Tech stocks have hit a rough patch in early 2025 but hidden in this pullback are the seeds of explosive future growth. The Nasdaq-100, home to the 100 biggest non-financial innovators on the exchange, is down nearly 7% year-to-date. For many, that’s a red flag. But for those who understand how fortunes are built in down markets, this moment could be a once-in-a-cycle opportunity.

Behind the scenes, AI giants are gearing up for their next big leap and their stocks are now trading at prices that may look like bargains in hindsight. If you’re looking to invest in the tech that’s reshaping the world, these three Nasdaq-listed companies should be on your radar this May.

1. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) – Powering the Brains Behind AI

Nvidia’s stock is down 19% this year, but this is less a warning sign and more a golden window of opportunity. Why? Because Nvidia builds the specialized graphics processing units (GPUs) that are the beating heart of AI technology from language models to robotics. No matter where AI goes, Nvidia is likely to go with it. Even more impressive, Nvidia’s revenue has skyrocketed by 383% in the last three years. That kind of growth isn’t common and shows how essential its technology has become.

With its deep roots in AI hardware and dominance in physical AI (like robotics via its Jetson platform), Nvidia isn’t just a tech company, it’s the infrastructure of tomorrow.

2. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) – Turning Big Data into Smart Action

While many tech stocks have dropped, Palantir has soared up 52% year-to-date. Palantir’s strength lies in software. Its platforms including Gotham, Foundry, and AIP  help businesses and governments make sense of complex data using AI. It transforms raw information into clear, useful action steps.

Palantir is already deeply embedded in government work, especially defense, providing a stable base. At the same time, its commercial business is growing fast as companies turn to AI tools that actually work and Palantir delivers. This is a stock that proves its value even in tough times. For investors looking for AI software exposure, Palantir is one of the most exciting options.

3. ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML) – The One Company Every Chipmaker Needs

ASML may be down just 5.2% in 2025, but don’t overlook its importance. It is the only company in the world that produces extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, the machines needed to make the world’s most advanced AI chips.

Without ASML’s equipment, giants like TSMC and SK Hynix can’t build the chips that power AI. These companies are responding by ramping up spending: TSMC is increasing capital expenditures by 34%, and SK Hynix plans to spend 30% more in 2025, pushing its investment to $20 billion. That’s why ASML’s slight dip isn’t a setback, it’s a setup for strong future returns.

The Bottom Line

Tech may be facing short-term challenges, but the AI revolution is still in full swing. Nvidia, Palantir, and ASML aren’t just surviving, they’re building the foundation of AI for decades to come. Buying now, when the market is distracted, could be the smartest long-term decision investors make in 2025.