Fundie vs AI: Emanuel Datt’s ASX Growth Picks 2025–26

Human Insight Meets Artificial Intelligence

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, one question continues to capture investors’ curiosity, can AI match human judgment when it comes to stock selection?

That question is now being put to the test again in Fundie vs AI, hosted by Livewire Markets. In this round, Emanuel Datt, Chief Investment Officer at Datt Capital, faces off against ChatGPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest multimodal model, to pick the best ASX growth stocks for the next 12 months.

The AI’s ASX Picks: A Digital Challenger

Xero (ASX: XRO)‍

A leader in cloud accounting, Xero recently expanded into North America through the acquisition of US-based payments platform Melio. The deal aims to create an integrated financial ecosystem for small-to-medium businesses, positioning Xero for stronger international revenue growth.

WiseTech Global (ASX: WTC)‍

WiseTech continues to strengthen its logistics software platform CargoWise, now used by nearly all of the world’s largest freight forwarders. Its ongoing acquisitions and global integration strategy underpin its appeal as a dominant technology exporter.

TechnologyOne (ASX: TNE)‍

TechnologyOne’s SaaS+ ERP platform is growing rapidly, with recurring revenue momentum in Australia and the UK. The company targets $1 billion in annual recurring revenue by FY30, supported by strong demand from government and education clients.

Nuix (ASX: NXL)‍

Nuix develops forensic data analysis and compliance tools used by regulators and legal institutions. Its new Nuix Neo platform has driven a sharp lift in contract value and is central to its effort to rebuild investor confidence after prior challenges.

Gentrack (ASX: GTK)‍

A specialist in software for utilities and airports, Gentrack reported double-digit profit growth in FY25. Its g2.0 platform is gaining traction globally as the company focuses on long-term recurring revenue streams.

Emanuel Datt: Measured Insight Over Algorithms

Emanuel’s stock selections are grounded in independent research, sound valuation, and a deep understanding of industry trends shaping the Australian market.

Bravura Solutions (ASX: BVS)

Bravura develops enterprise software for wealth management, life insurance, and superannuation industries. The company has executed a significant operational turnaround and is now positioned for renewed growth, supported by stabilised management and improving industry demand.

The company has significantly turned around over the past few years and is well placed to pursue growth.

Monash IVF (ASX: MVF)

As Australia’s leading provider of assisted reproductive services, Monash IVF holds the largest market share in its sector.

Despite the recent challenges, the board have acted decisively to protect the value of the business and we anticipate operational improvements over the next 12 months.

Pexa Group (ASX: PXA)

Pexa operates a digital property settlement platform facilitating electronic lodgement and settlement of property transactions across Australia and the UK. Following a period of elevated development spend, the company is expected to benefit from improved cost efficiency and margin recovery.

We anticipate improved economics as the company has reduced development costs going forward.

Siteminder (ASX: SDR)

Siteminder provides a global SaaS platform for accommodation providers, enabling efficient management of bookings, pricing, and payments. Its strong pricing power and diversified client base position it to capture sustained growth in travel and hospitality technology over the next year.

The company holds significant pricing power and we expect to see positive economic tailwinds over the next year.

WA1 Resources (ASX: WA1)

WA1 is developing the world-class Luni niobium project in Western Australia. Emanuel expects increasing market interest as the company progresses key milestones toward commercialisation, noting its strategic importance in the global critical minerals supply chain.

We anticipate increased interest in the company as it progresses critical path items towards the project's commercialisation over the coming 12 months.

A Thought Experiment with Real-World Lessons

It is important to note that this Fundie vs AI challenge is designed as a thought experiment, not an investment recommendation. Yet, it highlights a deeper question: can technology replicate the nuanced decision-making that defines successful investing?

The answer lies in balance. While AI models can analyse data at speed and scale, investing remains a discipline shaped by experience, context, and interpretation. Identifying quality businesses, assessing management, and understanding cyclical or structural change are areas where human insight continues to play an essential role.

The exercise ultimately raises an interesting question for investors: in a world increasingly influenced by automation, where does human intuition still add value? For Datt Capital, the answer lies in a combination of rigorous research, independent thinking, and long-term perspective, qualities that cannot yet be replicated by code.

Explore More from Datt Capital

Learn how our funds are positioned to capture growth while preserving capital across market cycles via our Datt Capital Absolute Return Fund and Datt Capital Small Companies Fund

Or contact our Head of Distribution, Daniel Liptak, on 0419 004 524 or via email at daniel@datt.com.au, to discuss investment opportunities aligned with your portfolio objectives.