How to invest in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1 min read by Rachel Carey Last updated October 4, 2024

Here we explore how to invest in artificial intelligence and highlight the opportunities and risks involved with investing in the sector.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how we live and work, so it's no surprise that many investors view the technology as an excellent long-term investment prospect.  

If you're interested in investing in AI, there are several avenues you can explore, from individual stocks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).  

Here we look closer at how to invest in AI, the potential risks involved, and the best AI stocks to consider for your investment portfolio.   

So, whether you're a seasoned investor or starting out, read on to learn how to get in on the AI action.  

How to Invest in AI 

Investing in AI has become increasingly popular in recent years as technology revolutionizes industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation.   

These are some of the most popular options to invest in AI:  

  1. ETFs: An ETF is a basket of stocks that can be bought and sold on the stock exchange like individual stocks. Several AI-focused ETFs are available, such as the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) and the AI-Powered Equity ETF (AIEQ).  

  2. Companies that are leaders in AI technology: Many large tech companies invest heavily in AI, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These companies are at the forefront of AI technology and have the financial muscle to continue developing it.  

  3. Look for smaller companies with innovative AI solutions: Many smaller companies are developing cutting-edge AI technology. These companies may have more growth potential but also carry higher risks. Therefore, it is important to research and analyze a company's financials, management team, and industry trends before making any investment decisions.  

  4. Consider investing in venture capital funds: Venture capital firms invest in startups and early-stage companies developing innovative technologies, including AI. These funds can provide exposure to a diversified portfolio of companies with high growth potential.  

What are the risks of investing in AI? 

While AI has the potential for high returns, it is also important to consider the potential risks.  

Some of the key risks to keep in mind are: 

Market volatility 

As an emerging technology, the AI market can be volatile and subject to rapid changes in investor sentiment. This means that investments in AI can be riskier than in more established sectors.  

Limited regulation 

There is currently limited regulation in the AI industry, making it difficult to predict future developments and assess risks associated with individual investments.  

Competition 

There is intense competition among AI companies, which can lead to rapid changes in market share and profitability.  

Ethical concerns 

AI technologies can raise ethical concerns related to privacy, bias, and job displacement, which could affect the growth and profitability of the industry.  

Technological limitations 

AI technologies are still developing, and there is always the risk that some may not live up to their potential or face unforeseen limitations.  

It's important to thoroughly research and evaluate potential AI investments, taking into account both the potential rewards and risks. Consulting with a financial adviser or doing further research on AI investment opportunities and risks can help make informed investment decisions.  

Some of the best AI stocks to consider investing in 

Investing in individual stocks can be a great way to gain exposure to the rapidly growing AI industry.   

Here are some of the best AI stocks to consider:  

  1. Alphabet (GOOGL): Google's parent company is heavily invested in AI research and development. The company uses AI to improve search results, develop self-driving cars, and enhance its advertising platform.  

  2. NVIDIA (NVDA): This company is a leader in developing graphics processing units (GPUs) used in AI applications. NVIDIA's GPUs are widely used in data centers and cloud computing, which are key areas for AI development.  

  3. Amazon (AMZN): Amazon uses AI in a variety of ways, including improving its recommendation engine and developing its Alexa digital assistant. The company is also investing heavily in autonomous drone delivery, which could be a game-changer for the logistics industry.  

  4. IBM (IBM): IBM has a long history in AI research and development, and the company's Watson platform is a leading AI tool used in industries like healthcare and finance.  

  5. Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft's AI capabilities are used in a wide range of products, including its Office suite, Xbox gaming platform, and Bing search engine. The company also invests in AI research to develop new products and services.  

Is AI a good investment? 

AI is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to finance. But is it a good investment?  

Well, AI can be a good investment because of its potential to transform industries and create new ones. 

As we have seen recently, AI is already being used in areas such as writing, image generation, fraud detection, customer service, and even self-driving cars. As technology advances, we will likely see AI cause even more disruption.  

However, investing in AI also comes with risks. 

The technology is still relatively new, and there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding its future. 

It's important to do your research and invest in companies with a proven track record of success in AI.  

Additionally, it's important to remember that investing in individual stocks can be risky. 

Diversifying your portfolio with AI-focused ETFs or mutual funds can be a more prudent way to invest in AI.

Senior Content Writer

Rachel Carey

Rachel is a Senior Content Writer at Unbiased. She has nearly a decade of experience writing and producing content across a range of different sectors.