💧 Water as the New Platform
A rising tide in the world of investment has been capturing my attention for the past five years, and it's finally reaching the mainstream conversation: water.
Entrepreneur and investor, Yishan Wong, recently underscored this potential in a Twitter proclamation, "If you want to know the next big thing in 'real atoms' investment macro-trends, I'll tell you right now. It's WATER!"
This statement rings true to what some of us have humbly observed and believed for some time now. While it is gratifying to have identified this potential years ago, the focus now is not on the prediction, but on the promise this vital resource holds. With escalating climate crises and mounting pressure on our existing water resources, water-related investments are poised to be the next big wave. Water, a tangible resource, has immense potential to become a platform for a range of innovative investment opportunities. This concept may initially seem like uncharted territory, but let's dive in to explore the depths of this burgeoning economic sea.
In the age of digitalization, the concept of a "platform" has transformed our interaction with the world. From social media to e-commerce, cloud computing to streaming services, platforms have created a framework for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Now, this concept of a "platform" is making a splash in an unexpected domain.
Water - a vital resource that is fundamental to life, yet often undervalued and poorly managed - is emerging as a significant investment opportunity, where it's being framed as a "platform". But how can water, a tangible resource, become a platform, an intangible framework? Let's dive in.
Imagine a digital platform designed to facilitate investments, trades, and management of water-related assets, resources, and projects. This platform could be a marketplace for everything from funding innovative water purification technologies to facilitating the trading of water rights. Here's how such a "water platform" could reshape the investment landscape:
Water Rights Trading: The rights to use water from a particular source are bought and sold in several countries, including parts of Australia and the U.S. Our hypothetical platform could provide a marketplace for these transactions, offering a secure, transparent platform that maximizes efficiency and minimizes waste.
Infrastructure Investment: The need for improved water infrastructure is a worldwide concern. This platform could connect investors to such projects, ranging from local water purification plants to expansive pipeline systems. This would not only offer significant investment returns but also contribute to improved water access and quality.
Water Quality and Purification Technologies: As our planet faces increasing water pollution, investment in new water purification technologies is more crucial than ever. This platform could be a nexus of innovation, allowing investors to support the development and deployment of these vital technologies.
Water Sustainability Projects: In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, this platform could link investors to projects centered around water conservation and efficient usage. These could include watershed management initiatives, projects promoting the use of greywater, or programs incentivizing water-saving appliances.
Water Futures Market: Just like other commodities, water now has its futures market. The platform could provide an accessible, user-friendly interface for trading in water futures, making this market more approachable for investors of all scales.
Just as platforms have disrupted many traditional industries, a water platform could revolutionize how we invest in, manage, and value water. Such a platform would not only offer lucrative investment opportunities but also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable management of water resources.
We are already seeing the beginnings of this opportunity with companies such as Tap, where I am working towards this vision. Tap is in the process of building software to connect water devices, service providers, and data repositories all under one cohesive brand. With partnerships with industry giants like Apple, Elkay, and Hydro Flask, we aim to decentralize, streamline, and make accessible the world of water data and services.
In conclusion, water is not just a commodity; it's a new frontier of platform-based investment opportunities. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, finding innovative ways to value, manage, and conserve our most precious resource will be key. And the concept of a 'water platform' might be the drop of innovation that creates a ripple of change.