The metaverse, a term coined by sci-fi author Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel Snow Crash, refers to the post-reality universe, a multiuser environment merging physical reality with digital virtuality. As technology continues to advance, the metaverse has become increasingly relevant as a potential investment opportunity.
In this article, we will explore how to invest in the metaverse in Australia, including through ETFs, metaverse real estate, investment funds, and by purchasing shares in metaverse companies. We will also look at some of the main companies currently operating within the metaverse and discuss the future potential of this exciting and rapidly evolving industry.
What Is The Metaverse?
The metaverse is a concept that has been around for some time now. Still, it has gained a lot of attention as technology has advanced over the years to the point where it is becoming more feasible to create a truly immersive virtual world. The metaverse is a network of virtual worlds that allows users to communicate and interact with each other and digital objects in real time. It is composed of multiple interconnected and immersive platforms that support social interactions.
The true potential of the metaverse lies in its ability to blur the lines between the virtual and the real world. For example, a person could visit a virtual store in the metaverse and purchase a virtual version of a real-world product, or they could attend a virtual concert that is being streamed from a real-world venue.
One of the main benefits of the metaverse is that it allows people to experience things that they might not be able to in the real world due to geographical, financial, or physical limitations. It also has the potential to revolutionise industries such as retail, entertainment, and even education.
How To Invest In The Metaverse?
There are several ways to invest in the metaverse in Australia:
- ETFs: An ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is a type of investment fund that tracks the performance of a specific market or sector. There are several ETFs that focus on technology companies that are involved in the development of the metaverse, such as the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF and the Global X Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality ETF.
- Metaverse Real Estate: As the metaverse becomes more popular, virtual real estate is becoming an increasingly attractive investment opportunity. There are several companies that are starting to sell virtual land or property within the metaverse, and some are even offering virtual rentals.
- Investment Funds: There are also several investment funds that focus specifically on companies operating within the metaverse. One example is the VR Vision Fund, which invests in early-stage virtual and augmented reality companies.
- Purchasing Shares in Metaverse Companies: Another option is to invest in individual metaverse companies by purchasing their shares on the stock market. Some examples of companies that are actively involved in the development of the metaverse include Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. It is important to do your research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investments.
Main Companies That Are Part Of The Metaverse
There are several major companies that are currently operating within the metaverse or actively working on developing virtual and augmented reality technologies. Some examples include:
- Facebook: Facebook is actively working on its virtual reality platform, Oculus, which includes both VR and AR products.
- Google: Google has several AR and VR products, including Google Earth and Google Glass.
- Microsoft: Microsoft has a strong presence in the metaverse through its HoloLens AR headset and its virtual reality platform, Windows Mixed Reality.
- Epic Games: Epic Games, the company behind the popular game Fortnite, is working on creating a metaverse called the Epic Metaverse.
- Magic Leap: Magic Leap is a company that is developing a mixed-reality headset called Magic Leap One.
Brokers To Invest In The Metaverse
If you are interested in investing in the metaverse, there are several brokers in Australia that can help you do so. Some options to consider include:
- EightCap: Eightcap is an Australian brokerage company that offers derivative products for cryptocurrencies and stocks. The platform is beginner-friendly, and has excellent informational resources, for users looking to invest in the metaverse.
- IG: IG is an online broker that offers a range of trading tools, including ETFs and individual stocks of metaverse companies.
- eToro: eToro is a social trading platform that allows users to buy and sell various assets, including ETFs and individual stocks of metaverse companies.
- Moomoo: Moomoo is an online stock broker with zero-commission trading for stocks, ETFs, and options. Moomoo offers a robust mobile and desktop trading platform that offers similar features to those of other top stock brokers.
It is important to do your research and compare different brokers to find the one that best meets your needs and investment goals.
What Is The Future Of The Metaverse?
The future of the metaverse is still somewhat uncertain, as it is a rapidly evolving industry. However, there is a lot of excitement and speculation about the potential of the metaverse to revolutionise various industries and change the way we live and work.
One of the main drivers of the metaverse is the increasing affordability and accessibility of virtual and augmented reality technology. As these technologies become more widespread and sophisticated, it is likely that the metaverse will become an increasingly important part of our daily lives.
There are also several companies and organisations working on creating fully immersive virtual worlds, such as the Epic Metaverse and the Virtual Futures Salon. These projects could potentially lead to the creation of a fully-fledged metaverse in the future.
It is important to keep in mind that investing in the metaverse is still a relatively high-risk proposition, as it is a somewhat new and untested market. However, for those willing to take the risk, the potential rewards could be significant. Overall, the metaverse represents an exciting and potentially lucrative investment opportunity for those willing to embrace the future of technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the metaverse is an exciting and rapidly evolving industry that has the potential to revolutionise various industries and change the way we live and work. There are several ways to invest in the metaverse in Australia, including through ETFs, metaverse real estate, investment funds, and by purchasing shares in metaverse companies. Some of the main companies currently operating within the metaverse include Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Epic Games, and Magic Leap. There are also several brokers that can help you invest in the metaverse. While investing in the metaverse is still a high-risk proposition, the potential rewards could be significant for those willing to take the risk and embrace the future of technology.