If you still think space is all about moon landings and sci-fi dreams, it’s time for a reality check.

Space tech is already fuelling the global economy, and the cash is flowing faster than a rocket launch. From satellite-powered AI to interplanetary cloud computing, this trillion-dollar industry is shaking up everything from finance to climate science.

Why space is the next big business move

Space isn’t just about NASA and billionaires joyriding in zero gravity. It’s now a commercial powerhouse, projected to hit US$1.8 trillion by 2035. The reason? The technology is no longer limited to aerospace. It’s now embedded in everyday industries.

Satellites keep the global economy running, powering everything from stock market trades to Uber rides. AI-driven geospatial intelligence is transforming how we track supply chains, predict disasters, and optimise urban development.

And here’s where it gets interesting. Singapore, a country with zero rocket launch sites, is doubling down on space tech, pouring millions into satellite R&D and forming partnerships with the European Space Agency and India’s IN-SPACe.

Also Read: Big moves in Singapore space finance 2025

Why?

Because they see the writing on the wall. Space is the new Silicon Valley, and the companies investing early are going to clean up.

Where the money’s going: The space gold rush

• Satellite communications: High-speed internet isn’t just coming from underground cables anymore. Companies like Starlink and Kacific are bringing broadband to the most remote parts of the world, while startups like Transcelestial are pioneering laser-powered data transfer that makes fibre optics look slow.

• Earth observation and AI: Forget gut instincts, investors and businesses are now making data-driven decisions using AI-powered satellite imagery. Think real-time monitoring of agriculture, real estate, and climate patterns to predict market trends before they happen.

• The blue carbon economy: Space data is fuelling a US$100 billion boom in carbon credit markets, tracking deforestation, pollution, and climate impact in ways that ground-based systems never could.

• Deep space data centres: Why keep your cloud storage on Earth when space offers infinite scalability? AI-powered orbital data processing is coming, and it’s set to revolutionise how businesses manage global data.

How to get in before it’s too late

For businesses and investors, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. You don’t need to build rockets, you just need to leverage the technology. The easiest way? Partner with space-driven AI startups, invest in satellite data companies, and attend industry events like GSTCE to see where the big deals are happening.

This isn’t the future. It’s happening now. Space is the next trillion-dollar economy, and the only question left is are you in or are you watching from the sidelines?

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image courtesy: Canva Pro

The post Space is making it rain—and not just on Mars appeared first on e27.

After running companies for over a decade, we jumped into venture capital back in 2017 with the launch of our family fund.

Now five years later, we have seen successes and failures, collected valuable data and learned important lessons. Just when we are about to embark on the second half of our 10-year journey, we find it important to write down some notes to reflect on.

I’ve listened to over a thousand founders with their pitches over the years. Doing that instils a lot of patience as we know only a very small per cent of companies will be suitable for us. ‘No’ has become my new favourite word.

It’s (fairly) easy to spot the companies that likely won’t get very far, but it’s extremely difficult to spot the ones that will succeed (given that you even have exposure to them).

That’s the reality of venture capital, and it takes a bit of humility to accept this reality. Once one has taken a humble position, there are a couple of important additional lessons to learn. Let us get into those:

Your influence on companies and their founders is minimal

Most founding teams have been working with each other for a while and will (hopefully) continue to do so. They are in the ‘trenches’ together, and you are not fighting their war with them.

At some point in their journey, they decide to take money from you to continue and fight the battle. And while you can likely add a lot of value during a certain period of time by giving introductions and advice, there will be an expiration date where you need to step back and let founders continue on their journey.

Also Read: The right way of interpreting the corporate venture capital road

Not realising this on time can create a sour relationship, or worse.

Experience matters, and the best companies out there don’t need you

Good and experienced founders know what they want and how to get there. Ask yourself; if this company is great and money can be found in multiple places, why are they asking you what value you can add to their startup?

Fundamentals and valuations need to exist concurrently

I’m well aware that I’m writing this as we are moving into a bear market. However, I would have said the same a few years ago.

In order to succeed as an investor, you need founders that can attract (storytelling) follow-on capital for good valuations while the underlying fundamentals of the company you are investing in are solid. If any of those two components are lacking, it’s unlikely going to be a good investment for you.

Do your own research, as most investors do not operate logically

Investors in your network can have a million reasons for investing in a company. It’s unlikely that any of those reasons have much to do with what you are looking for and what’s good for you.

Be thankful for good referrals and introductions to companies, but don’t just follow others (no matter how well respected they are) and do your own research.

The statistics on success are correct

I wrote about the nine per cent rule a few years ago:

Among the successful companies, nine per cent provide investors with returns of 10 times their investments (‘home run’), compensating for failed investments.

Our data continues to show that this is a correct assumption. Whether they will succeed is entirely up to them. No matter how many board and advisory seats you take on, you are not on the ground and won’t be able to fully grasp the specifics of the company.

Don’t overestimate yourself as an investor. No matter how successful you have been in a previous life before you became a VC, you are a source of money for founders (and if they are good, money can be found anywhere).

So be careful not to waste anybody’s time with your (well-meant) advice. Do throw your fund thesis out of the window and recognise that success all depends on the talent of the founding team. Be grateful if great founders let you invest in them and take you on their journey.

–

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on September 12, 2022

The post 5 lessons from 5 years in venture capital appeared first on e27.

The world is moving towards the new age of ‘artificial intelligence’. This age is potentially redefining the roles and impacts of technology on the worldwide population. Artificial intelligence is not just a technology definition or a term, it is a new way of imagining technology’s robust role and a rapid pace of development.

Also, with ‘Web3’ being a global technology phenomenon these days, it is crucial to discover the insights of Web3 technologies and how all the tech experts and economy enthusiasts across the globe are predicting the Web3 industry to be one of the most economically sound industries by the next decade.

Moreover, the trending and debatable questions like — what is metaverse? What is the role of virtual reality? What are the advantages of metaverse? Is metaverse bad for children? Is AI going to take all the jobs? How AI is powering the next digital revolution? And the list goes on.

These questions also need to be answered with the correct glimpses and briefs on the upcoming technologies and their robust development across various realms. In this article, we shall delve to find out how AI and the metaverse are transforming technology and development across the world.

Overview of AI and the metaverse

Artificial Intelligence is a term that defines all the modern technologies and softwares that are efficient and perform most complex technical tasks and majority of the humane tasks in the fastest and the most efficient manner. AI consists of modern technology modules and functions that can streamline the processing of complex tasks and languages, enhancing the functionality of meta-platforms. 

Metaverse on the other hand is nothing but a ‘virtual world’. Metaverse is a term used to define modern software generated virtual environments, virtual games, 3-D spaces, and all other forms of Virtual Reality simulations. 

The collaborative model of AI and the metaverse

The collaboration of AI and the metaverse has brought a collaborative robust module that acts as a prospect. This prospect is reshaping digital landscapes all over the world. This prospect has, on one hand- AI, which is changing the way humans interact with technology , unlocking great potential for the top metaverse companies.

Also Read: How the metaverse opens new opportunities for education

On the other hand, there is metaverse, which is unlocking surreal immersive experiences, and bringing a whole new ‘virtual world’ into existence. AI is raising the metaverse and making the Metaverse more intelligent, responsive, and scalable. From AI-driven virtual avatars to intelligent world-building, companies worldwide are harnessing AI to bring the Metaverse to life. 

How is AI shaping the metaverse

The next aspect which we are going to shed some light upon here is how AI has helped metaverse and other Web3 technologies like AR, VR, and MR in a transformative manner. AI basically paces up the development of these technologies and brings high-end solutions to complex software development modules. 

Artificial Intelligence is a great aid to the Metaverse. Metaverse is the destination of modern 3-D developments, virtual avatars, combination of modern graphics and game developments. Among all these developments and virtual reality simulations, AI is of great help. AI’s quick performance and development assistance plays a great helping role in metaverse task-streams. 

Moreover, AI provides advanced data analysis, consumer data, market insights and more, which helps the top metaverse companies to get assistance in business in tasks like business development, marketing, management, and others.

AI is transforming the Metaverse in several ways. The benefits of AI are integrating into a prospect for the metaverse. Let us look how is AI reshaping the metaverse in various ways:

• Powering virtual avatars and environments

With the help of AI, the development of virtual avatars and virtual environments become fast, easier, and highly interoperable. Moreover, AI enables hyper-realistic avatars that can learn and evolve over time. 

Industry testimonials: The example of Ready Player Me is one where this platform is developing modern AI-driven virtual avatars with the help of AI. 

• Enhanced content generation

AI is revolutionising the way content is generated, the way softwares is developed, the way complex virtual environments are brought into existence, and many more such impeccable features. 

Industry testimonials: Emerging startups and platforms such as Promethean AI, DeepSeek, etc have set examples of modern content generation and tools that assist in designing, development and Virtual Reality innovations.

• Intelligent technical assistance 

AI is helping in developing intelligent bots, non-player characters, elements of virtual worlds, and many such developments that are making the metaverse more engaging and interactive. 

Industry testimonials: Prominent industry case study here is of Inworld AI, a company that is providing solutions of intelligent virtual assistants that can interact and respond naturally, enhancing the user experiences.

• Enhanced personalisation 

AI-driven software assistance provides developers with better recommendations and solutions, and hence, they are able to customise their features in a far more efficient manner. Moreover AI provides better user analytics, helping you to modify your developments based on user behaviour.

Industry testimonials: Top AI companies like Meta AI and NVIDIA Omniverse are helping create personalised digital environments by leveraging AI modules.

• Real-time language translation

AI developments are equipped with modern translation tools, providing assistance in features like LLM [language learning models], AI-powered translation tools, and are breaking down language barriers, enabling seamless communication in the Metaverse.

Industry testimonials: The best example here is of Google’s AI and DeepL, which are working towards real-time translations that can make interactions seamless and fast. 

Also Read: How the multi-metaverse can flourish by eradicating virtual boundaries

Leading from the fore front: Companies that are building 

The synergy between AI and the Metaverse is being capitalised by many of the top metaverse companies and emerging Web3 startups. On one hand, the top metaverse companies are bringing big-scale advancements in AI, whereas on the other hand, emerging startups are bringing AI services, B2B solutions, products, and SaaS [software-as-a-service] models.

Here are five industry references that are bringing the latest features in AI and the metaverse. This list includes a few of top metaverse companies as well as prominent AI companies:

• OpenAI: OpenAI is a prominent name among the top AI companies and is constantly bringing thriving advancements in AI. This company has been a pioneer in the AI market and is pushing the boundaries of development through futuristic models and interoperable features and services.
• NVIDIA Omniverse: Who doesn’t know the name of NVIDIA, a leader among the top AI companies. NVIDIA is developing AI-powered digital twins and virtual environments through NVIDIA Omniverse. 
• VYUG Metaverse: VYUG is a new-age metaverse platform, slowly making its mark among the top metaverse companies. VYUG brings the best of Web3 technologies, XR solutions integrate the best of AI, VR, AR, and MR experiences, and much more. VYUG is utilising the benefits of AI and metaverse, and Web3 services to bring innovative solutions for industries.
• Decentraland: Decentraland is the name that arrives foremost when you think of the top metaverse companies. Decentraland is always one of the first platforms that uses AI advancements and features in its metaverse, like metaverse tokens, social experiences in metaverse, NFTs, virtual real estate, etc. 
• DeepSeek: DeepSeek is the latest name that has created a huge sensation in the AI industry. DeepSeek has come as an AI platform that is trending the charts. DeepSeek has started off as a competitor to well-known content generation platform ChatGPT, and is soon going to provide all sorts of AI developments and solutions in the future. 

Looking at the future of AI and the metaverse

The future of AI in the Metaverse holds limitless possibilities. Metaverse is leading the game of technology development and new-age interactions. The top metaverse platforms are constantly bringing more and more immersive digital experiences. The capabilities of metaverse are being strengthened with futuristic capabilities of technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, etc.

The more important thing to focus here is the cross-industry prospect that AI and the metaverse have brought. The collaboration of the top metaverse companies or the top AI companies with the top corporations of mainstream industries has led to a reckoning force that brings every industry together.

Metaverse and XR technology have the potential to serve industries like real estate, corporate, commerce, etc. The industries like entertainment and gaming are already integrating these technologies into their stream and moving forward. 

Hence, it is safe to say that besides the challenges of metaverse and the pessimistic flow around technology, which was always there whenever a technology was introduced, the potential of metaverse to bring a brighter and a highly developed future has been evident.

The thing to keep in mind is that we should put the forces and energies into the right channels. The earlier technologies were often misled and misused for inhumane motives. But for metaverse or for AI, it is important that we channelise them for positive and sustainable results. 

Conclusion 

The end note here takes us to the ultimate prosperous future where technologies like AI and Metaverse will be looked upon as the forces that have the capability of taking the society to uplifted heights. Industries across the globe are investing their time and effort on AI and the metaverse, trying to build an industry and market prospect for multiple industries.

Experts around the globe are expecting the metaverse market to be an economic Tsunami in the upcoming years. Moreover, these technologies will bring a sustainable mode of living, working, and social interactions that shall prove to be a great problem solver for society. 

Therefore, this is the correct time to put your energies, efforts, and investments on the upcoming Web3 technologies and spaces. This is the time to build upon these technologies and bring new prospects of services, innovative projects, solutions for society, job generation, and many more such aspects.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: Canva Pro

The post AI and metaverse: A look at the collaborative bond of emerging Web3 technologies appeared first on e27.

The internet has come a long way—from the early days of basic websites (Web1) to the era of social media and big tech platforms (Web2). Now, we’re entering Web3, a decentralised, blockchain-powered internet that’s changing how brands interact with their audiences.

Unlike previous iterations, Web3 emphasises transparency, ownership, and user empowerment. Brands can no longer rely solely on paid advertisements and data-driven targeting from centralised platforms.

Instead, they must embrace decentralised networks, smart contracts, and community-led engagement to build trust and loyalty. The shift to Web3 marketing is not just a technological change but a fundamental evolution in the way businesses interact with consumers.

Understanding the evolution: Web1 vs Web2 vs Web3

To understand the significance of Web3, it’s essential to look at the evolution of the Internet:

• Web1 (The static web): This was the first phase of the internet (1990s-early 2000s). Websites were static, offering basic information without interactive features. Users could only consume content without engaging or contributing.
• Web2 (The social web): Emerging in the mid-2000s, Web2 introduced interactivity, social media, and user-generated content. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter dominated, but power became concentrated in a few tech giants, controlling user data and monetisation.
• Web3 (The decentralised web): Web3 shifts control away from centralised entities and gives users more ownership through blockchain technology, smart contracts, and decentralised apps (DApps). It enables peer-to-peer transactions, NFT ownership, and community-driven platforms without intermediaries.

What is Web3 marketing?

Web3 is all about putting power back into the hands of users. Instead of relying on centralised platforms like Facebook and Google, Web3 enables direct engagement through blockchain, NFTs, and decentralised communities. As Simon Kingsnorth points out in Marketing in Web 3.0, this shift is creating new ways for brands to build trust and loyalty.

Amanda Cassatt, in Web3 Marketing: A Handbook for the Next Internet Revolution, explains that Web3 marketing isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating meaningful relationships with users who are no longer just customers, but stakeholders in the brand’s ecosystem. 

Web3 marketing makes us rethink how brands connect with their audiences. No longer can brands rely solely on traditional advertising models driven by data from centralised platforms. Instead, Web3 requires businesses to embrace decentralised networks, blockchain technology, and community-led engagement.

Therefore, brands must start to adopt a mindset that focuses on transparency, ownership, and user empowerment. By doing so, they can build stronger, more loyal communities that see themselves as stakeholders in the brand’s success.

Also Read: How the right ecosystem partners can propel Web3 games in the next market cycle

Key aspects of Web3 marketing

• Tokens and NFTs

One of the most exciting aspects of Web3 is the ability for brands to create tokens and NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as part of their marketing strategies. These digital assets can be used to reward customer engagement, creating next-level loyalty programs. Brands can offer exclusive content, products, or experiences in exchange for token ownership or participation in NFT drops. This model incentivises users to be more engaged and invested in the brand’s ecosystem.

• Decentralised communities

Web3 isn’t about one-way communication—it’s about building decentralised communities where brands engage in real conversations with their customers. Platforms like Discord, Telegram, and blockchain-based social networks allow brands to connect with their audience directly, without relying on intermediaries. Consumers, in turn, are no longer just customers; they are community members who contribute to shaping the brand’s future.

• DAOs (Decentralised autonomous organisations)

DAOs are a unique feature of Web3 marketing. In a DAO, brand decisions are made collectively by the community rather than a central authority. This gives customers a direct say in the brand’s direction, from product development to marketing strategies. This participatory approach helps brands build deeper connections with their audience, fostering loyalty and trust.

• Metaverse and virtual experiences

The Metaverse is an expansive virtual world where users can interact with digital environments and objects. Brands like Nike, Gucci, and Mercedes are already experimenting with virtual stores and NFT collections in the Metaverse, offering immersive and interactive brand experiences. These virtual environments allow brands to showcase products, host events, and create experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds, engaging consumers in entirely new ways.

• Content Co-Creation and User-Generated Content

Web3 marketing is all about collaboration. Instead of traditional content marketing, brands must embrace user-generated content and community-driven storytelling. By involving users in content creation, brands can foster a sense of ownership and authenticity. This shift allows brands to tap into the creativity and passions of their audience, producing content that resonates on a deeper level.

The future of advertising in Web3

As digital advertising continues to evolve, Web3 is opening up new possibilities for marketers. According to Navigating the Future of Online Advertising with Web3 by Frank Cespedes and Ben Plomion, traditional online advertising models are facing decline due to privacy concerns, rising costs, and ad fatigue. Web3 offers a more transparent, user-centric approach to advertising, enabling brands to connect with consumers in more meaningful ways.

• Privacy-first advertising: The decline of third-party cookies is pushing Web3 towards a privacy-first approach. With blockchain-based advertising, users have control over their data, allowing them to opt-in and receive relevant ads without compromising their privacy. This transparency can help rebuild consumer trust, which is often eroded by traditional data-driven ad targeting.
• Reduced ad fraud: Web3’s use of blockchain technology ensures greater transparency in advertising transactions. By recording every ad interaction on a public ledger, brands can reduce ad fraud and verify the legitimacy of engagements, ensuring that their advertising spend is being used effectively.
• Engagement-driven ads: In Web3, advertising is shifting away from intrusive, disruptive ads towards more engaging, interactive experiences. Brands can offer token incentives, immersive ads within decentralised applications, and virtual product placements in the Metaverse. This approach encourages users to engage with ads in meaningful ways, rather than simply ignoring them.
• Decentralised ad networks: Rather than relying on platforms like Google, Meta or TikTok Ads, brands can turn to Web3 ad networks that operate on blockchain technology. These networks allow for more accurate targeting, transparency, and verification of engagement, giving brands greater control over their ad campaigns.

Also Read: How AI and blockchain collaborate for a transparent Web3 future

Challenges and opportunities in Web3 marketing

While Web3 presents exciting opportunities, it also comes with its own set of challenges:

• User adoption and education: Many consumers are still unfamiliar with blockchain technology and decentralised platforms. Educating users about the benefits and mechanics of Web3 will be essential for successful marketing strategies.
• Regulatory uncertainty: Governments are still working on regulations for blockchain-based assets, advertising, and data privacy. Brands must stay informed about these developments to ensure compliance.
• Technological complexity: Web3 involves technical concepts like smart contracts, crypto wallets, and blockchain. Brands that are unfamiliar with these tools may face challenges when implementing Web3 marketing strategies.

However, the opportunities are immense:

• Stronger customer loyalty: By using NFTs, tokens, and DAOs, brands can build a more engaged and loyal community.
• Increased data transparency: Blockchain’s immutability ensures verifiable, accurate data, reducing ad fraud and providing clearer insights into campaign performance.
• New revenue streams: Web3 opens up new monetisation channels through virtual goods, NFTs, and tokenised brand interactions.
• Enhanced personalisation: With Web3’s focus on user control, brands can deliver highly personalised experiences while respecting privacy.

Conclusion

Web3 marketing is more than just a technological shift—it’s a fundamental change in how brands interact with consumers. By embracing decentralised engagement, NFTs, DAOs, and the Metaverse, brands can build trust, loyalty, and deeper connections with their audiences.

While challenges like user adoption and regulatory uncertainty remain, the potential for growth and innovation in Web3 is undeniable. Brands that adapt to this new paradigm will be well-positioned to thrive in the decentralised future of marketing.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image courtesy: Canva Pro

The post Web3 marketing explained: What it means for brands, ads, and engagement appeared first on e27.