The next tech wave: founders take note
How professional services must adapt and why founders should take notice
The pace of technological change is accelerating — AI, automation and digital transformation are no longer distant trends but immediate disruptors reshaping industries. In my career spanning investment management, wealth advisory, professional services and high-growth startups, I’ve seen first-hand how companies that adapt early thrive, while those that resist risk irrelevance.
For founders, investors and senior leaders, the question isn’t if tech disruption will impact their industry — it’s how to stay ahead of it.
Investment and wealth management: AI and blockchain reshaping client expectations
AI-driven portfolio management – investors are demanding hyper-personalised, AI-powered insights, shifting the role of wealth managers toward strategic, high-value advisory.
Blockchain and tokenisation – fractional ownership of assets is emerging, challenging traditional investment models and requiring firms to rethink their value proposition.
Trust and brand differentiation – with increasing automation, firms must communicate their expertise and build client confidence through thought leadership and strategic branding.
The competitive edge: firms that position themselves as trusted, human-led advisers in an AI-driven world will retain and grow their client base.
Professional services: from process-driven to AI-augmented
AI-powered contract review and risk assessment – LegalTech is cutting down research time from hours to minutes, forcing firms to differentiate through strategic counsel rather than process execution.
Alternative service models – tech-first firms offering on-demand, AI-powered legal and financial services are disrupting traditional providers.
Client expectations are shifting – businesses now expect faster, more transparent and data-backed decision-making, requiring firms to rethink how they engage and communicate.
The competitive edge: firms must reposition as trusted advisers, leveraging AI for efficiency while emphasising human expertise, client relationships and unique industry insights.
B2B tech and scale-ups: smarter, faster and more competitive than ever
AI-driven sales and marketing – the future of growth is predictive, automated and data-driven, requiring startups to adopt agile, AI-enhanced go-to-market strategies.
No-code and low-code revolution – speed to market is accelerating, reducing barriers to entry but also increasing competition.
Brand positioning will define winners – in a world where AI can generate content, authenticity, storytelling and differentiation will separate high-growth startups from the noise.
The competitive edge: founders who leverage AI for efficiency but double down on strategic marketing, brand positioning and customer engagement will outmanoeuvre competitors.
Why founders and executives should be thinking about this now
The common thread across these industries? Technology isn’t just changing how businesses operate — it’s redefining what clients expect, how competitors emerge and where value is created.
Leaders who embrace change, experiment and stay ahead of industry shifts will drive growth.
Firms that fail to adapt will find themselves outmanoeuvred by more agile competitors.
Strategic marketing, thought leadership and brand positioning will be critical differentiators in a hyper-automated world.
What’s your take? How is your industry adapting to rapid tech change?