Venture capitalists invested $104.3 billion into AI startups in the first half of 2025, nearly matching the total for all of 2024. This funding now constitutes two-thirds of US venture capital, up from 49 percent the previous year. However, with 281 VC-backed exits recorded, totaling only $36 billion in cashouts, the returns on investment appear lower. Notable investments include OpenAI's $40 billion raise, highlighting a mix of optimism and caution in the AI sector amidst declines in other tech areas.
Despite record-breaking investments in AI startups, the venture capital landscape shows signs of strain with a significant increase in exits at lower returns.
Venture capitalists have invested $104.3 billion in AI this year, nearly matching all of 2024, but are experiencing lower-value acquisitions.
Two-thirds of US venture funding is now directed towards AI, but cashouts amounting to $36 billion in 2025 represent a significant discrepancy.
Leading investments in AI include OpenAI's $40 billion raised and Scale AI's $14.3 billion from Meta, showcasing the mix of enthusiasm and caution.
Collection
[
|
...
]