Kris Qiu, Co-Founder and CEO at IQM.
It’s already that time again; the start of 2025 and time for leaders to weigh in on what we predict will happen this year and beyond. While I am constantly thinking about trends and what I foresee coming down the pipeline, I also know these “trend” pieces can feel like an obligation for both the authority and the reader. We all know AI will continue to trend, but how will it evolve in 2025 and beyond—and more importantly, how does it impact us? And what about data? Data is always something we are discussing: How can we evolve it? How much can we get? The list goes on, but what about looking at how to use less and get more?
When I reach the end of the year and think about what will come in the year ahead, I look at what I know and can control more so than what other people are “predicting.” So, here is what I know.
Yes, I believe data and AI will continue to contribute to virtually every aspect of the world we live in, but maybe not in the ways everyone thinks. We don’t need AI that is going to take over people’s jobs, nor do we need more data. What we need is AI that is smarter, more capable and lessens the burden for workers, and can review less, more specialized data.
But where I really see the future is in verticalization. It feels like everything has taken on a broader, more large-scale approach, but I believe 2025 will see more niche information and data. After all, why should a company looking for political data points work with an agency that covers everything (and yet somehow nothing)?
I truly believe that we can help companies succeed more directly if we come to the table with vertical expertise for the areas they are working in. If a company specializes in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, sure, data can help them, but nothing beats working with an agency that specifically hires employees who have knowledge of the field and can provide unique POVs to their clients.
When it comes to the more regulated industries, like healthcare, politics, gaming, etc., 2025 is going to be the year that companies realize they need more from their vendors.
• AI: AI will continue to play a role in how we approach our clients, but in a different way than ever before. AI needs to get smarter, making life easier for companies. What it definitely doesn’t need to do is expand more. We must teach employees how to actually use AI in meaningful ways that don’t make them feel like it’s taking over their jobs.
• Specialization: We are no longer in the market of hiring people who do it all. In my opinion, we need to focus on individuals who have spent their careers learning a particular topic and have gained expertise in it. If we have more knowledge on a particular vertical than our clients, that will only better serve them.
• Technology: We know new technology is always coming out, and I am constantly looking for ways to innovate as well. But I think 2025 will be all about improving the technology we already have. Before creating new products, we should first figure out how to make the old products work to the best of their ability.
• Changes In Regulation: With the changing climate of politics, I’m expecting to see less regulation in certain industries like finance, with increased regulation in areas like healthcare in 2025. We need to look at what potential changes mean for each vertical and how we can better service those clients in the wake of change.
With all of the above considered, one of the best strategies to keep in mind is collectively holding a group of teams and partners who are experts in their respective verticals. When you are a company with verticalized audiences, or a company whose strategy touches multiple verticals, having in-depth knowledge in those spaces is what will bring immense value. Work with partners who understand the nuances, risks, challenges and opportunities for growth.
The start of a new year is always an exciting time, but 2025 brings the expectation of a lot of change to come. There is truly nothing more important than being prepared and being agile because we can predict all we want, but no one can really see the future.
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