Where to invest $20,000 in ASX 200 shares in August

Have $20,000 ready to invest in August?

Well, I think the ASX 200 has several growth shares that are definitely worth a closer look.

Here are three companies I would consider buying.

Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG)

The best consumer brands can become part of a customer's daily routine.

Breville has achieved that through its premium coffee machines and kitchen appliances, particularly among people who want a better coffee experience at home.

But I think the opportunity extends well beyond selling one machine.

Customers can later buy grinders, accessories, replacement products, beans, and newer machines as their interest in coffee develops. Breville's Beanz platform also connects users with specialty coffee roasters, giving the company another way to remain involved after the original purchase.

The ASX 200 share continues to launch new products and expand into international markets where its brands still have room to grow. Recent sales strength across newer regions shows Breville is building a much broader global business rather than relying only on Australia and the United States.

Tariffs, currency movements, and discretionary spending could create bumps along the way. Breville must also keep producing products that justify premium prices.

However, I think its combination of innovation, brand strength, and international expansion gives the company an attractive long-term outlook.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

Small business owners rarely want to spend more time doing administration.

They want to send invoices, get paid, manage payroll, understand cash flow, and know where the business stands without searching through spreadsheets or paperwork.

Xero is an ASX 200 share increasingly bringing those tasks into one financial platform.

The company now serves around 4.9 million customers globally, giving it an enormous base across which it can introduce more services. Payments, payroll, analytics, artificial intelligence, and other financial tools can all increase the value customers receive from the platform.

The Melio acquisition adds another important piece, particularly in the United States. Helping small businesses manage bills and payments could make Xero more closely involved in the movement of money rather than simply recording transactions after they happen.

That creates room for Xero to grow through customer numbers and higher spending from existing users.

The company still needs to integrate Melio successfully and compete against established US software providers. However, I think Xero has a genuine opportunity to become the financial operating system for millions more small businesses.

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO)

Drones have changed what defence forces and security organisations need to protect against.

DroneShield develops counter-drone technology that helps customers detect, track, identify, and respond to unwanted drones.

Hardware remains the company's biggest revenue generator. Its portable and fixed systems can be deployed across military sites, airports, prisons, borders, critical infrastructure, and major public events.

I think that market could keep expanding as drones become cheaper, faster, and more capable.

DroneShield also has a major opportunity to grow its software revenue because counter-drone systems need to remain current. New drone models, signals, and tactics create demand for regular updates, improved threat libraries, and better detection performance.

As more hardware is deployed, the company could have a larger installed base to support with software and services.

It is higher risk and I would keep the position measured, but I think DroneShield's specialist market position makes it one of the most exciting ASX 200 growth shares.

Foolish takeaway

What I like about these ASX 200 shares is that they have ways to earn more from the customers they already serve, while continuing to expand into much larger international markets.

I think that gives the investment case more depth than relying only on adding new customers.

Breville, Xero, and DroneShield could all be volatile, but for patient investors looking for growth in August, I think all three are worth buying.

The post Where to invest $20,000 in ASX 200 shares in August appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026