By Hamiz Mushtaq Awan
This blog post is the first in a four-part series on AI Investment Themes. The post explores what aspects of AI today represent groundbreaking shifts, and which are extensions of existing, long-term research.
Introduction
At Plutus21, our guiding principle has always been to 'skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.' Embracing this philosophy, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a student of frontier markets, exploring opportunities that are often underappreciated or misunderstood.
I have spent the last year trying to understand AI and related technologies. My exploration has been twofold: as an investor seeking opportunities and as a builder looking to understand and leverage these technologies across our portfolio.
The critical question I explore is: What aspects of AI today represent groundbreaking shifts, and which are extensions of existing, long-term research?
In the coming months, I aim to share my insights and analyses of the AI domain. This series is designed not just to present what I've learned but to open a dialogue. Together, we can enhance our collective understanding, challenge assumptions, and uncover the true potential of AI in shaping our future.
Series Format
In my analysis, I categorize the main AI investment themes into four distinct yet interconnected categories:
Core AI: Details
I will focus on Core AI for the first edition of this series. Core AI is a broad term that includes various subfields and components such as:
In essence, Core AI is about building the fundamental capabilities of AI systems, enabling them to learn, adapt, make decisions, and perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence. It's a dynamic field that continues to evolve, driven by both theoretical research and practical advancements.
Compared to investing in other AI themes, investing in Core AI is more about betting on foundational research and long-term potential rather than immediate practical applications or specific market needs. This fundamental difference shapes the risk-reward profile of investments in Core AI.
