce waste. And if you do, we need smart solutions to get rid of them. Investors, as well as Governments round the globe, are interested in such kinds of solutions. So if you think you can a way to manage the waste this is the right time to put your brains to work.
Rubicon
Funding Raised: $382M
Location: Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Rubicon creates software to help you better understand, optimize, and reduce your waste. Basically, they are digitalizing waste management and making it efficient. They work with each client and figure out the best solution and automate it.
Compology
Funding Raised: $37.8M
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Compology uses cameras on dumpsters, tracking, and AI software solutions to manage waste monitoring systems. The camera and accelerometer make sure to notify the admin that the dumpster needs to be replaced. The concerned team comes and takes care of it.
Enevo
Funding Raised: $55M
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Enevo provides a cloud-based software platform and sensor portfolio to waste services companies, property managers, haulers (small and large), campus environments, cities, and municipalities to better understand their waste-related operations. They provide the right tools to collect and analyze detailed data from your waste containers enabling them to take the correct actions for controlling your waste-related operations better and improve recycling rates and your environmental impact.
4. Educational Content
Something that has become more relevant than before is good education. And the reason for this is the diverse fields and the lack of available experts in one’s local area. Thus more and more parents are looking to online solutions to make sure their kids get the opportunity to get educated on the latest from the best educators. Companies that are trying to fill this gap with efficiency are seeing a good amount of growth.
MasterClass
Funding raised: $461M
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
MasterClass is trying to bring experts in different fields directly to clients. It is more like a celebrity coaching session. You get an online course created/presented by industry experts like Gordan Ramsey, Sir Richard Branson, Serena William, and more.
ApplyBoard
Funding raised: $483M
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
ApplyBoard is trying to bring online education to all parts of the world. They want to provide standard education facilities to places where education is not a top priority. They are helping these students to get ready for higher education and get admission to good colleges across different nations.
Udacity
Funding raised: $235M
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Udacity specializes in creating online learning platforms for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. They design workshops and platforms to facilitate such operations.
5. Products for pets
In western countries, the rise of single people even later in life is increasingly alarming. And more people are looking for some companionship. This has seen growth in the pet food and toys industries. With people making more and fewer people to spend, creates a good market for pet-related items.
Butternut Box
Funding raised: $113M
Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Butternut Box is providing customers high quality, human-grade food for dogs delivered to your door steps. They are getting away with the universal food for all types of dog breeds or different dogs’ tastes. Thus, providing tasty and healthy solutions for each pet.
The Farmer’s Dog
Funding raised: $103M
Location: New York, New York, United States
The Farmer’s Dog is shipping healthy packed nutritious food to your doorsteps. They are working on a large-scale packed food with different options and preparation methods.
Embark Veterinary
Funding raised: $94.3M
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Embark Veterinary helps to provide greater insights into your dog’s breed, health, and close relations, using DNA technology. This helps to give better medical attention to dogs and take care of them.
It’s ok to know which way different industries are heading. Pick the one that you are interested in and give your 100%. Understanding your customer’s requirements is like winning half the game. Understanding what future requirements your customers will have now that’s thinking ahead.
Best of Luck!