INDUSTRY FOCUS
TECHNOLOGY
OVERVIEW
The technology industry continues to attract significant investments as organizations recognize the numerous benefits of digital transformation. In 2023, the industry is projected to remain relatively strong, with a forecasted value of $4.5 trillion, representing a 2.4% increase from 2022. Key factors for sustained growth include advancements in cloud computing, data analytics, customer experience, and cybersecurity. While certain sectors such as NFTs, crypto, or metaverse may have experienced a decline in strength, other areas of innovation continue to thrive.
Technologies such as 5G, AI, and cloud computing are gaining popularity and widespread adoption across various industries. Geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties have prompted industry leaders to explore new possibilities by combining different technologies, and these combinatorial approaches are expected to scale in 2023, reinforcing the technology industry's presence in almost every other sector.
TRENDS & CHALLENGES
Despite the technology industry's resilience during the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, challenges persist in 2023. Talent recruitment and retention remain significant concerns, with an estimated shortage of 85.2 million skilled workers by 2030. Implementing intelligent automation technologies is crucial for improving efficiency, with potential productivity gains of 20-25%. M&A activity in the enterprise IT sector flourished in 2022, reaching a total value of $634 billion, indicating the industry's growth and the strategic importance of partnerships. The industry must also adapt to increasing climate change regulations and evolving tax requirements, such as the European Union's Green Deal and OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) framework.
Considering global challenges, technology companies must strategically consider partnership locations and manufacturing facilities. Nearshoring offers benefits such as cost reduction and increased flexibility, with 48% of technology companies planning to increase their nearshoring activities. Adapting to environmental regulations and implementing sustainable practices is crucial, aligning with initiatives like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, tax requirements are evolving, with governments aiming to ensure fair taxation. Companies must comply with changing tax landscapes, such as the BEPS framework, to navigate tax challenges effectively.
FUTURE FORECAST
According to Harvard Business Review, "2023 will likely be a more sober year in tech." The next phase of the technology industry's evolution is expected to be more deliberate and paced compared to previous years. Combinatorial trends will involve the creative utilization of existing tools, such as AI, clean tech, and immersive reality technologies. New technologies and products will emerge across various industries, including mobility, genomics, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.
While the global "reopening" has impacted the technology industry, company fundamentals remain strong, and most companies are progressively scalable. However, given the rapid pace of technological evolution, companies must maintain agility to attract investors and stay ahead in the industry.
INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE
9.1X
MINIMUM ARR
3.5M
SALES MULTIPLE MINIMUM ARR
Disclosure: These key performance indicators are based on industry averages for a company with $10 million in revenue. The KPIs are not specific to the operational performance of your company or your sub-sector.
The information contained has been obtained from different sources deemed reliable, including DealStats, Deloitte, Dun & Bradstreet, and Business Reference Guide. Pacifica Advisors does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the data. PA is a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisor and business broker.