Why the Hype Cycle Matters for Investors in Emerging Technologies.
As technology continues to rapidly advance, investors must be aware of the potential opportunities and pitfalls that come with investing in emerging technologies. One tool that investors can use to achieve this is the Hype Cycle.
The Hype Cycle is a model created by research and advisory firm Gartner that tracks the adoption and maturity of new technologies. It consists of five phases: the Technology Trigger, Peak of Inflated Expectations, Trough of Disillusionment, Slope of Enlightenment, and Plateau of Productivity.
As an investor, understanding where a technology is in the Hype Cycle is crucial for making informed investment decisions. The Technology Trigger phase is the earliest stage of the cycle when a new technology is introduced to the market. Investing in this phase can be risky as there is little information available, and the technology hasn’t proven itself yet.
The Peak of Inflated Expectations is the next phase, where the hype and excitement around the technology reach their highest point. Many investors jump on board during this phase, often driving up the price of the technology beyond its actual value. This creates a bubble that is unsustainable in the long run, and many investors who bought in at this point are often left with losses when the bubble bursts.
The Trough of Disillusionment is the next phase, where the hype dies down, and many investors lose interest in the technology. This is often the best time for investors to buy into the technology at a lower price, as the market has corrected itself and the technology is often more stable.
The Slope of Enlightenment is the phase when the technology begins to mature, and the market starts to understand its real value. This is often when more significant investments are made in the technology, as it has proven its worth and potential to succeed.
Finally, the Plateau of Productivity is the last phase, where the technology becomes widely adopted and integrated into society. Investing in this phase can be lower risk but also lower reward, as the technology has already been established.
Overall, the Hype Cycle is an essential tool for investors looking to invest in emerging technologies. It helps investors identify when a technology is overhyped, and the market has corrected itself, and when the technology is maturing and has the potential for significant growth. By analyzing the Hype Cycle, investors can make more informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
