Mental health: the need for data, evidence, and research
Mental health solutions face significant problems when being integrated into primary care systems. These challenges include difficulties in measuring return on investment (ROI), lack of trust from government bodies and healthcare providers, bureaucratic obstacles, corruption, and persistent stigma.
To overcome these barriers, mental health initiatives will focus on gathering more robust data and conducting evidence-based research. This focus will address mistrust in technologies, such as AI-driven mental health apps, by demonstrating their safety, effectiveness, and ethical design. However, small-scale pilot projects with startups will emerge as a practical strategy to bypass these issues, allowing for faster implementation and evaluation of new technologies.
Companies will shift their focus toward employer training and workplace-focused initiatives that emphasise measurable benefits, such as reduced burnout and improved productivity, to convince decision-makers of their value. As for working with stigma barriers, athletes and other public figures sharing their mental health journeys will play an increasing role in reshaping public perceptions. Media campaigns and advocacy efforts will focus on normalising mental health discussions and showcasing the benefits of these solutions.
As word of mouth and personal endorsements gain traction, more people will openly share their experiences with mental health tools. This grassroots shift will complement top-down advocacy efforts, helping to reduce stigma and build trust in mental health technologies.
The mental health sector will increasingly invest in long-term studies to provide concrete evidence of the benefits of these solutions. Simultaneously, advocacy efforts will target policymakers to promote awareness of mental health challenges and the value of innovative solutions in addressing them.
Education & Lifelong Learning: further digitalisation of education on all levels
By 2025, the global education market is set to reach $7.3T. Yet, despite 50% of learning being digital, only 5% of spending supports digital tools, revealing a major gap in adapting to technology. The issue is not just limited resources. It is also about training educators to use these tools effectively and updating curricula to match digital trends in education.
A global shortage of teachers—estimated at 1.5 million annually—will drive the adoption of AI-powered tools to personalise learning and support overburdened educators. These technologies will help identify skill gaps, tailor educational content to individual needs, and provide scalable solutions, particularly in public schools facing resource constraints. Private schools are leading the way in adopting AI-driven learning systems that personalise education.
The rapid evolution of technology and societal changes demands a significant upgrade in teacher training and educational curriculums. Predictions for 2025 emphasise integrating mandatory, continuous education programs for teachers, focusing on digital skills, innovative teaching strategies, and personalisation to meet diverse classroom needs. Modernising curriculums to embed digital tools and platforms will also play a critical role.
EdTech innovation will rely on fostering collaboration among publishers, schools, and governments. By 2025, partnerships that combine digital platforms with traditional learning resources (e.g., integrating QR codes in textbooks for accessing digital content) are expected to create an ecosystem that supports seamless educational experiences. Collaborative efforts will also address stakeholder complexity, uniting decision-makers, educators, and parents.
With the proliferation of EdTech startups, a critical need for regulation and impact assessment will emerge. Governments may adopt certification frameworks to ensure the safety, efficiency, and pedagogical value of EdTech products. By 2025, this approach could balance innovation with accountability, fostering trust in digital tools while addressing the risk of harm or inefficiency in educational environments.
Future of work: the shift to freelancers and independent contractors
By 2027, around 50% of the U.S. workforce is expected to consist of freelancers, entrepreneurs, or self-employed individuals. This trend reflects a significant cultural shift as people embrace flexibility, digital tools, and the ability to work from anywhere. SaaS and micro-SaaS products will increasingly serve to this segment, providing tailored solutions to help manage finances, productivity, and collaboration. The rise of freelancing represents a move toward individual empowerment and an evolving relationship between workers and organizations.
Despite the rise of remote work during the pandemic, many companies are now returning to hybrid or on-site models. Factors driving this shift include concerns about productivity, maintaining company culture, and fostering collaboration. However, as employees demand more flexibility, innovative tools and strategies will emerge to support effective remote and hybrid arrangements. This dynamic tension will continue to shape workplace policies in the coming years.
Artificial intelligence will dramatically alter how work is performed across industries. Tasks that once required manual effort are now automated, allowing professionals to focus on strategic and creative work. For developers, for example, AI tools are transitioning from "junior assistants" to advanced collaborators capable of handling complex problems. By 2025, traditional workflows will shift, and industries will need to adapt to AI-driven efficiency. This rapid progress may spark new roles and require upskilling to remain competitive.
The increasing reliance on remote and hybrid work models, paired with AI integration, may lead to a loss of social connections at work. Employees will experience more transactional relationships, working alongside AI agents and interacting less with human colleagues. This could impact mental health, team cohesion, and workplace satisfaction. To counterbalance these effects, organizations will explore new ways to foster connection, such as virtual communities and better digital collaboration platforms.
ULTRA.VC accepts applications twice a year and welcomes startups with a particular focus on mental health, EdTech, the future of work, HealthTech, and community innovations.
Eugene Valuev is the Founding Partner at ULTRA.VC.
