Unlocking High-Growth Opportunities in the 2025 Gateway Conference: A Curated Look at AI, Cleantech, and FinTech Innovators

The 2025 Gateway Conference, set to convene in San Francisco from September 3–4, has emerged as a pivotal event for investors seeking exposure to the next wave of disruptive innovation. With over 60 companies spanning AI, cleantech, and fintech, the conference offers a rare window into the strategic positioning of high-growth firms. For institutional and retail investors alike, direct access to management teams and real-time engagement with these innovators could redefine portfolio construction in the coming years. Below, we dissect three standout companies from the lineup—Applied Digital (NASDAQ: APLD), Amprius (NYSE: AMPX), and Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM)—to evaluate their investment potential and the broader implications of their sector-specific advancements.

AI Infrastructure: Applied Digital's $5 Billion Bet on the Future of Computing

Applied Digital's recent $5 billion perpetual preferred equity financing with Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) underscores its aggressive pivot toward high-performance computing (HPC) and AI infrastructure. The deal, which includes $900 million allocated to its Ellendale, North Dakota, data center campus, positions the company to capitalize on the anticipated 36 gigawatt shortfall in U.S. data center power by 2028. While Q2 2025 results showed a $138.7 million net loss, this was largely driven by non-recurring debt-related charges. Adjusted EBITDA, however, surged 93% year-over-year to $21.4 million, reflecting robust operational leverage.

The strategic value of direct investor access here is clear: Applied Digital's management has emphasized its ability to secure long-term hyperscaler leases ahead of the broader market's awareness of shifting demand. For investors, this signals a first-mover advantage in a sector where infrastructure scarcity is becoming a critical bottleneck. The company's 400 MW Ellendale campus, currently under development, could become a cornerstone asset for AI workloads, particularly as generative AI adoption accelerates.

Cleantech Breakthroughs: Amprius' Silicon Anode Revolution

Amprius Technologies has redefined battery chemistry with its SiCore platform, achieving a record 450 watt-hours per kilogram in its SA-ONE 102 cells—73% higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Q2 2025 revenue surged 350% year-over-year to $15.07 million, driven by a 450% increase in shipments to drone manufacturers and defense contractors. The company's gross margin turned positive at 9%, a stark contrast to the -21% reported in 2024.

Amprius' strategic partnerships, including a contract manufacturing agreement with a South Korean battery giant and participation in Amazon's Climate Tech Accelerator, highlight its scalability and market validation. For investors, the company's focus on mission-critical applications—such as the 67-day continuous flight of Airbus' Alto drone—demonstrates the tangible value of its technology. With 86% of Q2 revenue derived from international markets, Amprius is also well-positioned to benefit from global policy shifts toward clean energy and domestic drone manufacturing.

FinTech Evolution: Bitcoin Depot's Dual-Track Growth Strategy

Bitcoin Depot's Q2 2025 results reflect a fintech company in transition. Revenue rose 6% year-over-year to $172.1 million, with Adjusted EBITDA climbing 46% to $18.5 million. A $2.3 million mark-to-market gain on its Bitcoin holdings further boosted net income by 183% to $12.3 million. The company's 8,800-kiosk network, the largest in North America, is now generating $30.9 million in gross profit, supported by a 360 basis point margin improvement.

What sets Bitcoin Depot apart is its dual focus on infrastructure and asset ownership. By acquiring 100.35 BTC in its treasury and simplifying its corporate governance, the company is aligning shareholder interests with the long-term value of Bitcoin. For investors, this duality—operational cash flow from kiosk transactions and capital appreciation from Bitcoin holdings—creates a compelling risk-rebalance. The company's guidance for 20–30% Adjusted EBITDA growth in Q3 2025 further validates its disciplined approach to scaling.

Actionable Investment Theses and Strategic Considerations

1. Applied Digital (APLD): Investors should prioritize the company's ability to secure long-term HPC leases and monitor the pace of Ellendale's 400 MW capacity rollout. The $5 billion financing with MAM reduces dilution risks, making this a high-conviction play for those betting on AI infrastructure scarcity.
2. Amprius (AMPX): The company's 350% revenue growth and expanding international footprint justify a premium valuation. Investors should track its progress in scaling the South Korean manufacturing partnership and adoption in defense contracts.
3. Bitcoin Depot (BTM): The dual-income model (kiosk operations + Bitcoin treasury) offers diversification in a volatile market. A key risk is regulatory uncertainty around crypto, but the company's focus on institutional-grade infrastructure mitigates this.

The 2025 Gateway Conference is more than a showcase—it's a strategic inflection point for investors. By engaging directly with these innovators, participants can gain insights into capital allocation, technological roadmaps, and sector-specific tailwinds. For those willing to act decisively, the conference's lineup presents a rare opportunity to align with companies poised to redefine their industries.

In conclusion, the intersection of AI, cleantech, and fintech at the 2025 Gateway Conference offers a blueprint for future-proofing portfolios. As these companies scale their innovations, the strategic value of direct access—whether through conference participation or subsequent market entry—cannot be overstated. For investors, the question is not whether to act, but how to act with precision.