Almost all investors will be familiar with the ins and outs of shares such as Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), but there's certainly more to the market than these blue-chip shares.
I think that the local share market is home to a good number of small-cap shares with a lot of potential.
Below you will find four little-known small-cap shares flying under the radar which I'll be watching very closely in 2018.
Buddy Platform Ltd (ASX: BUD)
This Internet of Things company has been amongst the best performers on the market this year with a gain of over 340% year-to-date. This has largely been down to the significant potential of its signature Buddy Ohm product. The "Fitbit for buildings" monitors a building's energy, water, and steam consumption. The company has signed numerous resellers partnerships with companies including Ingram Micro, Telstra, and Digicel.
Digitalx Ltd (ASX: DCC)
Readers will no doubt be well aware of the cryptocurrency boom sweeping the global investment community. One company that stands to profit from the boom is DigitalX. The Perth-based blockchain and initial coin offering (ICO) advisory firm has numerous operations aiming to capitalise on it. These include bitcoin ATMs, ICOs, and market making on popular bitcoin exchanges.
Experience Co Ltd (ASX: EXP)
Formerly known as SkyDive The Beach, Experience Co looks like it could be a big winner from Australia's tourism boom. The rebrand was the result of the diversification of its business this year following a $60 million capital raise. This has allowed the company to make no less than 10 acquisition in the last two years. These include Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises and Tropical Journeys in Far North Queensland.
Optiscan Imaging Limited (ASX: OIL)
Investors interested in the healthcare sector may want to take a look at medical imaging technology company Optiscan. This year the company secured a distribution deal with medical technology giant Carl Zeiss, putting it in a position to roll out its technology globally once it receives FDA approval. That approval is expected to occur in the middle of next year and will be worth looking out for.
