Navigating the AI compute craze as a retail investor in the web3 era | Opinion

As an analyst with over two decades of experience in the tech industry, I’ve witnessed the ebb and flow of technological trends, from the dot-com boom to the rise of AI and high-performance computing. In 2024, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where AI is the shining star that overshadows all other web3 developments. However, as enticing as this technology may be, it’s important to remember that with great power comes great responsibility – and cost!


2024 is drawing to a close, and as we look back at the technological breakthroughs of the year, the excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing has eclipsed all other innovations in web3. This enthusiasm for AI has led to an unprecedented surge in demand for AI products from customers, causing data centers to face increased pressure to provide infrastructure that can efficiently deliver AI services.

As more companies hurry to incorporate these advanced technologies into their operations, a popular thought has surfaced regarding the possibility of investing in computational resources such as Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) chips, which are frequently utilized for training AI models, blockchains, self-driving cars, and various upcoming applications. However, prior to wholeheartedly diving into the promising opportunities presented by this hardware, it’s crucial to thoughtfully ponder the intricacies and hurdles they may bring along.

It’s true that the promise of AI is indeed enticing. Just look at the stats from OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which garners over 200 million active weekly users. From automating mundane tasks to driving sophisticated analytics, the potential of AI and large language models is vast, and these technologies are here to stay. 

The growth has just started 

It’s no surprise that companies are keen on acquiring an advantage using AI, prompting industry giants such as Meta and Apple to pour resources into software development for this technology.

According to a recent report from Bain & Company, it’s predicted that the amount of tasks handled by artificial intelligence (AI) will increase by 25% to 35% every year for some time, causing the market for AI-related hardware and software to expand to a staggering range between $780 billion and $990 billion by the year 2027.

Investing in computational resources isn’t simply about buying equipment or signing up for a cloud subscription. When considering potential obstacles to investment in this software, a significant challenge often encountered by investors is the high initial cost.

The costs of advanced GPUs like NVIDIA’s A100 or H100 can be upwards of millions of dollars, with additional costs for servers, cooling systems, or the electricity needed to power the devices. This presents a challenge for retail investors looking to add this technology to their portfolios, often limiting investment opportunities to powerful corporations.  

For those with a lighter stomach, this equipment might be too intense due to its expensive cost and demanding requirements for optimization and resource management. Prospective investors would need a deep understanding of the specifics of both the hardware and software, emphasizing the necessity of possessing technical expertise as a starting point.

Regardless of cost and technical hurdles, a substantial hindrance persists: the limited availability or scarcity of supplies. A Bain & Company study indicates that the need for AI components might surge by 30% or more, exceeding current production capacity.

Although computer investment might appear unattainable, novel models are making it more feasible for common investors, enabling them to explore the possibilities of sophisticated computing, even surmounting previous hindrances.

Tokenization as a solution

By dividing up high-performance GPU resources via tokenization, Exabits grants users a chance to join the AI computing market as shareholders, earning rewards and income without having to handle the intricacies of hardware maintenance. This platform provides affordable entry points and reward structures, enabling individuals to tap into the need for GPU resources while mitigating the risks typically involved in direct investment. In essence, Exabits simplifies the process of investing in AI computing.

Exabits refers to its unique approach as “The Four Seasons of GPU,” underscoring the emphasis on quality assurance and uniformity in their GPU solutions, much like the Four Seasons Hotel is renowned for exceptional service worldwide. This business model promises top-tier hardware that investors can confidently rely upon. Exabits offers personalized support to its clients, mirroring the hotel’s dedication to customer satisfaction. As a platform and company, Exabits strives to create an inclusive environment where investors can take part in the thriving AI computing market equally.

As the need for computation increases, so does the interest in investment prospects within this rapidly expanding sector. Given the continual advancement of AI, blockchain, and other technological trends, the future of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) development will hinge on the industry’s capacity to satisfy these demands and generate opportunities that widen access to this highly regarded technology.

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2024-10-12 08:18