Major opportunities are not confined to “hot” industries. Traditional sectors can also produce enormous businesses when they address sufficiently large needs, build deep advantages and scale effectively.
The industries producing US billionaires
When discussing America's wealthiest people, many immediately think of technology. But according to Forbes 400 statistics cited by Dân trí, finance and investment have the most representatives at 108, followed by technology with 91. Together, these groups account for nearly half of America's 400 richest people.
The rest reveals a much more interesting business landscape.
Food and beverages have 35 representatives, fashion and retail 26, energy 23 and real estate 18. Media, entertainment, sports, healthcare, manufacturing, services, automotive, logistics and many other traditional sectors also generate billion-dollar fortunes.
Some build wealth through software, AI or financial investment. Others prosper through truck-stop chains, distribution systems, hospitals, auto parts, cleaning products or even pest-control services.
Major opportunities are not limited to “hot” industries
This suggests a lesson worth considering: major opportunities are not necessarily confined to “hot” sectors.
A market may lack glamour, but if it solves a large enough need, builds a deep enough advantage and can scale, it can still produce an enormous business.
In business, the valuable question is sometimes not “Which industry makes the most money?” but “Which sufficiently large need remains poorly served by the market?”
Which sector would you choose for the next 10 years?
Looking a little further: what is small today but could become an indispensable part of life in 10 years?
If you could choose one sector to bet on for the next decade, would it be AI, robotics, semiconductors, ecommerce, logistics or something entirely different?
Bài Học Kinh Doanh | Perspectives from those who changed the game. Look at markets for opportunities, not only trends.
- Finance and investment have 108 representatives and technology 91 in Forbes 400 statistics cited by Dân trí.
- Many traditional sectors also produce billion-dollar fortunes.
- Market demand, competitive advantage and scalability are worth observing.
Look at markets for opportunities, not only trends.
Suggested actions
Sources and updates
Figures follow Forbes 400 statistics cited by Dân trí. Perspective and lessons: Bài Học Kinh Doanh.
Last updated: 26 Sept 2026
Bài Học Kinh Doanh Editorial Team
Editorial Team | Bài Học Kinh DoanhBan Biên tập Bài Học Kinh Doanh tổng hợp và biên tập các nội dung về kinh doanh, thị trường, quản trị, công nghệ và khởi nghiệp, với mục tiêu giúp người đọc hiểu rõ vấn đề, nhìn thấy bài học phía sau dữ kiện và có thêm cơ sở cho các quyết định thực tế.
View author profile
