If you were to ask investors which type of shares excite them most, I would be very surprised if the majority did not pick tech shares. These shares have the ability to go from small-cap to blue-chip status in a few short years.
One share in particular that stands out as a prime example is REA Group Limited (ASX: REA). Its shares have appreciated by a whopping 1,235% in the last 10 years.
If you had invested $10,000 in REA Group at the end of March 2006, it would now be worth a cool $133,500 (excluding dividends). Not bad at all!
Not all tech companies will turn out this way of course. But there are a number of fledgling tech companies on the ASX which are vying to be the next REA Group. I have picked out seven which I believe are worth keeping a very close eye on.
1-Page Ltd (ASX: 1PG)
1-Page provides a cloud-based human resources software-as-a-service platform. Its tools enable companies to individually rank and prioritise job applicants based on their ability to solve real-time business challenges and achieve strategic objectives.
Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX)
Aconex is a technology disruptor providing an online collaboration platform for construction and engineering projects. The company now has over 60,000 user organisations which have delivered $1 trillion worth of project value across the world.
Altium Limited (ASX: ALU)
Altium enables companies to design printed circuit boards which are used in connected devices. Demand for printed circuit boards is expected to grow at a high rate for the next few years as the Internet of Things starts to accelerate its growth.
Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT)
Catapult is a leading global sports analytics company that provides sporting organisations and athletes with detailed, real time data and analytics to monitor and measure performance and injury risks. Its client list include the biggest names in sport both at home and internationally and seems to grow by the week.
Hansen Technologies Limited (ASX: HSN)
Hansen develops, implements, and supports proprietary customer care and billing solutions for service providers within the energy, pay TV, and telecommunications sectors worldwide. It has a habit of creating long-standing relationships with clients which allows the company to produce consistent earnings and revenue growth.
iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD)
iSentia is one of the world's leading media intelligence companies and provides media monitoring, tracking, and analysis services for massive multinational companies such as Nike, Starbucks, and Disney. According to CommSec, analysts are expecting earnings growth of over 40% per annum for the next two years.
Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS)
Praemium is an up-and-coming fintech company which I believe investors should be keeping a close eye on. It is a provider of software platforms for investment administration, separately managed accounts, and financial planning. It currently has more than 900 customers, servicing more than 300,000 investor accounts. Growth could be explosive in the future if the rise of separately managed accounts continues to soar.
Foolish takeaway
I believe all seven shares are well worth keeping a close eye on and could provide investors with mind-blowing returns in the next few years. Which one will be the next REA Group? Time will tell, but I really like the look of Aconex at the moment.
