Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary says if he were 25 today, he’d chase these two booming opportunities in the world of AI

Kevin O’Leary, the renowned investor and judge on the popular television show Shark Tank, recently shared his insights on the booming opportunities in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking in a video, O’Leary, who is 71 years old, expressed that if he were starting his career at 25 today, he would focus on two specific areas within the tech industry that are ripe for growth.

Focus on AI Implementation for Small Businesses

O’Leary emphasized the potential of AI growth, predicting it to be exponential in the coming years. He believes that one of the most significant opportunities lies in helping small businesses implement AI tools effectively. With approximately 36 million small businesses in the United States, which contribute nearly half of the country’s GDP, there is a vast market eager to adopt AI technologies.

However, many of these small businesses may struggle with the transition to AI, lacking the resources and knowledge to implement these tools efficiently. O’Leary pointed out that while larger corporations may be quicker to adapt, small businesses often require assistance in managing their data and setting up systems to analyze it using AI.

“There’s going to be a massive amount of people wanting to use it that don’t know how to, and they’re willing to pay to solve that pain point,” O’Leary stated. He made a crucial distinction between traditional consulting and what he refers to as “implementation and execution,” highlighting the need for practical solutions tailored to small businesses.

Data Center Development: A Growing Demand

O’Leary’s second area of focus is data center development, which he describes as a critical component of the AI infrastructure. He noted that the current demand for data centers far exceeds supply, with only about 5 gigawatts of data center capacity under construction, while the need for more capacity continues to grow.

“The demand is insatiable,” O’Leary remarked, pointing to the increasing reliance on data centers as AI technologies become more prevalent. He has leveraged his own experience in real estate to invest in data center development, including a substantial $70 billion project in Alberta, Canada, which aims to deliver 7.5 gigawatts of computing power.

Goldman Sachs Research has projected that the use of AI will drive data center power demand up by 165% by the end of the decade. Major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are investing billions into data center infrastructure, indicating a robust and growing market.

Conclusion

Both of the opportunities identified by O’Leary—helping small businesses implement AI tools and developing data centers—are foundational to the future of the AI economy. While they may not seem as glamorous as other tech ventures, O’Leary believes that these areas hold significant potential for young entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the industry.

As the landscape of AI continues to evolve, those who can provide practical solutions and infrastructure will be well-positioned to succeed. O’Leary’s insights serve as a reminder that sometimes the most impactful opportunities lie in the less flashy corners of the tech world.

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Note: The insights provided by Kevin O’Leary reflect his personal views and experiences in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.