Investment Trends for 2026 & Beyond

The key to venture business is betting on the one-off deal that will generate returns in leaps and bounds. However, innovation comes in waves, and somehow every few years, certain sectors gain momentum. Then herd mentality kicks in, often clouding judgment, raising valuations, and leading to other managerial issues. Currently, the majority of the investments are in the AI sector, which requires larger check sizes, which is concentrating the venture business. According to Pitchbook in 2024, 30 firms raised 75% of all capital raised by VC funds in the US, mostly to invest in AI. But what about the other industries? Do they not have any potential? 

Venture Capital is a blind pool of capital. While VCs are visionaries who invest in the future, that future is still unknown. Many factors come into play with deal selection– the right opportunity must present itself at the right time, the deal valuation and terms must work out, there has to be a cultural fit for corporate governance, etc. Still the very first question an investor asks VCs is: What will you be investing in? The answer is broad. There are a few rare instances when VCs know exactly what deals they will invest in, but there are always a few sectors that get their attention. So, what are some of those trends for 2026 and beyond?

According to us at NIN Ventures, some of those sectors are:

01.   AI in Robotics

Humans have fascinated with robots since the beginning of time. Unlike traditional robots, which are programmed to execute repetitive tasks, AI powered robots integrate cognitive capabilities. With the help of machine learning, they learn from the data and improve over time. Using computer vision, natural language processing, simultaneous localization and mapping, expert systems and knowledge representations, and deep learning, they are capable of complex decision-making and collaborate with humans. AI in Robotics can be applied to various fields, such as manufacturing, construction, consumer, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, military, disaster response, space exploration, etc.

02.   AI in FinTech

AI in fintech leverages machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics to revolutionize financial services by automating, personalizing, and securing operations. It personalized banking services, automated credit scoring, algorithmic trading, risk management, automated compliance, AI-powered wealth management, and better fraud detection, ensuring safer and more inclusive access to financial services for underserved communities. These advancements improve cost efficiency, enhance security, speed up decision making, empower individuals to manage personal finances better, expand credit access, and help more people participate in wealth-building activities.

03.   3D in Healthcare

3D printing has been used for rapid prototyping and is now applied in several industries today, including manufacturing, automotive, consumer, aerospace, defense, and especially healthcare. As the accuracy and materials market have improved, the medical space shows great potential. There are over 100,000 people currently on the organ recipient list in the United States; a new name is added to the list every 10 minutes, and 17 people die every day because they cannot find a matching organ. What if 3D printing tissues can help save some of those lives?

04.   Industry 4.0

The first industrial revolution used steam and water power, the second used electricity and assembly lines for mass production, the third used computer, IT, early robotics to automate production, Now the fourth industrial revolution is creating smart factories. Industry 4.0 is the smart, digital transformation of manufacturing, where machines, sensors, and systems connect and communicate via the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, Big Data, and advanced Robotics to create highly efficient, flexible, and self-optimizing “smart factories” that enable mass customization and real-time adjustments.

05.   Space Technology

Space technology encompasses all tools, systems, and methods for exploring space, operating spacecraft, satellites, and rockets; and applying space-derived tech for Earth-based uses like GPS, weather forecasting, and internet. It impacts everything from defense to daily communication, scientific discovery, and beyond. The future of space exploration involves both telescopic and physical explorations of space by robotic spacecraft and human spaceflight.

So what will NIN Ventures (or NIN.V) invest in? While not limited to these sectors, our goal is to back entrepreneurs who have a clear sense of purpose to touch million lives by building industry defining companies that are going to stand the test of time. If you are one, we encourage you to reach out to us or submit your business plan on www.nin.ventures