New Ventures Consumer Insights

Trend - Companies in the boating space have begun entering the metaverse through virtual reality experiences and collectible NFTs. These brands are adapting to the changing Web3 landscape either through the launch of their own metaverses, or by partnering with established metaverses.

Insight - Consumers interested in the boating industry and boating products actively search for new ways to enjoy the age-old lifestyle. This desire has placed pressure on the traditional boating industry to modernize with experiences that simultaneously appeal to boaters and tech-savvy consumers outside of the hobby. The metaverse and Web3 provide new experiences to existing consumers while offering improved accessibility for consumers who wish to engage with the hobby, as the metaverse can be accessed from anywhere.

Trend - Organizations are launching new Web3 campaigns, tools, courses, and products that are specifically geared toward Hispanic and Latin American populations. The majority of these initiatives have been founded in an effort to make Web3 more accessible and inclusive for both these groups.

Insight - Hispanic communities, as well as Latin American populations more broadly, face difficult and uneven barriers when entering the world of Web3. In the US, challenges include a lack of community funding and unequal Internet access. In Latin America, interested parties are held back by weaker tech infrastructure and fewer educational opportunities. To lessen these barriers, organizations are introducing Web3 initiatives dedicated to supporting these groups.

Trend - Numerous companies, especially those in the automotive, engineering, and architecture space, are using IoT and VR-based systems to create precise digital representations of their products and systems. These lifelike models are then tested virtually as a way to guide product development.

Insight - When it comes to large-scale buildings, automotive vehicles, and other complex infrastructure, visualizing and troubleshooting these products during their development phase can be incredibly costly. As a result, a wide range of businesses are turning to digital twin technology to create exact virtual replicas of their products -- whether these be jet fuel engines, electric cars, or sustainable condominiums -- which they can then test and assess digitally.

Trend - The 3D printing industry is one that continually pushes toward efficiency and accuracy. Since HP introduced Multi Jet Fusion technology to the market in 2021, many companies have adopted this technology in order to provide printing services for complex, functional parts with fine details.

Insight - At-home 3D printers cover most simply small-to-medium-sized printing jobs. However, many at-home printers fail to create functional prototypes of small parts and tools, as these parts often require precise, intricate details. Additionally, customers cannot afford to have these printed parts be structurally unsound. HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology addresses these areas by allowing companies to print small, highly complex parts that are functional and reliable.

Trend - Some mobile technology manufacturers are releasing services and products that give customers the ability to repair their own devices after the point of sale. This extends the lifecycle of devices while reducing e-waste produced by broken and discarded phones.

Insight - Rising costs of mobile phones led directly to customers seeking ways to prolong the life cycle of their devices. Additionally, technology enthusiasts have become more involved in the right-to-repair movement, citing that individuals should be allowed to repair technology that they own rather than relying on refunds and replacements, as this system leads to distrust in products. In responding to this consumer pressure, companies are launching at-home repair kits and services. This enhances consumers' trust in the brands and products.

Trend - As more people return to work and once again face daily commutes and extended time away from homes, many turn to portable entertainment systems to keep themselves stimulated. Companies have begun creating powerful handheld PCs to provide a clean transition from at-home to on-the-go gaming.

Insight - The field of gaming grew exponentially as worldwide lockdowns left many workers at home with more free time than usual. Now that many of these workers are returning to work, school, and other in-person events, there has been pressure for portable computers that go beyond large, bulky clamshell laptops. The smaller, more portable design is highly convenient for gamers. Building on this concept, the ergonomics and design gained from adding a controller to a compact computer is highly convenient as it avoids the need for gamers to carry separate controllers and cables.

Trend - Banks, small and large, are embracing the Web3 revolution and reinventing the customer experience by setting up shop in the metaverse. Examples of metaverse banking range from virtual crypto ATMs to full-fledged institutions aimed at replicating real-world branches.

Insight - Digital banking has become the norm, and while it is undoubtedly convenient and functional, it lacks the humanity associated with traditional branch-based practices. Consequently, customers are more connected to their finances than ever before, yet emotionally detached from the institutions governing them. Now, banks are turning to the metaverse to improve customer experiences by creating virtual spaces that reintroduce and reimagine the emotive quality of in-person banking.

Trend - Brands in the PC components industry are now releasing both dedicated standalone SSD coolers and those bundled with SSDs. The fifth generation of SSD technology has been released with speeds of up to 13,000mb/s, which comes at the cost of raising temperatures and requiring dedicated cooling.

Insight - Consumers using PC computers for professional workspaces or recreational hobbies continually seek more powerful components to get the job done faster. Companies have responded by continually releasing more powerful components that push compute speeds and temperatures to the limit. As a result, PC enthusiasts have begun seeking new ways to reduce their computers' operating temperatures to prolong the components' life cycles and ensure reliability.

Trend - Established and emerging esports entertainment companies are using blockchain technology to better engage consumers and fans. The companies utilize NFT collections to offer exclusive experiences, such as invite-only parties, NFT-holder lounges, and conferences where the organizations listen to their most dedicated fans. This aims to increase engagement while rewarding dedicated communities.

Insight - Consumers in the realm of esports are often loyal to certain teams, companies, or brands. As a result of this, fans are seeking new ways to immerse themselves in the world of esports and support their favorite entities beyond viewing tournaments and wearing branded apparel. Leveraging blockchain technology provides these very opportunities to interested consumers.

Trend - A new wave of startups are utilizing blockchain technology and smart contracts to offer filmmakers and musicians an alternative artist-centric solution for connecting with fans, acquiring funds, and distributing their projects.

Insight - Filmmakers and musicians operate within a highly centralized industry and, as a result, find themselves routinely faced with creative compromise and lowly compensation. Meanwhile, fans are seeking new ways to support these artists in more direct and personal ways. Accordingly, new blockchain-based platforms are aiming to empower creators by cutting out the middleman, enabling them to connect directly with fans and financiers so they can independently distribute their work.