hold
F FF o oo u uu n nn t tt ' '' s ss T TT r rr e ee n nn d dd i ii n nn g gg A AA r rr t tt i ii c cc l ll e ee s ss
F FF o oo u uu n nn t tt ' '' s ss
T TT r rr e ee n nn d dd i ii n nn g gg A AA r rr t tt i ii c cc l ll e ee s ss
New
What the Future May Hold for the Metaverse
The metaverse has the potential to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds and break down barriers such as time and distance. Interest in the metaverse has risen dramatically, as evidenced by the tenfold increase in search activity between 2020 and 2021, according to a report prepared by Wunderman Thompson Intelligence (WT).[1] WT also highlighted recent developments in the metaverse industry. What are some of these developments? Technology Is Our FutureTechnology is becoming more and more a part of our daily lives. Some 93% of global consumers agree that technology is our future. More than 76% say that their everyday lives and activities are dependent on technology. Those figures are more pronounced among young people. More than half say their happiness, livelihood, and social lives depend on technology. As people spend more time online, the walls between the physical and digital walls are coming down. We are replicating more of our lives in digital space. Companies Responding by Developing More Immersive ExperiencesIn response to the move online, companies are racing to develop the technology that will power immersive 360-degree digital experiences. This includes both companies developing the hardware, such as VR (virtual reality) headsets, and the companies utilizing this technology to provide immersive experiences. The Gamification of EverythingPart of video games is the social aspect – meeting up with people and communicating. Many individuals play games to stay in touch with family and friends. Gaming, social media, and entertainment insiders say their platforms are merging into one. Currently, WT estimates gaming could become a $300 billion industry, surpassing the $101 billion peak of the global film industry’s 2019 all-time high. For younger people, gaming is replacing TV and films. As a result, the entertainment industry is turning to the gaming industry to reinvent itself. Broadcasters are creating channels within games. Concerts are performed on gaming platforms. Filmmakers are using gaming technologies to create movies and television shows. No Definitive “Before and After”There will be no clear “before” and “after” for the metaverse. Although metaverse technology may be considered revolutionary, its adoption will likely be evolutionary. In many respects, we are already in the metaverse. AR (augmented reality) and VR technologies are creating immersive experiences. What is likely to happen is the technology will continue to improve, expanding its applications, improving the experience, and hastening its adoption. Metaverse Technology May Affect Every Aspect of LivingMetaverse technology may touch all aspects of daily living, including:MetaLives – transplanting our daily habits into the metaverseMetaSpaces – bringing traditional gathering spaces into the metaverseMetaBusiness – conducting business in the metaverse. The move onto the metaverse may offer benefits to companies developing and utilizing metaverse technology. How may individuals gain exposure to metaverse-related companies? The Fount Metaverse ETF (MTVR)The Fount Metaverse ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the performance of the Fount Metaverse Index. The index was designed to measure the performance of companies that develop, manufacture, distribute, or sell products related to metaverse technology. MTVR may be an attractive vehicle to gain exposure to metaverse-related companies. [1] All data sourced from: Into the Metaverse, Wunderman Thompson Intelligence, 9/14/21
1 min read · 28 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Jan 20, 2023
Existing Customers Are Often Your Best Customers
A business’s best customers are often its existing customers. Therefore, retaining existing customers is vital, particularly during tough economic times. What are some ways that subscription economy companies may retain customers? As the World ChurnsChurn is the rate at which customers stop doing business with a company. It is calculated by comparing the number of lost customers to the total number of customers at the start of the period. According to payments and commerce consulting company PYMNTS, 62% of subscribers plan to review their subscriptions in the next six months due to the economic crisis. Some 38% have already canceled a subscription to cut costs.[1] What strategies may companies employ to reduce churn? Improved Customer ExperiencePYMNTS noted that 54% of customers said that one bad experience would cause them to cancel a subscription, and 67% said they would switch brands if they had a better experience with a new provider. Therefore, it is important to focus on the consumer experience. Focus on Billing and Cancellation PoliciesAccording to PYMNTS, consumers are frustrated with the difficulty of managing their subscriptions. They found 45% of consumers say that subscriptions are too difficult to cancel and that 51% would keep subscriptions if they were easier to cancel and manage. Payments and BillingWe have highlighted that customizing the payment options for consumers is potentially a key differentiator for subscription economy companies.[2] Allowing consumers to decide the payment method they find most convenient and when to pay for the subscription may be key to reducing churn. Better billing systems can also reduce churn. For example, churn may be caused by subscription cancellation due to credit card expirations. Cancelation PoliciesMore transparent and flexible cancelation policies might also help to retain subscribers. For example, allowing a subscriber to temporarily pause their subscription if they encounter financial difficulties could improve the consumer experience and reduce involuntary churn. Unhiding Hidden FeesPYMNTS found that 51% of subscribers have incurred unwanted or hidden charges. These may include an accidental sign-up, forgetting to cancel a free trial, or unwittingly joining memberships that renew automatically. Getting hit with these unwanted charges can make consumers more hesitant to sign up for the company’s products or services in the future. The Customer Experience is KeyWhile there are factors outside of a company’s control, such as the economy, much can be done to retain customers. Improving the consumer experience would likely go a long way in reducing subscription churn. Subscription economy companies that can deliver a positive consumer experience may be poised to outperform those who don’t and to better weather difficult economic conditions. The Fount Subscription Economy ETF (SUBS)The Fount Subscription Economy ETF (SUBS) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the total return performance of the Fount Subscription Economy Index. The Index was designed to measure the performance of companies engaged in the business of providing subscription services, i.e., companies that sell products or services for recurring subscription revenue. SUBS may present an attractive vehicle for individuals to gain exposure to companies offering subscription-based pricing models. [1] All data sourced from: Minimizing Subscription Churn Through Improved Customer Experiences, PYMNTS Subscription Commerce Tracker Series, November 2022[2] Please see our blogs “Are Payments the Key to Subscription Success” and “How Subscription Companies May Navigate Economic Uncertainty”
1 min read · 64 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Jan 11, 2023
How the Metaverse May Reshape Retail
The metaverse has the potential to blur the divide between the physical and digital worlds and change the way that business is conducted. One industry that may be particularly affected by metaverse technology is retail. The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, held its Innovation Lab, where more than 50 visionary startups across the retail industry showcased their technology, which included the metaverse.[1] What exciting features were highlighted from this event? Virtual Stores and ShowroomsThrough metaverse technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) retail companies may create virtual stores and showrooms in the metaverse. A digital twin of an existing retail outlet or a unique showroom representation can be created, allowing customers to virtually browse a company’s store. Product information may be displayed by clicking on items in the stores Additionally, product demonstrations may be included. Finally, consumers can purchase these items. Virtual stores and showrooms are not limited to fashion and apparel but can include automobile showrooms, home décor, or business-to-business (B2B) items. Picture YourselfMetaverse technologies may allow consumers to virtually try on goods or visualize them in their surroundings. For example, technology exists to create a digital representation of an individual’s body so that they can try on clothes and see how they will fit. Another example of this scanning technology is that it permits consumers to see how furniture may fit and look in their homes. Consumers may configure a retailer’s products to their preferences and project 3D products right next to them. Or they can see the manufacturer’s products in their home through virtual reality. Help for RetailersTechnology exists to allow companies to convert 2D images of real-world objects into realistic 3D digital assets. The digital assets may be used in AR, VR, gaming, or even as a non-fungible token.[2] The technology aims to make the creation of 3D assets more time-efficient. Testing Before ImplementationDigital twin technology is currently being used in manufacturing.[3] Now, it may be used in retail. The technology may allow product manufacturers, retailers, and researchers to design, test, and implement retail solutions. For example, the technology may be used to analyze customer flow on the sales floor. Technology Transforming RetailAs individuals spend more time online, retailers may need to rethink how they connect with consumers. Metaverse technology may provide such a solution. Companies that can adopt and incorporate metaverse technology into their sales process may be poised to better whether changing consumer preferences and behavior. How may individuals gain exposure to metaverse-related companies? The Fount Metaverse ETF (MTVR)The Fount Metaverse ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the performance of the Fount Metaverse Index. The index was designed to measure the performance of companies that develop, manufacture, distribute, or sell products related to metaverse technology. MTVR may be an attractive vehicle to gain exposure to metaverse-related companies. [1] How the Metaverse is Set to Shake Up Retail, National Retail Federation, 11/7/22[2] For more information on NFTs, please see our blog “Will-NFTs-Promote-Growth-of-the-Metaverse”[3] For more information on digital twin technology, please see our blog “Can-the-Metaverse-Help-Solve-Supply-Chain-Problems”
1 min read · 83 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Jan 02, 2023
Popular
A Virtual Real Estate Boom
Real estate sales are booming in the metaverse as investors are spending millions of dollars to acquire virtual tracks of land, according to a Yahoo Finance article [1] . What is behind this boom? How may investors gain exposure to the metaverse? Sales Are BoomingRecently, sales of digital land have totaled in the millions. According to Yahoo Finance, one week of sales in late November 2021 totaled $100 million. What are some factors driving this boom? Location, Location, LocationImitating the physical world, location is crucial in metaverse real estate. The metaverse is made up of multiple virtual worlds. Demand and prices are highest in the most desirable virtual worlds. Sandbox and Decentraland, two popular virtual worlds, saw sales totaling $86 million and $15 million, respectively, during that one week in November. As most virtual real estate transactions are conducted in cryptocurrency, one plot on Fashion Street in Decentraland sold for the equivalent of $2.48 million. In addition, one plot of land in Sandbox sold for a record $4.3 million. [2] ScarcityCreators of virtual worlds only create a finite number of plots. Decentraland has carved out 90,000 parcels measuring 50ft. X 50ft. As these plots are purchased, prices are likely to rise. The Appeal of Digital LandAs the metaverse is built out, more people are joining online communities. As such, they may have a creative desire to express themselves by owning things in these virtual worlds, including land. In several instances, individuals are acquiring virtual “stuff.” This includes, but is not limited to, items used in online games. To store these things, users need digital homes. Online Shopping and EventsRetailers are setting up virtual stores where individuals may purchase goods for both the digital and physical world. Events are held in virtual worlds. Superstars such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and the Weeknd held concerts in virtual worlds. Companies may use their digital real estate for advertising. Virtual world real estate is being snapped up as companies bet that more people will shop and attend events in digital spaces, thus driving up the value of digital land. Becoming a Digital LandlordA lot of companies are buying large tracts of digital space in hopes of renting it out to retailers or event planners. For example, they may construct a virtual mall and rent out stores within that mall. One firm is constructing an 18-story building with plans to lease it to lawyers and cryptocurrency exchanges. As in the real world, zoning rules dominate the metaverse, dictating what can be built and where. As more individuals join virtual worlds, the potential value of digital real estate may increase. The Fount Metaverse ETF (MTVR)The Fount Metaverse ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the performance of the Fount Metaverse Index. The index was designed to measure the performance of companies that develop, manufacture, distribute, or sell products related to metaverse technology. MTVR may provide an attractive vehicle for individuals to gain exposure to the metaverse.1 Bizouati-Kennedy, Yael, Metaverse Virtual Real Estate is Booming: What’s the Appeal?, Yahoo Finance, 12/3/212 Putzier, Konrad, Metaverse Real Estate Piles Up Record Sales in Sandbox and Other Virtual Realms, Wall Street Journal, 11/30/21
1 min read · 2,129 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Dec 28, 2021
Is the Metaverse the New Frontier for Healthcare?
While it is not entirely built out, elements of the metaverse are being used in both medical training and procedures. As technology advances, the metaverse may offer the potential for significant advances in the field of medicine. Current Metaverse Technologies in UseCurrently, the healthcare industry is utilizing some of the essential components that will ultimately comprise the metaverse, namely, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and artificial intelligence. As these technologies are built out, the medical industry will likely make greater use of them. Virtual TrainingAR and VR are being used extensively in medical training. Examples include:The World Health Organization (WHO) is using AR to train COVID responders, including a training course on the proper techniques and sequences to put on and remove personal protective equipment.Medical schools are using AR and VR to train students to perform a wide range of surgical procedures. AR and VR allow for a 360-degree view of ailment, as well as the replication of real-life procedures. AR and VR technologies may be used to create real-life situations, allowing students to perform virtual procedures without the risk of making mistakes on human subjects. It may allow the assemblance of students from far-flung locations to train in one virtual classroom. Real-Life ProceduresAR and VR systems are being used for activities that support diagnoses and pre-surgical preparation and training. For example, using X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can create an immersive virtual environment that allows a surgical team to devise the procedure before making the first incision and rehearse the surgery beforehand. AR and VR technology is also being used to assist in surgical procedures. Such technology was used in June 2020 in when surgeons at Johns Hopkins used AR in a procedure that inserted six screws in a patient’s spine during a spinal fusion surgery. The surgeons used an AR headset with a see-through eye display that projected images of the patient’s internal anatomy. The surgeon described it as “having a GPS navigator in front of your eyes in a natural way so you don’t have to look at a separate screen to see your patient’s CT scans." Medical Facility DesignAR and VR technology has been used when designing operating rooms. The technology allows visualization of all the people, equipment, and surgical setups for various procedures. This virtual process will allow for optimal design without the need of workers being physically present in the operating room. Moving ForwardMetaverse technology will likely continue to improve. As such, the potential for its use in the medical field will also likely progress. How may individuals gain exposure to the metaverse? The Fount Metaverse ETF (MTVR)The Fount Metaverse ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the performance of the Fount Metaverse Index. The index was designed to measure the performance of companies that develop, manufacture, distribute, or sell products related to metaverse technology. MTVR may hold companies developing technologies that will be used in the medical industry. MTVR may provide an attractive vehicle for individuals to gain exposure to the metaverse.
1 min read · 1,939 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Jan 01, 2022
The State of NFTs in 2022
NFTs became one of the most popular buzzwords in recent years and won headlines around the world. Between 2020 and 2021, the volume of transactions in the NFT market went from 82 million dollars to 17 billion dollars, a growth of more than 21,000%. In almost one year, NFTs have gone from being a tool used by just a few tech experts to an increasingly popular technology among both companies and individual users. But how much of it is sustainable in the long term? How much of this market really makes sense? Are we experiencing a bubble in the NFT market?In 2022, the NFT market remains heated, with the number of transactions, users, and volume growing rapidly. This is not to say that the market does not have its ups and downs. In fact, 2022 has been marked by the drop in the prices of various collections and, at certain weeks, the drop in the number of transactions. How does the market now differ from the market in 2021, and what can we expect in the next few years? We can analyze these questions in three major spheres: collections and utility, technology, and mass adoption. Collections and UtilityStarting with collections and utility, we are still living the hype of collections focused on profile pictures, and this is a trend that is expected to continue for some time. These collections create NFTs that represent an image that can be used as a profile picture in a social network profile.This type of collection has grown so much because it bridges Web 2.0 (social media, cloud, and platforms) and Web 3.0 (blockchain, smart contracts, and tokens). When someone decides to use an NFT as a profile picture on social media, they are sending a message to their audience that they are a person who is aware of new technologies and a person who is part of this new world. An NFT as a profile picture can also help to send a general message about oneself, just like how clothing, followed pages, and liked posts can act as a means of self-expression. Although people believe that the profile picture hype is wearing off, I believe it is still far from over. Despite large volumes, NFTs have yet to reach mass adoption. Social media is a showcase for users to show who they are and NFTs, in the end, are a powerful form of storytelling. NFT profile pictures are a way for users to tell stories within the online environment, and a lot of people still don’t understand its importance. There is another important point: an NFT simply as a profile picture is probably not enough going forward. In 2021 we saw collections making millions in volume with no real use for their owners. Without utility or great storytelling, 99% of collections will go to zero. From now on, collections should convey the utility they will bring to their owners. For this, it is necessary for the makers of the collection to understand the audience they are attracting, so that the uses make sense to those who purchase the NFTs. This utility of NFTs can be exclusive access to content, new collections, online and offline events, and more. TechnologyThe second point, technology, is one of the hottest trends at the moment. Last year brought a very powerful inflection point for the NFT market and it is seldom seen or discussed. The growth in transaction volumes has attracted not only creators and buyers, but also companies developing adjacent technologies, rarity analysis tools, data aggregators, management tools for NFT communities, and others. This movement is just beginning. This year already shows that there are thousands of talented entrepreneurs building tools for this market. Every new innovation brings the potential for other innovations to emerge and that is exactly what we are witnessing right now. In the coming years, we should expect to see more and more tools emerging to solve the problems and challenges of the NFT market. Mass AdoptionFinally, despite high volumes, the NFT market is still far from mass adoption. This is due to both technical and market education issues. There are many barriers to entry in this market right now and these points need to be addressed: better UX and UI, growth of sidechains, cheaper layer 1 transaction fees, layer 2 with more users, etc. In addition, it is necessary to work on raising awareness so that the general public views this market differently. A majority of people still link the NFT market to environmental issues, speculation, money laundering, get-rich-quick schemes and so on. The entry of new players can also help with mass adoption. Some of the biggest business platforms in the world, such as Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Amazon, have already started to incorporate or have already announced that they are studying the incorporation of NFTs in their products. Despite the discussions about centralization and decentralization, there is no denying that this will contribute greatly to the mass adoption of NFTs.
2 min read · 1,800 views
Tiago Amaral
May 30, 2022
All
Are Subscriptions the Future of Social Media?
In December, 2022, Twitter instituted an $8 per month subscription fee ($11 for Apple users) on certain types of accounts, joining a growing list of social media companies embracing subscription-based pricing models.[1] What is behind this trend? Are subscriptions the future of social media? Advertising Revenue Under PressureSocial media platforms are turning to subscriptions to boost their revenue. Online advertising, historically the predominant way social media companies have made money, has been pressured by a weakening economy and changes to Apple’s ad tracking system which makes it more difficult for platforms to demonstrate a return on advertiser’s dollars.[2] Subscriptions to Boost RevenueTo make up for lost advertising revenue, social media companies are turning to subscription plans. For example, they may charge a monthly fee for exclusive content. Such is the case for Snapchat, which charges a subscription fee for exclusive experimental and pre-release features. [2] Ad-Free ExperienceSubscriptions may allow social media companies to sell ad-free experiences. While a free account on a social media platform may subject users to ads, a premium subscription account removes all advertising. Twitter is considering adding users the ability to read select articles from major news outlets free of solicitations on its Twitter Blue subscription platform. [2] Why Will People Pay?When cable television first popped on the scene, no one thought that people would pay for something that had previously been free. Social media may follow the same pattern. Given that individuals may spend almost seven hours a day on their ten favorite social media apps, they may be willing to pay for a premium experience. [2] Back to TwitterShortly after his announcement that he was buying Twitter, Elon Musk said that he was considering an $8 monthly subscription platform to lessen the company’s reliance on advertising revenue. This may be particularly urgent for Twitter as some large firms have pulled back advertising dollars as they await to see Mr. Musk’s plans for the social media platform. Twitter’s plan may include charging the fee for verified accounts, which adds the blue checkmark on the accounts of those who are verified. Twitter currently has over 423,000 verified accounts, according to the Wall Street Journal.[3] In December, the $8 fee was instituted, with a higher cost for Apple users.1 Are Subscriptions the Future of Social MediaSubscription-based pricing may allow social media companies the ability to lessen their dependence on advertising revenue. One additional potential benefit is that as social media companies are less reliant on big companies for advertising revenue, they are less beholden to their politics, which can make for a freer exchange of ideas, particularly dissenting views. The Fount Subscription Economy ETF (SUBS)The Fount Subscription Economy ETF (SUBS) seeks to provide investment results that, before feesand expenses, generally correspond to the total return performance of the Fount SubscriptionEconomy Index. The Index was designed to measure the performance of companies engaged in the business of providing subscription services, i.e., companies that sell products or services for recurring subscription revenue. SUBS may present an attractive vehicle for individuals to gain exposure to companies offering subscription-based pricing models. For a full list of holdings, please click here. [1] Twitter to Relaunch Twitter Blue at Higher Price for Apple Users, Reuters, 12/19/22[2] Forman, Laura, Subscriptions Could Be Key to Social-Media Companies’ Futures, The Wall Street Journal, 10/31/22[3] Bobrowsky, Meghan, Elon Musk Wants More Paying Twitter Users, Hinting at $8 a Month for Verified Accounts, The Wall Street Journal, 11/1/22
1 min read · 103 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Dec 22, 2022
Metaverse Trends to Watch During 2023
For better or worse, it was difficult to avoid the word “metaverse” during 2022. Facebook’s rebranding of itself as Meta drew attention to the metaverse concept. In some forms, the metaverse exists today. Augmented and virtual reality technology has created immersive experiences for individuals, while virtual worlds and experiences have been created and experienced. What developments may await us in 2023? Forbes outlined their top five metaverse trends to watch in 2023. [1] Metaverse as a New Marketing ChannelConsumer-facing brands are looking to the metaverse as a new marketing channel. Fashion and apparel giants, such as Nike and Gucci have already established a presence in the metaverse. Many retailers and fashion houses have built stores in virtual worlds, such as Decentraland and Sandbox or are creating virtual clothes for avatars in video games like Fortnite. Financial companies, such as J.P. Morgan, have built online banks where consumers may interact with digital bankers via avatars. As the walls separating the digital and physical worlds come down, businesses will likely increase their presence in the metaverse. The Corporate MetaverseCompanies are creating digital twins of factory floors to test new manufacturing processes before initiating them in physical space. They are also creating virtual representations of products to perform more realistic testing of new products before manufacturing them. Companies are also creating virtual offices for remote workers and utilizing metaverse technology for training and development. Web3 and DecentralizationWeb3, a new iteration of the World Wide Web incorporating concepts such as decentralization, blockchain technologies, and token-based economies, is expected to grow. Many companies like Nike, Adidas, and Forever 21, have already created non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to create digital goods that can only be worn in the metaverse. Blockchain technology may remove control of the internet from the control of large, global corporations. Virtual and Augmented Reality (AR/VR)The central premise of the metaverse is immersive experiences. Therefore, AR and VR technologies are paramount as they are the mediums through which individuals interact with the metaverse. Large corporations like Apple, Google, and Microsoft either currently have or are racing to get headsets to the market. Technology may increase the immersive experience of the metaverse through innovations like full-body haptic suits, and even bring smell to the virtual experience. More Advanced Avatar TechnologyAvatars are the mediums through which people represent themselves in the metaverse. Originally, avatars were crude, cartoon-like characters. However, in the future, our avatars may look much more like our physical selves, if we so desire. They may also sound like us and employ more of our unique gestures and body language. Exciting Possibilities May Lead to an Exciting Investment OpportunityThe promise of the metaverse may offer individuals an exciting investment opportunity. How may investors gain exposure to companies involved in metaverse technologies? The Fount Metaverse ETF (MTVR)The Fount Metaverse ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the performance of the Fount Metaverse Index. The index was designed to measure the performance of companies that develop, manufacture, distribute, or sell products related to metaverse technology. MTVR may be an attractive vehicle to gain exposure to metaverse-related companies.For a full list of MTVR holdings, click here.[1] Marr, Bernard, The Top 5 Metaverse Trends in 2023, Forbes, 10/24/22.
1 min read · 101 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Dec 22, 2022
How the Metaverse May Help People with Disabilities
World Economic Forum (WEF) recently published an article that outlines at least five potential benefits that the metaverse may offer people with disabilities.[1] What are these benefits, and how may the metaverse offer these? Virtual MobilityAugmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are central to metaverse technology. Such technologies can enhance the physical space around us by augmenting it with digital information. It may also transport us virtually to distant locations. What are five areas where metaverse technology may benefit people with disabilities? Social LifeMetaverse technology can create digital social spaces that can mimic in-person interactions that exist in the physical world but without obstacles. Users can choose to represent themselves in any way they wish via their personal avatar and interact with others in this digital space. EducationMetaverse technology may improve the range and quality of education for individuals with disabilities. VR technology may remove some of the obstacles that might make it difficult for people with disabilities to attend in-school programs, including the need to move away from home or to travel to a distant campus.Additionally, metaverse technology can enable remote coaching and skills training.[2] WorkMetaverse technology is already creating virtual workspaces that enable individuals to not only work from home, but to be able to interact via personal avatars. It effectively brings workers together from remote locations.[3] Individuals with disabilities may be able to work in metaverse-created workspaces without needing to leave their homes. It also may eliminate the need for individuals to request adaptive equipment or workspaces and on-site attendants. Entertainment & LeisureMany events are already happening in the metaverse, including Post Malone, Charli XCX, and BlackPink concerts. These virtual events remove obstacles that may allow individuals with disabilities to attend. In addition to concerts, theater performances, museum and gallery exhibits, and similar events are occurring in virtual spaces. Tourism is another area where metaverse technology can provide opportunities to travel through digital environments. Virtual copies of tourist areas can be created in virtual spaces, removing obstacles for disabled individuals. Tourists could explore remote locations such as the cobbed-stone streets in many older European towns and visit old castles or buildings that may not have been designed to be fully accessible by disabled people. Healthcare & WellbeingMetaverse technology may allow virtual doctor visits and consultations for people who are unable to leave their homes. It is also currently being used for medical training functions. Breaking Down Barriers and Removing ObstaclesThe power of the metaverse is its ability to break down barriers and obstacles and transport individuals into virtual spaces. These capabilities have the potential to improve the quality of life for many people with disabilities. How may individuals gain exposure to metaverse-related companies? The Fount Metaverse ETF (MTVR)The Fount Metaverse ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, generally correspond to the performance of the Fount Metaverse Index. The index was designed to measure the performance of companies that develop, manufacture, distribute, or sell products related to metaverse technology. MTVR may be an attractive vehicle to gain exposure to metaverse-related companies. [1] Five Ways the Metaverse Could be Revolutionary for People with Disabilities, World Economic Forum 9/2/22[2] For more information on how metaverse technology is being used in education, please see our blogpost “Will the Metaverse Change the Face of Education?”[3] For more information on how metaverse technology is being used in the workspace, please see our blogposts “Could the Metaverse Change the Face of Work?” and “Can the Metaverse Improve the Work-From-Home Experience?”
1 min read · 97 views
Bong-Geun Choi
Dec 19, 2022
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Fund, please call 855-425-7426 or visit our website at www.fountetfs.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.
Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC. serves as the investment advisor to the Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co., (SIDCO) 1 Freedom Valley Drive, Oaks, PA 19456. SIDCO is not affiliated with Exchange Traded Concepts, LLC. or Fount Investment Co. Ltd.
Risk Disclosure:
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee the Funds will achieve their stated objectives. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve the risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, differences in generally accepted accounting principles, or social, economic, or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume.
The Funds’ concentration in an industry or sector can increase the impact of, and potential losses associated with, the risks from investing in those industries/sectors. For MTVR, the Fund may be concentrated in the entertainment and interactive media & services industries. The entertainment industry is highly competitive and relies on consumer spending and the availability of disposable income for success, which may cause the prices of the securities of companies to fluctuate widely. The prices of the securities of companies in the interactive media & services industry are closely tied to the overall economy's performance. Changes in general economic growth, consumer confidence, and consumer spending may affect them. MTVR may also be subject to the specific risks associated with metaverse companies. These risks include but are not limited to small or limited markets, changes in business cycles, world economic growth, technological progress, rapid obsolescence, and government regulation. Smaller, start-up companies tend to be more volatile than securities of companies that do not rely heavily on technology. Metaverse Companies may rely on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secret laws to establish and protect their proprietary rights. There can be no assurance that these steps will be adequate to prevent the misappropriation of their technology or that competitors will not develop technologies that are equivalent or superior to such companies’ technology.
For SUBS, the Fund may be concentrated in the software industry. Technological changes, pricing, retaining skilled employees, changes in demand, research & development, and product obsolescence can affect the profitability of software companies causing fluctuations in the market price of company securities.
Both Funds are subject to communication services sector risk, which can involve the same risks as being concentrated in the software industry. Network security breaches, potential proprietary or consumer information theft, or service disruption can negatively affect companies’ stock prices.
The Funds are non-diversified. The Funds are new and have limited operating histories for investors to evaluate. New and smaller funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment and trading efficiencies. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, investments in smaller companies typically exhibit higher volatility.
0 MTVR · SUBS
MTVR · SUBS