07 January 2026

Season 8, Post 1: Dare to be different

Welcome to the 8th season of the Future Trends Blog. Since our inception, the notion of daring to be different, or seeking to assess the future from novel perspectives, has been critical to our process. It informs what we write and then how we invest.

“I am different, not less” is also a defining mantra for neurodivergent people. This is a subject close to your author’s heart* and reflects an important topic that deserves broader attention. Professor Sir Simon Baron Cohen is arguably the world’s leading authority on autism, and it was a true privilege to listen to him talk on this important topic towards the end of last year.

Sir Simon made the point that humans’ brains do not develop in a single, uniform fashion. Think of autism as both a disability and a difference. That more people are now considered neurodivergent – 1 in 30, compared to 1 in 150 at the start of the century – is a sign of progress. There is now better understanding, awareness and recognition than ever before.

Rather than stigmatise the neurodivergent, we should be grateful to them. Consider how different the world might be without the contributions of Leonardo Da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton or Thomas Edison. All were likely dyslexic and/or autistic. More recent groundbreaking innovators including Sir Richard Branson, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have openly acknowledged that their differences have been enablers, or superpowers that have allowed them to help change the world.

We expect the world to change at an even faster pace in 2026 than in the year prior. Expect further acceleration in AI adoption, healthcare solutions, novel transportation modalities, humanoid robot deployments, alternative payment mechanisms, the commercialisation of space and more. We will try and cover all the above in our Blog. The true winners will be the ones that not only embrace the future but also attempt to change it by doing things differently.

*Both your author’s children received autism spectrum diagnoses when at primary school (they are now teenagers). This event then led to the realisation that your author is almost certainly neurodivergent too.

7 January 2026

The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.

Click to here view all Blog posts.

Alex Gunz, Fund Manager

Disclaimers

The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.

The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent.

Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
email [email protected]

Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Heptagon Capital Limited is licenced to conduct investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.