Crunchbase-linked analysis estimated that startups raised about $300 billion in Q1 2026, with roughly $242 billion going to AI-related companies. A year earlier, AI's share was 55%. US companies accounted for about 83% of global funding, followed by China and the UK.
Why it matters
The 80% figure is a concentration signal. Venture is increasingly a bet on a small group of AI platforms and infrastructure companies.
What investors should watch
Higher funding volume does not automatically mean a healthier market; it may also mean higher crowding risk.
This article is market context, not investment advice and not a promise of returns. It highlights where capital is moving, which companies are reaching the next stage, and which risks should be checked before any decision.
Source: insights4vc.substack.com