AI Generation Gold Rushers: Who Will Dominate the Entire Chain from Infrastructure to Security

An Era of Transformation Through Numbers

As global capital flows into the artificial intelligence sector at an unprecedented speed, a real industry upgrade is underway—more tangible than the internet bubble. According to research firm Gartner, global AI-related investments—including infrastructure, software, hardware, and services—are expected to surpass $2 trillion in the next two years (targeting 2026).

This is not speculative virtual economy; it is genuine capital flow. Companies are migrating to the cloud, countries are launching national AI initiatives, chip manufacturing capacity is expanding, and enterprise software systems are undergoing comprehensive upgrades. Unlike the blind optimism before the 1999 internet bubble burst, current investments have concrete deliverables. Analysts compare this to the early internet expansion in 1996, rather than the frenzy of the millennium bubble.

US economic data further confirms this trend. According to The Kobeissi Letter, 63% of recent US economic growth is directly attributable to AI-related investments. Removing AI investment factors, overall economic growth would decline significantly.

Winners Behind the Spotlight

While the market’s focus remains on large tech giants, savvy investors are uncovering key players that are often overlooked. These may not be as prominent as the leading companies, but they play an indispensable role in the entire AI industry chain.

The New Frontline of Cybersecurity

As AI applications penetrate various industries, the complexity of cyber threats is exploding. Cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike, Zscaler, and Palo Alto are thus entering a new growth phase. These companies must address the expanded attack surface in the AI era while providing AI-driven protection solutions.

Take CrowdStrike as an example. The company’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform frequently appears on industry best lists. According to the latest estimates, its 12-month target price is $600 (compared to the current price of $509, representing over 17% upside), with a market cap of approximately $12.78 billion. Through innovative applications of its AI frameworks Charlotte and AgentWorks, it is expanding its influence in government and international markets.

Unsung Heroes of Infrastructure

Infrastructure providers like Vertiv and Akamai rarely make headlines, but their solutions are critical for data center power and cooling systems. As AI computing demands grow, companies ensuring energy supply and thermal management will continue to profit.

The Wave of Enterprise Software Upgrades

Seemingly mundane enterprise software updates actually represent fundamental transformations in the business world for the AI era. This is a vast but often underestimated market.

From Outcasts to AI Trailblazers: Palantir’s Comeback

Few cases are as enlightening as Palantir’s trajectory.

When the company first went public, its IPO price was around $10. Wall Street generally viewed it as a niche company reliant on government contracts. But astute observers had already sensed its hidden transformation—Palantir’s silent expansion into the enterprise market and the profound implications of its strategic shift.

On July 28, 2023, analysts initiated coverage on Palantir with a target price of $25 (more than 50% above the then-closing price of $16.15). As the company’s AI capabilities continued to improve, this target kept being revised upward. Today, Palantir’s stock hovers around $180—demonstrating a tenfold increase from $10, validating the foresight of early judgments.

“Palantir has been undervalued by the market for a long time,” said industry insiders. “But when you see what Alex Karp’s team is building and observe the stock price rising from $10 to its current level, it’s gratifying to see this undervaluation turn into proper valuation.”

Control of the Supply Chain: The Strategic Significance of Chip Manufacturing

The importance of chip manufacturing has risen to the level of national strategy. The capacity of upstream companies like TSMC, ASML, and Intel is becoming a bottleneck in the global AI race.

Both the US and China are increasing investments in computing power, advanced chips, and AI-oriented industries. This national-level competition makes the energy supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem critically important. Policy trends also reflect this strategic intent—countries are using policy measures to secure their positions in the chip supply chain.

This means chip manufacturers, energy infrastructure providers, and the entire ecosystem around them will play pivotal roles in upcoming competition.

Opposing Voices

Not all investors believe in this AI boom. Investor Michael Burry, famous for “The Big Short,” reportedly has taken a short position of about $100,000 against leading AI companies, indicating market caution.

However, mainstream analysis suggests that, unlike the internet era, today’s AI investments are supported by more solid fundamentals.

The True Face of the Revolution

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is no longer a future concept but an ongoing process. From cybersecurity and energy management to chip manufacturing and enterprise software upgrades, the entire value chain is preparing for this era. Investors who understand the integrity of this chain will be able to seize opportunities across different dimensions—whether in industry leaders under the spotlight or behind-the-scenes infrastructure guardians.