Until just a few years ago, many of our clients were hesitant – or even openly sceptical – about investing in technology or innovation. The scars of the dot-com bubble ran deep, and there was understandable mistrust of the new wave of high-growth, asset-light companies that emerged after the global financial crisis. But the landscape has shifted … dramatically! In this piece on tech mega trends 2025-2035, we explore how that shift has played out over the last few years, and where things might be headed as we consider some of the megatrends that could shape the next decade of investing.
We recently came across an insightful piece by Global X ETFs that highlights structural trends around the technology evolution from 2020–2025 – including AI dominance, infrastructure reinvestment, and biotech acceleration.
And towards the end of last year, Wall Street veteran Tom Lee launched his Granny Shots ETF, which has soared to nearly USD 2 billion in assets in just months and is focused on some of the durable megatrends of the future.
That got us thinking: it’s the perfect moment to reflect on how far technology innovation has come … and where it’s heading over the next decade.
1. Generative AI Goes Mainstream
From ChatGPT to enterprise deployments, AI now assists in writing, coding, diagnosing, and designing—making “AI everywhere” more cliché than visionary.
2. Cloud, GPUs & Data‑centre Scale
Behind the scenes, data centres have become infrastructural powerhouses, with GPUs (led by Nvidia) becoming critical for training massive AI models.
3. Hybrid Work, Remote Tools & Talent Markets
COVID forced a digital work revolution. Tools, platforms, and policy now support a globally distributed workforce.
4. Reshoring Semiconductors & Tech Sovereignty
Governments have poured resources into local chip manufacturing, reducing geopolitical risk exposure.
5. Platformification of Economy
Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, Uber, and others moved from disruptors to pillars of commerce.
Many of today’s trends will move out of the digital realm and into the physical world:
AI-powered robotics in farming, healthcare, warehousing, and in our homes.
Autonomous transport, including taxis, trucks, and delivery drones.
Commercial space expansion – satellites, space stations, reusable rockets.
Reshoring smart manufacturing, with local, automated plants.
Energy innovation – renewables, small modular reactors, grid AI.
Personalised medicine – wearables, genomics, AI diagnostics.
Consider Reading: The Art of Execution When it Comes to Investment Success
Tom Lee is one of the most well-respected strategists on Wall Street. He was formerly Head of Equity Strategy at JP Morgan – a role reserved for the best of the best in terms of talent. While some call him an “uber-bull,” his overall track record is strong, even if he missed the mark in 2022. Importantly, where other prominent strategists like Mike Wilson at Morgan Stanley remained bearish and got burned – or in the case of one of Lee’s successors at JP Morgan, Marko Kolanović (considered a star strategist for a long time), who ultimately lost his position for staying bearish – Lee’s thesis ultimately proved right.
The term “Granny Shots” refers to the simple, high-conviction plays that score points consistently. The term comes from basketball, where a ‘granny shot’ refers to an underhand free throw – an unconventional technique that statistically delivers better accuracy. It’s not flashy, but it works. Similarly, the ETF is designed to focus on dependable, high-probability investment themes that are supported by secular growth themes.
| Megatrend | Example Stocks (GRNY Top 25) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| AI & Automation | Nvidia (NVDA), Arista Networks (ANET) | Powering the AI era—think GPUs, data routing, large-scale compute |
| Cybersecurity & Energy Security | Palo Alto Network (PANW), Crowdstrike (CRWD), GE Vernova (GEV) | Securing digital infrastructure and fortifying energy grids |
| Millennial Consumption | Apple (AAPL), Meta (META), Robinhood (HOOD), Garmin (GRMN) | Digital-native lifestyles and content-driven consumption patterns |
| Global Labour Supply | Palantir (PLTR), Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), Alphabet (GOOGL) | Automation and specialist tools supplement labour shortages |
| Easing Financial Conditions | JPMorgan (JPM), Goldman Sachs (GS), Netflix (NFLX) | Lower rates, fintech innovation & capital access enabling growth |
While the Granny Shots ETF is an interesting concept – it hasn’t been around long enough to determine whether it will deliver long-term alpha – it’s also worth noting how it differs from some earlier approaches to thematic investing. One prominent example is Cathie Wood of Ark Invest, who was the poster child for disruptive tech investing just a few years ago. Her flagship ARK Innovation ETF saw explosive growth leading up to and through COVID (thanks to ultra-low interest rates and money being pumped into the system), but has since struggled. Many of Ark’s holdings were unprofitable, high-risk companies with unproven business models, which got hit particularly hard once the Federal Reserve began aggressively hiking interest rates in 2022 to fight inflation. Those companies never fully recovered.
By contrast, Tom Lee’s Granny Shots strategy focuses primarily on large-cap, already-successful businesses that dominate their industries. It’s a lower-volatility, higher-quality approach to thematic exposure that may be more durable through different market cycles. Time will tell.
We don’t believe in betting the house on a single trend. But we do believe thematic strategies can play a powerful role in a diversified portfolio. Here’s how:
1. Satellite exposure: Thematic ETFs work well as a “satellite” allocation alongside a diversified core of global equities, balanced funds, or retirement portfolios.
2. Secular growth: They provide exposure to long-term themes that may not be well represented in traditional benchmarks and portfolios.
3. Risk awareness: These funds can be more volatile and concentrated – so sizing matters. We typically recommend a modest allocation depending on risk appetite and time horizon.
For example, including a global robotics and automation ETF, or a cybersecurity-themed fund, can enhance diversification and create exposure to industries with tailwinds that span decades. We don’t have a lot of thematic investment options available in South Africa unfortunately, but there are a few tech-focused funds with an AI tilt that we like.
Further Reading: Understanding investment risk and volatility when building your portfolio
At Henceforward, we keep a close eye on the trends that will matter most to our clients. We don’t chase fads, but we do adapt portfolios when the world is clearly shifting.
We integrate these trends through:
a. Careful fund selection (blending active, passive, and thematic exposure)
b. Goal-based portfolio design (where risk and return are aligned with real-world outcomes)
c. Flat-fee, client-aligned advice that puts the focus on value, not product sales
If you want to learn more about how your portfolio is positioned for what’s next, or how thematic strategies might play a role in your long-term plan, get in touch. The future isn’t just arriving – it’s accelerating. Let’s make sure your financial strategy is keeping up.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investments in thematic or equity-based strategies carry risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
Carl-Peter is a Director and Partner at Henceforward. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ with over 20 years’ experience, he has worked for global institutions and now helps clients navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Trying to understand the future and the trends that will shape how we live, work, and invest is both a professional commitment and a personal passion.
