The Industries That Will Make Millionaires in the 2030s, According to Experts
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the “millionaire-maker” of recent years. But what’s next on the horizon?
What other industries are poised to create millionaires in the next decade? GOBankingRates spoke to experts to find out.
Also see the one asset making “everyday millionaires” rich.
Aerospace
Smart eyes are on the skies when it comes to making money over the next few years.
The aerospace industry is poised for explosive growth, according to experts. “The space economy is moving from one-off missions to scaled infrastructure,” said Patrick Kennedy, co-founder and founding partner of AllSource Investments. “McKinsey estimates it grows from ~$630B in 2023 to ~$1.8T by 2035 (inflation-adjusted), with value accruing beyond rockets into satellite manufacturing, components, ground systems, secure communications, and data services with recurring revenue.”
Defense
The defense industry is likely to yield high profits over the next several years too. “I think what we’re seeing right now is reindustrialization in the U.S.,” said Viktor Shpakovsky, investment partner at Beyond Earth Ventures, a venture capital firm.
He listed space technology, computing, defense and energy as a few areas he’s focused on.
Kennedy agreed, noting, “Spending and industrial capacity are rising structurally.”
Investors and entrepreneurs interested in the defense industry should keep an eye on typical bottlenecks in manufacturing and distribution. “That’s where wealth gets created,” Kennedy said. “Areas with sticky procurement-driven demand and multi-year capex cycles reward public-market leaders, PE-backed platforms, and founder-owned niche suppliers.”
Real Estate
Overwhelmingly, experts shared that real estate remains a viable road to wealth, particularly single-family rentals, long-term furnished rentals and even vacation home rentals.
“Becoming a landlord can be a profitable and purposeful side gig for homeowners,” said Jeff Hurst, Furnished Finder CEO. “Real estate investments generally have the potential to drive significant returns for individual investors.”
Comics and Collectibles
Surprisingly, your gateway to strong returns could be hiding in your parents’ attic.
Metropolis Collectibles sold an Action 1 comic book for $15 million, said Vincent Zurzolo, founder of Metropolis Collectibles and ComicConnect. In 2024, ComicConnect sold a comic featuring the debut of The Bat-man for $1.8 million. “You don’t need a big budget to make some solid investments,” Zurzolo said. “There’s room in the market for everyone.”
He advised investors to research the market and pay attention to the condition, rarity and significance of comics. Know that “nothing is set in stone,” he said. “New copies come to light out of the blue, so rarity can be a moving target.”
Solar Power
Shpakovsky said he believes strongly in solar investments over the next decade. “Electrification across sectors, including EVs, AI data centers and industrial applications increases total electricity consumption,” he said. “Emerging cell technologies are pushing panel efficiency upward, improving output.”
Meanwhile, he explained, the levelized cost of energy has fallen thanks to cheaper photovoltaic modules, improved balance-of-system costs and better financing. “In many regions, solar is now the cheapest form of new generation, even without subsidies,” he said.
Fossil Fuels
Not everyone believes solar will be the future of energy. “The world currently uses over 100 million barrels of oil per day and there is no sign of it letting up,” said Omar Rajjoub of Hudsonpoint Capital. “We have no real way to substitute fossil fuels on the horizon. We can complement it and attempt to mitigate the harm to the climate but we cannot replace.”
He suggested looking into companies focused on carbon capture, nuclear small module reactors and uranium enrichment.
Final Note
Rajjoub warned to take any projections with caution. A diversified portfolio that emphasizes industries you understand, per Warren Buffett’s advice, and brands you believe in can offer profitability and a sense of purpose.
“I think 10 years from now we will all be shocked at who the next Nvidia, Tesla, OpenAI or SpaceX will be,” Rajjoub said.
Editor’s note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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