Why Intangible Assets Are the True Engine of Value Growth

The value and investment of assets is no longer tied to the tangible—it lies in the intangible.

According to the latest World Intangible Investment Highlights from WIPO, investment in intangible assets such as software, databases, R&D, and intellectual property has already outpaced investment in physical assets, driven in part by the global surge in AI innovation. Let's take France as an example that has recently emerged as the world’s second largest investor in intangibles, with real growth of over 5% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, a Financial Times analysis shows that nearly 90% of the market value of S&P 500 companies now comes from intangibles—including brands, data, and IP portfolios. Yet many businesses still fail to measure these assets accurately, or worse, account for them as routine expenses, creating risks of undervaluation and missed opportunities.

For investors and founders alike, the message is clear:

• Intangibles must be treated as core assets, not side notes.

• Failing to recognize them risks strategic blind spots in valuation, growth, and competitiveness.

At Ethivest Global, we connect ethical investment with sustainable returns, focusing on companies rich in intangible assets across biotech, sustainable tech, and digital innovation. Our mission is to support visionary leaders in unlocking the hidden value that drives long-term impact.