AI startups raised $10.1B across 977 deals despite 9% decline
Even though overall funding dropped by 9% this year, these companies still pulled in a hefty $10.1 billion across 977 deals (down from $11.3 billion and 1,020 deals last year).
The generative AI buzz is keeping early-stage investments alive, with venture capitalists getting more strategic and competitive about where they put their money.
Investors demand AI workflow integration
Investors aren't just chasing any AI startup: they're now looking for real-world product use and how well these tools fit into actual workflows, especially in areas like health care and finance.
Bigger deal sizes and higher valuations are happening too, thanks to global interest (and a bit of FOMO).
There's also growing attention on things like security, governance, and the infrastructure behind all that data.