The Resilient Tech Sector: Why 2023 Isn't the Crash Year We Were Promised

At the close of 2022, most industry forecasters were united around a single prediction: the tech sector was heading toward a brutal reckoning. Crypto collapse, mass layoffs, an aggressive Fed, and the long tail of the FTX scandal all pointed to a challenging year for innovation.

But five months into 2023, those forecasts are being quietly rewritten.

Despite real challenges, the tech industry is showing remarkable resilience, both in how it’s performing economically and how it’s being perceived politically and culturally. And for brands navigating this space, the bar for cutting through the noise has never been higher.

At 829 Studios, we’re watching these shifts closely and helping our clients position themselves accordingly. Here’s what we’re seeing:

Tech Isn’t Just Surviving—It’s Outperforming

While broader market volatility has certainly impacted investment strategies, tech stocks have rebounded with force. The NASDAQ 100 Technology Sector Index has risen nearly 25% since January, even outpacing broader indexes. Despite the headlines, layoffs from companies like Meta and Amazon haven’t led to a spike in unemployment claims. This suggests many displaced tech workers are finding new opportunities quickly, or launching their own ventures.

And perhaps most notably, the March collapse of Silicon Valley Bank served not as a death knell for the industry, but as a demonstration of its economic centrality. Federal regulators responded swiftly, not out of favoritism, but out of recognition that tech innovation is now critical infrastructure.

Innovation Is a Strategic Priority

From semiconductors to quantum computing and generative AI, both policymakers and the public now view technological leadership as a matter of national interest. The rise of tools like ChatGPT didn’t just reset expectations for what AI can do. It reset the narrative around innovation in America.

Political sentiment reflects this shift. While crypto remains a target of regulatory scrutiny, the rest of the tech sector is enjoying a moment of rare bipartisan alignment. Debates are less about regulation and more about acceleration, and asking questions like how we can double down on domestic chip production, and how do we ensure America leads in AI.

With More Visibility Comes Greater Scrutiny

The flip side of renewed admiration is heightened expectation. In a landscape that’s once again buzzing with funding announcements, AI demos, and IPO speculation, tech brands need to be intentional about how they show up. Smart messaging, grounded in real outcomes and value, is more essential than ever.

This isn’t the time to overhype. The industry is just one failed product cycle or unrealistic promise away from renewed skepticism. But for companies that have weathered the turbulence of the past few years and remained focused on real impact, this moment presents a unique opportunity.

Final Take

Tech didn’t implode in 2023. In fact, it’s back in the driver’s seat. But standing out will take more than being part of the conversation, it requires leading it. For founders, marketers, and comms teams, now is the time to focus on clarity, consistency and credibility.

Want help telling your story in this next wave of innovation? We’re here for it.