The AI Boom: Navigating the Future in a World of Unknowns

In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the current scenario feels akin to the early days of the internet. Much like the past, we stand on the brink of transformative change, unsure of the full extent of AI’s future impact, but confident that it will be monumental.

AI is already permeating various sectors, from medicine to military operations and finance, shaping a future that is both exciting and uncertain. Reflecting on this, it’s reminiscent of 1996 when we couldn’t have fathomed a paperless financial world accessed with our fingerprints or instant access to a wealth of information on our screens.

While the impending wave of AI companies hitting the stock market is inevitable, history teaches us to approach with caution. With around 58,000 AI companies globally, approximately 15,000 in the U.S., and new ones emerging daily, a surge of public offerings is on the horizon.

Drawing parallels to the dot-com boom, where companies with no revenue skyrocketed based on potential user numbers, we’re reminded of the risks. Many failed, a handful thrived like Amazon and eBay. The lesson? Amid the excitement, scrutinize small, low-priced AI stocks as if your investment depends on it.

Unlike the frenzy around big tech firms like Microsoft and IBM, the allure lies in discovering the next ground-breaking AI company. But tread carefully; not every newcomer will be the next success story. Remember the cautionary tales of the dot-com era, where for every triumph, countless companies went to zero.

As we navigate the uncharted waters of the AI revolution, let’s heed the lessons of history. In 1996, the internet held promises and perils; today, AI follows suit. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and remember the essence of ’96 as you explore the promising, yet unpredictable, world of artificial intelligence.

Sven Franssen