Sophic Capital

Awed by the AWE 2015 Conference

Abstract: We briefly discussed the potential of augmented reality in our three virtual reality research reports. We knew that augmented reality is a more mature and larger market opportunity than virtual reality. However, it wasn’t until we attended AWE 2015, one of the industry’s most important conferences, that we realized how far the technology in the glasses (or heads-up displays) has advanced. Although it is still likely years away for smart glasses to be commonplace, we are convinced that augmented reality will change the world in the same scales as radio waves, the transistor, and […]

ABSTRACT

DESPITE STRONG DEMAND, HIGH STICKER PRICES DUE TO COSTLY BATTERY SYSTEMS HAVE STUNTED ELECTRIC VEHICLE PURCHASES. WE BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES WILL DRIVE GREATER ADOPTION AS WELL AS INCREASED R&D SPENDING BY ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND BATTERY MANUFACTURES TO DECREASE BATTERY COSTS. LITHIUM ION BATTERIES ARE LEADING THIS REVOLUTION, AND WE BELIEVE THAT ONCE THEY BECOME COMMODITIZED IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, UTILITIES WILL IMPLEMENT THESE BATTERIES IN ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS.

Introduction

Batteries are the unappreciated hero of electronic devices. All hand-held devices (mobile phones, power tools, cameras, etc.) need batteries to power them. While some batteries are chargeable and others are disposable, all […]

3D printing is a technology that could be worth $21 billion by 2020, according to Wohlers Associates, Inc. Last week, in New York, we attended two industry conventions to speak with 3D printing executives and e are unreliable; materials could be the next big growth area; content could be king; artists are rapidly adopting the technology; manufacturers will have to rethink designs. What surprised us the most was the perception that there aren’t that many reliable machines out there. This leads us to believe that any company producing an out-of-the-box, easy-to-use, reliable 3D printer has a definite advantage in a […]

A Simple Solution to Protect Consumers and Pharma Companies from Dangerous Fake Drugs

April 8, 2014

The counterfeit pharmaceutical industry could be worth as much as $200 billion annually, which is slightly less than the $246 billion illicit drug trade. Criminal organizations are largely behind these counterfeit operations which could cause one million people to die this year. Nanotech Security, a Sophic Capital client, has a solution successfully deployed in the banknote industry which is portable to prescription pills. The technology is called KolourOptik, and it is a low cost, end-user engaging, near impossible to duplicate anti-counterfeiting technology that can be created […]

How the Type-C Connector Could Revolutionize Electronic Devices

Apple’s decision to replace three legacy ports on its next generation MacBook with the USB Type-C connector is evidence that this connector is about to disrupt the consumer electronics industry. Google then announced dual Type C ports on its Chromebook Pixel. The Type-C’s smaller connector and its thinner cable allow for not only a streamlined physical profile but also faster data rates (10Gbps) and up to 100W of power. Rumour has it that Microsoft will introduce Type-C connectivity for Windows 10 systems. Whether or not the rumour is true, we believe that Apple’s […]

March 16, 2015: 3D printing is a technology that could be worth $21 billion by 2020. Hobbyists and the medical and retailing sectors have already embraced 3D printing’s potential. But due to a lack of teacher training and educational content, the educational sector has hesitated to implement 3D printing as a science, technology, education, art, math (STEAM) tool. We believe this is about to change as a select group of 3D printing companies focus on developing STEAM based content to complement their printers (which we believe will become commoditized over the upcoming years).

Investors seeking a 3D printing pure play in […]

Immersing Ourselves at the 2015 Game Developers Conference

We attended GDC 2014 and 2015. While virtual reality was present last year, this year we are convinced it is here to stay and will have wide spreading impact across several industries. The number of head-mounted devices has increased significantly along with numerous sensors and input systems to support the ecosystem. Content is beyond belief; it really is real. You experience fear, joy, anxiety; your heart can race; this stuff is amazing. Science fiction has become real, and we believe that wide-spread adoption could occur within a year and a half – quicker […]

Bring your own device (BYOD) allows educational institutions to preserve their budgets by strategically passing most of mobile device investment and maintenance costs to the students. In return, students benefit from interactive student/teacher engagements, and the ability to learn at their own pace on their preferred device by actively participating into their learning experience. Although a multitude of BYOD educational tools and apps exist, a problem remained until recently – binding the devices to one platform so that teachers can control the mobile devices within the classroom. We provide a detailed look at the education technology “edtech” market and how […]

Virtual Reality (VR) is about to become mainstream and could be a $7 billion market by 2018. Samsung has released its Gear VR head-mounted display to the public, while Oculus and Sony continue development on “consumer-ready” products. Microsoft is experimenting with VR, and reports of Apple looking for a VR developer possibly signals its desire to tap into the market.

We detail some of the more interesting technologies in this report and highlight several companies participating in the market including Sophic Capital client Spectra7 Microsystems (SEV-TSXV).

Download Full Virtual Reality Report #2 Here

Counterfeiting is a high-margin $654 billion growth industry largely run by criminal organizations that have few disincentives to stop. Counterfeit money is a small sub-market that uses the latest innovative anti-counterfeiting technologies. Yet, in spite of these precautions, criminals continue to print banknotes and forge coins. This report details the latest development in the counterfeit money industry and how we believe Nanotech Security Corp., a Sophic Capital client, can provide the next innovation for widespread adoption by central banks and mints.

Download Full Counterfeit Money Report Here