Ever since the dot-com boom, investors have been intrigued by the possibility of tech disruptors that can transform the economic landscape. Companies like Meta Platforms (META) and Tesla (TSLA), which weren’t even around 25 years ago, have skyrocketed to the top with their groundbreaking innovations.
Many of today’s most disruptive startups are backed by private equity. While small, these high-potential firms often operate at a loss while exploring exciting applications in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain technology.
However, several well-established publicly traded stocks still remain significant disruptors, ready to reap the benefits of major industry trends.
Investing in innovation can be a gamble; there’s no guarantee that a particular company’s tech will thrive or become a market leader, even if it has the potential.
Nonetheless, here are five standout tech disruptors that have differentiated themselves through impressive share performances and exceed a market capitalization of $1 billion.
- Industry: Capital Markets
- Market Value: $84.3 Billion
- 12-Month Total Return: 103.0%
Coinbase Global (COIN), one of the leading cryptocurrency exchanges, takes a sensible approach compared to more volatile rivals in the crypto space. The company has prioritized adhering to U.S. regulatory rules.
Being one of the few regulated exchanges and a public company on Nasdaq, Coinbase provides clarity and transparency that many competitors lack.
Additionally, Coinbase is connecting with mainstream finance by offering Visa (V)-branded cards that allow users to earn crypto rewards.
This blend of innovative tech with a collaborative stance with traditional banking and payment systems has made COIN stock increasingly appealing to investors, having more than doubled in value last year.
- Industry: Hotels, Restaurants, and Leisure
- Market Value: $21.3 Billion
- 12-Month Total Return: 12.1%
DraftKings (DKNG) has been changing the game in the gambling world, especially since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to lift federal restrictions on sportsbooks. As the NFL season kicks off, DraftKings is everywhere, offering not just traditional betting but also innovative features like daily fantasy contests.
They’re also expanding into online casino categories, fighting for a share in spaces like video poker and Powerball.
According to analysts, the global sports betting market is projected to rise over $220 billion between 2025 and 2029, achieving nearly 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). DraftKings, by adding modern twists to a traditional hobby, remains a vital disruptor to watch as the market grows steadily.
- Industry: Biotechnology
- Market Value: $1.4 Billion
- 12-Month Total Return: 176.0%
Grail (GRAL) is breaking new ground in the medical field with pioneering diagnostic tools that help identify at-risk cancer patients through minimally invasive methods. This has the potential to elevate patient outcomes while cutting care costs and combating cancer globally.
After becoming an independent biotech firm due to a regulatory change, Grail has gained momentum with its Galleri cancer-screening blood test, showing over 20% revenue growth year-over-year last quarter and an expected 30% growth for the full year.
The cancer screening aspect stands out as a meaningful success story, promising both cost savings for providers and improved lives for patients. While it still bears risks, the initial successes signal potential for investors.
- Industry: Software
- Market Value: $403.9 Billion
- 12-Month Total Return: 368.9%
If you haven’t heard of Palantir Technologies (PLTR), you must be living under a rock! The stock has surged nearly 370% in the past year, marking it as one of the stars of the S&P 500.
Palantir’s expertise in data analytics and AI is set to drive 30% revenue growth this year and next, thanks to strong underlying industry trends.
With long-established partnerships with the intelligence community and the Department of Defense, Palantir stands out from the crowd of smaller AI firms by bringing both credibility and stability to the table. Currently profitable, their real-world AI solutions are already being monetized effectively, with earnings projected to grow significantly.
- Industry: Specialty Retail
- Market Value: $1.3 Billion
- 12-Month Total Return: 1,014.8%
ThredUp (TDUP) is revolutionizing thrift shopping with a digital-first approach that leverages smart pricing strategies and efficient listings for a better experience for both sellers and buyers.
Unlike sites like eBay (EBAY), which require sellers to handle everything, ThredUp simplifies the process by managing pricing and listings with advanced algorithms.
With strong consumer demand for high-end sustainable fashion, ThredUp is well-positioned as the platform for over 50,000 brands – from Gap to Gucci – ensuring quality and trustworthy transactions.
Though not yet profitable, ThredUp is an exciting disruptor with 1.5 million active buyers, and its stock has seen more than a 1,000% increase thanks to significant revenue growth.
