28 Nov Websummit 2024: Investors Share Predictions for the Future of Tech and Startups
At Web Summit 2024, three leading investors shared their insights on emerging trends, key focus areas, and what they believe will drive investments in 2025. Despite the AI craze, Kaitlin Holloway, co-founder of Alexis Ohanian Sr’s VC firm, 776, reassures founders that a pitch deck doesn’t need AI to catch investors’ attention.
So, where are the opportunities, and what advice do these seasoned investors have for startups?
Our teams, HeyOtters, Hope for Men, and Yeda, were in attendance, diving into the event’s rich networking and learning opportunities. Here are the highlights of their key takeaways!
Rashmi gopinath: transforming Healthcare and Infrastructure
As a General Partner at B Capital, Rashmi Gopinath emphasizes the importance of rearchitecting infrastructure and automating healthcare delivery. She sees significant potential in sectors that have remained stagnant for years. However, founders must balance intellectual curiosity with focus, adaptability, and the ability to make fast decisions based on feedback.
Kanu Gulati: Harnessing Deep Tech for Impact
Kanu Gulati from Khosla Ventures, with her background in deep tech, is excited about AI on hardware, autonomous systems, and sovereign AI models. She predicts growth in real-time voice and video applications, wearables, and humanoid robotics, believing these advancements could even affect national GDP. Her advice for founders? Hire top-tier talent early on and maintain a clear, consistent vision.
Katelin Holloway: Investing in Culture and Innovation
Focusing on space tech, climate tech, and cultural innovation, Katelin Holloway predicts a shift toward early-stage profitability and a growing interest in social and culture-changing initiatives, like sports as a community pillar. For first hires, she advises: “Hard to hire means hard to manage and hard to fire,” encouraging founders to be strategic in building their teams.
Tom Garber Co-Founder of Hope for MEn: Reflections from the Event
The meet-ups were a highlight, allowing us to connect with individuals who truly care about mental health and social impact. Summit Night capped off the experience; we met inspiring professionals who were genuinely interested in Hope for Men and open to exploring collaborations that could drive real change.
Looking Ahead: Trends to Watch in 2025
The panelists foresee a continued focus on AI, but with diverse applications, from deep tech to cultural innovation. Profitability, adaptability, and transformative technology will likely dominate the investment landscape.
Our teams left Web Summit inspired and motivated, leveraging these insights to refine their strategies and foster meaningful connections. What do you think? Will AI remain king, or will we see a broader range of industries reshaping the future of investment?