Are you ready to tap into investment trends that have Gen Z investors buzzing? In today’s ever-changing market, Gen Z investors are all about flexing their portfolio muscles with the hottest alternative assets. They’re ditching the old-school investment playbook and diving headfirst into cutting-edge avenues that ride the waves of tech, cultural buzz, and shifting trends. In a world where traditional investments are taking a backseat, we’re here to explore the six hippest alternative asset classes that Gen Z is flocking to. From tech-driven marvels to cultural sensations, these assets offer the potential for financial growth and a taste of the cutting-edge.
1. Hoken: Exploring the World of Alternative Accommodation Investments
Hoken, an innovative hotel marketplace for anyone seeking unique experiences and profitable opportunities, is a highly curated and flexible hotel exchange that revolutionizes the way hotel room reservations are booked and used for popular events. With Hoken, travelers can access exclusive room reservations close to the action, unavailable on any other site. It offers features like “hotel room drops” and the ability to sell or trade rooms for profit as demand and prices typically rise closer to the date of the event. Moreover, Hoken’s industry-first biddable exchange allows users to bid on accommodations, optimizing room prices and enhancing engagement.
Unlike traditional resale platforms, Hoken provides numerous benefits to resellers. They don’t hold inventory, eliminating the risk of unsold items and storage costs. Additionally, reselling hotel rooms eliminates shipping fees and verification concerns, ensuring a seamless experience. Hoken’s lower fees maximize the seller’s profits compared to other popular marketplaces. Moreover, the Buyback Guarantee offers peace of mind, allowing customers to sell back room reservations they can’t use, reducing non-refundability and risk. With Hoken’s Roomfolio, users can easily manage and monitor their room inventory, assessing potential selling opportunities or making informed decisions about their bookings. By prioritizing experiences, offering exclusive access to sought-after events, and providing a seamless and trustworthy booking process, Hoken is reshaping the future of event lodging for Gen Z and beyond.
2. Rihanna’s Producer Sells Royalties as NFTs: A Digital Twist to Investing in Music
You’ve heard of this NFT thing. What is it? And how do you get into it? A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unique digital asset that represents ownership or proof of authenticity for a specific item or piece of content, such as artwork or music, using blockchain technology. The rise of non-fungible tokens has sparked a revolution in the art and entertainment world. Earlier this year, the startup anotherblock dropped a major NFT offering featuring a popular song by none other than Rihanna. This groundbreaking platform collaborates with rights holders, including artists, producers, and writers, to fractionalize their streaming royalty rights into NFTs. Deputy, a producer known for his work with Kanye West, Travis Scott, and WondaGurl, granted collectors a piece of the action by sharing a portion of his streaming royalties on Rihanna’s iconic track “B**** Better Have My Money.” Back in 2015, the song went triple platinum in the U.S. and has since accumulated nearly 1 billion streams across various music-sharing platforms. He released 300 royalty-linked NFTs, each NFT priced at $210, and they sold out within minutes. Holders of these exclusive NFTs will enjoy a portion of 0.0033% of the streaming royalties for this chart-topping hit. Gen Z investors are increasingly drawn to this alternative asset class, as it allows them to invest in music and other forms of digital media, all while benefiting from the potential appreciation of these unique and exclusive assets.
3. Meme Stocks and Coins: Riding the Wave of Cultural Phenomena
The power of memes cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to investing. Gen Z investors have harnessed the potential of meme stocks and coins, exemplified by the GameStop ($GME) saga and recent Pepe coin ($PEPE) phenomena.
Now, let’s talk numbers. Brace yourself, because Pepe’s price has been on an absolute rollercoaster ride. Between April 18 and its glorious peak on May 5, this meme-powered gem skyrocketed a jaw-dropping 6,300%. Can you believe it? But why Pepe and not some other meme coins? Some might point to its memetic appeal, unique branding, and buzz within the crypto community. The association with the iconic Pepe the Frog meme has created a strong sense of community and excitement. The coin’s rapid rise in value, accessibility on major exchanges, and speculative interest have definitely contributed to its popularity. Additionally, discussions and news about Pepe Coin within the cryptocurrency community have fueled curiosity and exploration. By following social media trends and participating in online communities like Reddit, investors can identify opportunities like this to invest in assets that have gained significant attention and support, leading to potential high returns driven by collective enthusiasm. Pepe Coin is now up for grabs on several major crypto exchanges, making it easier than ever to get in on the action. From the colossal Binance to other exciting platforms like Webull, Kraken, KuCoin, and the decentralized exchange UniSwap, Pepe is making its presence known. We’d be remiss in not offering a word of caution, however: Do your research before you dive headfirst into this crypto frenzy, keeping in mind that digital asset trading and most crypto exchanges remain unregulated in the U.S.
4. The Nature Park Camping Craze: Buying Empty Plots of Land and Utilizing HipCamp
Looking to level up your investment game with a truly hip opportunity? Say hello to Hipcamp, the game-changer in the world of outdoor adventures. With Hipcamp, savvy investors can turn their plot of land into a thriving rental business that caters to nature-loving travelers seeking unique and off-the-grid experiences. According to HipCamp, “Our most active hosts make over $100,000 per year hosting campers, and our least active hosts make a few thousand per year. Our average active host makes $8,000 – $15,000 per year.” The site recommends having a minimum of 2 acres of land, ideally,, and you would probably see the most bang for your buck by buying a property that is close to national or state parks. By joining forces with this booming platform, you can tap into the growing demand for outdoor getaways and capitalize on the rising popularity of eco-tourism. So, if you’re ready to embrace the great outdoors and cash in on the wanderlust economy, Hipcamp is your ticket to a truly hip investment journey.
5. Fractional Real Estate Investing: Owning a Piece of the Property Pie
Traditionally, real estate has been associated with substantial capital requirements. However, fractional real estate investing is transforming this perception. Gen Z investors can now own a portion of a property by purchasing fractional shares or tokens. Platforms like RealT, a platform that enables investors to purchase fractional ownership in U.S. properties, allow investors to buy digital tokens representing a share of the property. This way you can participate in rental income and potential property value appreciation. Fractional is another platform that offers fractional real estate investing opportunities. It allows investors to buy and trade shares of high-end properties, providing access to luxury real estate with smaller investment amounts enabling investors to gain exposure to the luxury real estate market with smaller investment amounts, opening up access to this previously exclusive asset class. According to RealT’s website, investors have earned an average net rental return of around 6-12% annually on their fractional real estate investments. Fractional real estate investing opens doors for Gen Z investors to enter the traditionally capital-intensive real estate market. By purchasing fractional shares or tokens, they can gain exposure to properties and benefit from potential appreciation, all with smaller investment amounts.
6. Peer-to-Peer Lending: Investing in Individuals and Small Businesses
With traditional financial intermediaries like banks and credit unions being challenged, peer-to-peer lending platforms have gained popularity among Gen Z investors. Websites like LendingClub, one of the largest peer-to-peer lending platforms, connect borrowers with investors allowing individuals to invest in personal loans and potentially earn interest on their investments. This alternative asset class allows Gen Z investors to diversify their portfolios while supporting entrepreneurs and promoting financial inclusivity. Peer-to-peer lending platforms also provide Gen Z investors with the opportunity to support individuals and small businesses while earning interest on their investments. On platforms like LendingClub, investors can build a diversified portfolio by investing in multiple loans across different risk categories. According to LendingClub’s historical data, investors who have built well-diversified portfolios have had the potential to earn annualized returns in the range of 3% to 8%. By directly connecting lenders and borrowers, these platforms cut out traditional financial intermediaries and promote financial inclusivity. Gen Z investors can play a role in shaping the future of finance by supporting entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth.
New investors are embracing the world of alternative asset classes, deviating from traditional investment strategies. They are venturing into cutting-edge avenues that align with their interests and offer potential financial growth. These alternative assets cater to the desire for unique experiences, cultural phenomena, and the rise of technology. From nature park camping investments through platforms like Hipcamp to hotel room reselling on platforms like Hoken, Gen Z investors are gaining access to previously exclusive markets with smaller investment amounts. By cutting out traditional financial intermediaries, these platforms facilitate direct connections between lenders and borrowers, fostering economic growth. As Gen Z investors continue to explore these alternative asset classes, they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of finance, embracing innovation, and seeking opportunities that resonate with their values and aspirations.
