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The Changing Venture Capital Investment Climate For AI – Forbes

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The venture capital (VC) world often follows the general trends of the markets. When social media is the in-thing, investors will flock to all manner of social media startups. The same goes for any area of investing from mobile apps to live-work-play co-working places and everything in between. So too is the investor perspective on artificial intelligence. When it became clear less than a decade ago that AI was the latest, hottest place to build companies that could grow from tiny startups to huge public market exits of acquisitions, the VC community got all in. 

In the past few years, it seemed that just the mere mention of AI in your product was attractive enough to raise substantial funding rounds. As a result, startups of all sorts played into this trend adding AI and ML jargon and buzzwords into business plans or marketing material and raising more money than ever. Yet, are these companies actually building solutions that the market is looking for and pusing AI forward, or are they simply “AI-washing” their otherwise unintelligent offerings?

Waves of Investment in AI

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We’ve been here before. In fact, this latest wave of AI is the third major wave of AI research, development, and investment, with the first two waves coming roaring in and crashing down in what became known as the AI Winters. Much has been talked about whether this latest AI summer will be permanently here to stay, but we can look at the investor climate as an early warning to see if attention, interest, and resources continue to be strong for AI or we’re already starting to see signs of an impending chill in the market.

During the first wave of AI starting in the 1950’s initial funding was largely supplied by governments. Governments funded R&D efforts around artificial intelligence but as governments lost interest funding dried up and AI projects basically did as well. During the second wave of AI in the 1980’s the market also saw the rise of venture capitalism. This opened up entire new avenues for funding resulting in increased research, projects, and more diverse projects.

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This current third wave of AI is being pushed forward by different factors. In addition to government and corporate investment, big data and computing power leveraged by the huge cloud-based technology combined with the emergence of data-hungry deep learning neural network algorithms are powering the latest renaissance in AI. Startups in the AI space are raising significant funds from VC firms all over the world. 

However, things are a bit different with AI. Whereas in the past Silicon Valley was by far the overwhelming investor location of choice for technology-focused startups, the AI market is decidedly more global. Chinese-based firms have raised eye-watering sums of money and “unicorn” startups are being founded everywhere from Bucharest to Bangalore. While Silicon Valley has still not been unseated as the top investor location, other locations inside the US as well as overseas are definitely posing significant challenges to that leadership. 

Venture funding in AI companies had reached a mind-blowing $61 billion from 2010 through the first quarter of 2020. The majority of these investment dollars are to companies based in the USA or China. Is this investment sustainable? Some would say not. Venture capitalists are mostly driven by finding that unicorn needle in the startup haystack, driving outsized returns to their investors that offset the expected losses in the rest of their investments. As such, the only way so much money would be pumped into this industry is if the market believes that AI is a “transformational” technology that will revolutionize entire industries and markets, in much the same way that mobile, social, cloud, and other technologie have similarly disrupted their markets. Disruption means change. Change means opportunity. And where there’s opportunity, there’s venture capital.

Perspectives from a Venture Capitalist

VC firms still seem committed to the long-haul in their AI-focused investing. On an AI Today podcast, John Frankel of ffVC shared his insights into why like cloud and mobile, AI is here to stay. John founded ff Venture Capital (ffVC) with partner Alex Katz in 2008.  The primary interest of the company are emerging technology companies that focus on artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, and cybersecurity.

One cornerstone to their strategy is a partnership with New York University (NYU), with an incubator set up to assist startup companies to accelerate their AI efforts. Part of the reason why New York has had such a strength in AI companies is because of its unique combination of financial strength, research and academic strength, and the location of major corporations that can apply technology. AI is proving its value in many industries and as such being in close proximity to hubs of finance, advertising, insurance, and other markets provides a larger scope of immediate access to markets than possible even in Silicon Valley.

Indeed, VC firms are starting to move beyond the sci-fi aspects of AI to the more mundane applications in industry. Indeed, VCs are investing less in AI “concept” companies and more in applying machine learning and AI to transform existing markets from retail to real estate. According to John Frankel, the big shift he is seeing is the vertical application of AI in which startups are taking technologies that already exist such as image or voice recognition and building industry- and enterprise-specific applications. 

John offers a bit of advice when it comes to investors or companies jumping into the AI waves. He says that it’s a bit late at this point to invest in the underlying, infrastructural technology unless there’s a major revolution in the fundamental technology of that company. The large incumbents have significant resources that they are applying to bear in the markets. He points out that AI should be seen as a way to improve or build upon what we had rather than a replacement strategy for things that are not working. While there will be a major shift in some areas such as the type of workers that are needed or products that are being sold, ultimately the technology is going to be used to enrich the experiences of day-to-day customers and citizens and not necessarily just line the pockets of a few well-timed and well-placed investors.

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MOF: Govt to establish high-level facilitation platform to oversee potential, approved strategic investments

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KUALA LUMPUR: A meeting with 70 financial fund investors and corporate members at the recently concluded Joint Investors Meeting in London has touched on the MADANI government’s immediate action to stimulate strategic investment in important technologies, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

In a statement today, it said that the government is serious about making investments a national agenda through the establishment of a high-level investment facilitation platform to ensure the implementation of potential and approved strategic investments through a “Whole of Government” approach.

Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (pix), who led the Malaysian delegation to the Joint Investors Meeting from April 20 to 22, said that the National Investment Council (MPN) chaired by the Prime Minister is an integrated action that reflects how serious the government is in making Malaysia an investment hub in the region.

Among the immediate actions taken by the government is establishing the National Semiconductor Strategic Committee (NSSTF) to facilitate cooperation between the government, industry players, universities, and relevant stakeholders to place the Malaysian semiconductor industry at the forefront and ensure the continued growth of the electronics & electrical industry, especially the semiconductor sector, as a major contributor to the Malaysian economy.

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The government also aims to empower Malaysia as a preferred green investment destination as well as remove barriers and bureaucracy in the provision and accessibility to renewable energy, especially for the new technology industry, including data centres, said Amir Hamzah.

He also said that the country’s investment prospects have reached an extraordinary level, with approved investments surging to RM329.5 billion in 2023 from RM268 billion in 2022.

He said about 74 per cent of manufacturing projects approved between 2021 and 2023 have been completed or are in process.

In addition, Amir Hamzah said the greater initial stage construction work completed in 2023 (RM31.5 billion) and 2022 (RM26.3 billion) shows a positive trend for future investment opportunities.

“From a total of 5,101 investment projects approved in 2023, as many as 81.2 per cent or 4,143 projects are in the services sector, 883 projects in the manufacturing sector, and 75 projects in other related sectors,” he said.

Before this, Amir Hamzah met with international investors in New York and Washington to clarify the direction of the implementation of the MADANI Economic framework to improve investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s economic level and strengthen the perception and investment sentiment of foreign investors towards the country.

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Want $1 Million in Retirement? Invest $15000 in These 3 Stocks

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Compound interest is a thing of magic. It’s also one of your best bets if you’re looking to retire rich.

It might take time and patience but there’s not a whole lot of heavy lifting when it comes to a buy-and-hold investment strategy. What matters most is having decades of time in front of you, which will allow you to maximize the benefits of compounded returns. And, of course, choosing the right investments is equally important.

The magic of compound interest

With a decent return, building a million-dollar portfolio might not be as hard as you think. An initial investment of $15,000, returning 15% annually, would be worth just shy of $1 million in 30 years.

First off, 30 years is a long time, which means you’ll need to be planning your retirement far in advance. However, all it takes is one initial investment of $15,000 and the right stocks to build a $1 million portfolio.

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Additionally, it’s important to remain realistic and acknowledge that a stock returning 15% annually is not exactly common. That being said, the TSX certainly has its share of dependable companies with track records of returning far more than just 15% per year.

I’ve put together a list of three Canadian stocks that are perfect for hands-off investors who are looking to retire rich.

Constellation Software

It will require a steep initial investment, but Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is well worth its nearly $4,000-a-share price tag. When it comes to market-crushing returns, the tech stock has been in a league of its own over the past two decades.

Even as the company is now valued at a massive market cap of close to $80 billion, the impressive returns have continued. Shares are up more than 200% over the past five years. That’s good enough for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%.

At a 25% annual return, a $15,000 investment would be worth a whopping $12 million in 30 years.

Descartes Systems

Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) is another tech stock that’s no stranger to delivering market-beating returns. The company is also only valued at a market cap of $10 billion, leaving plenty of room for growth in the coming decades.

There’s a reason why Descartes Systems is one of the few tech stocks trading near all-time highs today. This stock is a proven winner, with lots of growth left in the tank.

Over the past five years, the stock has had a CAGR just shy of 20%.

goeasy

The last pick on my list is a beaten-down growth stock that’s trading at a serious discount.

The consumer-facing financial services provider has been hit by short-term headwinds from sky-high interest rates. With potential rate cuts around the corner though, now could be an excellent time to be loading up on goeasy (TSX:GSY).

Even with shares down 25% from all-time highs, the stock is still nearing a return of 300% over the past five years.

goeasy was crushing the market’s returns before the recent spike in interest rates, and there’s no reason to believe why the company won’t continue to do so for years to come.

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FLAGSHIP COMMUNITIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF APPROXIMATELY US

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TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (the “REIT” or “Flagship“) (TSX: MHC.U) (TSX: MHC.UN) announced today that it has completed its previously announced public offering (the “Offering“) of 3,910,000 trust units (the “Units“) on a bought deal basis at a price of US$15.35 per Unit for total gross proceeds to the REIT of approximately US$60 million.

The Offering was completed through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by BMO Capital Markets and Canaccord Genuity Corp.

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The REIT intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund a portion of the approximately US$93 million aggregate purchase price for the REIT’s previously announced acquisition of seven manufactured housing communities comprising 1,253 lots (the “Acquisitions“) and for general business purposes. In the event the REIT is unable to consummate one or both of the Acquisitions, the REIT intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund future acquisitions and for general business purposes.

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The REIT has also granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 586,500 Units on the same terms and conditions, exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, up to 30 days after the date hereof.

About Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust

Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust is a leading operator of affordable residential Manufactured Housing Communities primarily serving working families seeking affordable home ownership. The REIT owns and operates exceptional residential living experiences and investment opportunities in family-oriented communities in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. To learn more about Flagship, visit www.flagshipcommunities.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that include forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws). Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “must”, “estimate”, “target”, “objective”, and other similar expressions, or negative versions thereof, and include statements herein concerning the use of the net proceeds of the Offering.

These forward-looking statements are based on the REIT’s expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections, as well as assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in such forward-looking statements. While considered reasonable by management of the REIT as at the date of this news release, any of these expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, or assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, or assumptions could be incorrect. Material factors and assumptions used by management of the REIT to develop the forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, that the conditions to closing of the Acquisitions will be met or waived in a timely manner and that both of the Acquisitions will be completed on the current agreed upon terms.

When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as they are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the REIT’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, such as the risks identified in the REIT’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 available on the REIT’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” therein and the risk of the REIT’s plans with respect to debt bridge financing for the Acquisitions not being achieved as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable Canadian securities laws, the REIT assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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