The Dilemma of Public Market Investors in the AI Revolution

AI startups face obstacles when it comes to entering the public stock market for trading. It may take several years for these companies to reach the required scale and revenue thresholds necessary for an initial public offering (IPO). Additionally, the current IPO market is volatile, with limited attractiveness for companies to go public. Even successful and large private companies are hesitant to pursue IPOs in the present climate.

Graham suggests two potential paths for public market investors to engage in AI investments. The first path involves established companies acquiring AI startups and transforming themselves into AI enterprises. However, Graham views this approach as more of a market-driven response rather than a sustainable solution. The second path involves AI startups entering the public stock market at a faster pace. Yet, Graham believes that many AI startups pursuing this route might primarily be seeking funding rather than being genuinely ready for the public market.

Some individuals disagree with Graham’s perspective, pointing out that public market investors can still invest in established companies like NVIDIA, Microsoft, Alphabet, or Meta, which are heavily involved in the AI space. While AI concept stocks have seen significant price surges this year, it has primarily been driven by institutional investors rather than retail investors.

Graham alludes to the immense profit potential for private investors in AI startups. In the first quarter of this year alone, generative AI startups received $1.7 billion in VC investments, and announced deals worth $10.7 billion were yet to be finalized. In comparison, AI startup funding in the same quarter three years ago amounted to just $250 million.

Despite the challenges faced by public market investors, there are alternative investment avenues available to them. These include investing in AI-focused funds managed by VC firms, participating in pre-IPO rounds through secondary markets, or exploring AI-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These options provide an opportunity for retail investors to indirectly access the AI market and potentially benefit from its growth.

As the AI revolution continues to reshape industries and economies, there is a growing need to bridge the gap between private and public market investments in AI startups. This could involve regulatory changes, increased access to AI investment opportunities for retail investors, and the development of specialized AI investment vehicles. The evolving landscape holds the potential to unlock new possibilities for public market investors to actively participate in the AI revolution.