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Kevin O'Leary Says These 6 Industries Won't Survive the Next 10 Years

If the celebrity businessman is right, some companies may be bad investments.

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Aug. 18, 2026

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world. Individuals and businesses who don't keep up with the pace of innovation may face a bleak future, according to celebrity entrepreneur and investor Kevin O'Leary.

O'Leary believes entire categories of business could go the way of the dinosaur if they don't quickly adapt to AI. He also thinks cost pressures are growing and will threaten firms that cannot accommodate this reality.

Adjusting to these realities is not optional for businesses, in O'Leary's view. Rather, it is the baseline for survival.

Some businesses may struggle to make the transition. If O'Leary is right, investing in the following industries could be hazardous to your ability to grow your wealth.

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Office real estate

O'Leary says the recent shift away from the office and toward remote work is here to stay. Many properties "cannot be used again as office space because the economy has changed."

Today, many downtowns across the nation have high office vacancy rates, with six major cities having rates higher than 20%, according to Yardi:

San Francisco: 25.8%
Seattle: 24.7%
Austin, Texas: 24.5%
Houston: 23.3%
San Diego: 23.1%
Portland, Oregon: 22.1%

Office buildings that remain empty are unlikely to be a great investment, in O'Leary's view.

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Film production that relies on costly labor

Traditionally, the film industry has employed large numbers of "extras" when casting many of its films.

But AI is now capable of adding digital extras — and much more — to films.

In a true sign of the times, the fully AI science fiction/horror AI movie "Gods Don't Give Gifts" will appear in U.S. theaters shortly before Halloween.

Hollywood has struggled mightily in recent years, and entertainment companies that don't adapt to AI may face a bleak future.

Speculative small-cap cryptocurrency

Despite being hailed as the payment method of the future, cryptocurrency has seen a lot of ups and downs. Even the mighty Bitcoin has had a rough year, with its value plunging in 2026.

O'Leary is not necessarily a full-on crypto bear, but he is skeptical that smaller crypto projects will survive. In his view, many of them could "go to zero" over time.

Those who are considering investing in cryptocurrency have been warned.

Businesses that depend on Chinese supply chains

In recent years, tensions between China and the U.S. have grown significantly. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have employed a tougher line with China, including enforcing tariffs on the country.

As a result, the notion of unfettered global trade has taken a hit. O'Leary has been critical of current trade relationships and believes tariffs should be even higher than they are today.

Some companies that rely on supply chains based in China may face a difficult or uncertain future.

Restaurants in urban centers

Downtowns have struggled in many cities. Vacancies in many office buildings and growing problems with homelessness and crime mean fewer people are visiting these areas.

The lack of crowds puts extra pressure on businesses that once thrived in America's downtowns.

O'Leary also sees the "inflation virus" continuing to drive up food and labor costs. That means restaurants are operating on thinner margins, and some might not be great investments.

Companies that fight the trend of remote work

Some companies have begun to push back on remote work by insisting that workers come into the office. But O'Leary believes this is a mistake, stating flatly that "cubicles are dead."

O'Leary predicts companies that are not friendly to remote work will have a tougher time attracting and retaining talent. That could result in such firms lagging behind competitors, making them poor investments.

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What all this means for you

Whether you are a worker, investor, or owner of a small business, the need to respond to the innovations of AI and increasing cost pressures remains paramount.

Companies often decline gradually before they realize what is happening. By the time this deterioration becomes evident in job losses and a falling stock price, it may be too late to turn things around.

While O'Leary's forecasts may or may not turn out to be correct, his underlying message is worth considering.

Investors may want to try to identify businesses that are exposed to structural threats and proceed cautiously before investing.

On the other hand, they may want to give a second look to companies that are adaptable and have strong cash flows.

The takeaway for today's companies — and the people who invest in them — is adaptation, not panic.

Bottom line

O'Leary believes businesses do not have the option of failing to adapt to the emergence of AI and growing cost pressures. If they don't navigate these changes well, they might not survive, in his view.

So, before you start investing, consider O'Leary's warnings and whether you believe he is correct in his forecasts.

And if you agree with him, look for businesses that are well-positioned to adapt to a rapidly changing world.

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