Why Unstructured Data Is the Edge Investors Can’t Afford to Miss
The Overlooked Majority
In today’s data-driven world, most investors are still only scratching the surface. While structured data, like earnings reports, stock prices, and financial ratios, has been the cornerstone of traditional investment analysis, it represents just a small fraction of the full picture. In fact, roughly 90% of all data generated globally is unstructured. This includes everything from corporate sustainability reports, supply chain disclosures, earnings call transcripts, regulatory filings, news articles, and even social media sentiment.
What Makes Unstructured Data so Powerful
Unstructured data is often complex and inconsistent in format, which historically made it difficult to analyze at scale. But it also contains some of the richest, most forward-looking information available to investors. Operational risks, evolving consumer sentiment, and environmental impact narratives are all hidden in unstructured sources. And now, thanks to AI, more investors are beginning to extract insights from this data that were once out of reach.
The Real-World Payoff
The payoff for accessing and using unstructured data is real. A recent study found that organizations using AI tools to analyze unstructured data see a 45% improvement in decision-making efficiency. For investors, that means clearer views into risk, opportunity, and long-term value. Asset managers who’ve begun incorporating unstructured data into their models have seen an average 30% increase in return on investment. Whether it’s spotting supply chain issues early or identifying under-the-radar ESG strengths, the ability to process and act on this data is becoming a critical advantage.
The Competitive Advantage of Now
Despite this, many investors still lack the tools to tap into unstructured data effectively. Manual review isn’t scalable, and relying only on traditional datasets creates blind spots, especially in a world where regulatory pressure, consumer expectations, and sustainability factors are driving market shifts. Investors who don’t adapt may find themselves outpaced by competitors who are more agile and better informed.
As unstructured data becomes more accessible and easier to analyze through AI, the question for investors is no longer if they should use it, but how soon they can start. Those who do will not only stay ahead of regulation and reputational risk—they’ll gain new insights, build stronger portfolios, and make smarter decisions, faster.
Physis built PhyTech to solve the challenge of unstructured data at scale. Our AI-powered engine autonomously collects, validates, and structures unstructured data of any kind. Whether you’re looking at sustainability reports, regulatory filings, or personal notes, PhyTech allows investors to access new insights without the manual work.