Check out investments that are slightly less risky than bitcoin

The allure of cryptocurrency is the same as the draw for betting it all on black — although many investment experts say that it might pay off big in the long run, there’s no big reward without the big risk it holds.

If the idea of betting your entire nest egg on lofty promises piques the gambler’s spirit in your blood, there’s a number of less crazy investment ideas that aren’t exactly in the vanilla category.

Read on to learn about some of the fastest growing industries to invest in this year.

1. Startups

Even the bluest of blue-chip stocks had to start out somewhere. If the story of Steve Jobs’ garage-based computer workspace inspires you, there are plenty of startups all across the globe — and one of them could be the next big thing.

Bonus: The biggest successes usually remember the ones who believed in them when nobody else would. If they make their mint, the biggest returns often go to the earliest investors.

2. Crowdfunding

Thanks to the likes of IndieGoGo and Kickstarter, great ideas can now participate in an income-driven popularity contest — if people want to help get one off the ground, there are options to be rewarded handsomely. If you found a company you truly believe in, put your money where your mouth is — and you have the potential to reap the benefits in some stock-options.

See: How New Industries Like Cannabis and VR Are Changing the Economy

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3. Small/Micro-Cap Stocks

If you dig beneath the surface in the stock market and wade past the comfy world of Google, Apple and the like, you’ll stumble on the Micro-Cap market. Capped off at a fraction of the price of a blue-chip, you can snag a bunch of shares for an up-and-coming company — one that might have the potential to explode in growth.

4. Biotech Stocks

The only thing that changes faster than the economy is the medical frontier. Thanks to advancements in science, advancements in medicine could also mean huge advancements in your bottom line. These small-cap BioTech firms typically start out with “one big idea,” which if it fails the gauntlet of clinical trials — which it most likely will — won’t make a cent. But in the off-chance it develops an effective treatment, you’re looking at a payday that’s sure to spike.

5. Cannabis Stocks

Thanks to the increasing wave of cannabis legalization across the nation, if you’re interested in an investment opportunity, don’t overlook cannabis stocks.

Due to the cognitive dissonance between regulatory laws — state laws are becoming more lax, whereas marijuana remains Schedule I classified on a federal level — it’s kept prices cheap in terms of stock due to potential risks with supply. If you buy in now — and if the government loosens its grip — your wallet could thank you for it.

Up Next: 8 Online Investments That Make Portfolio Diversification Easier

Disclaimer: This article is produced for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Investing comes with risk to loss of principal. Please always conduct your own research and consider your investment decisions carefully.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Check Out Investments That Are Slightly Less Risky Than Bitcoin