Crunchbase reported that startups raised more in the first half of 2026 than in all of 2025. Q1 brought $305 billion and Q2 added $205 billion. OpenAI and Anthropic accounted for $217 billion, or 43% of the total. Q2 also saw 32 IPOs above $1 billion and 24 acquisitions worth $113 billion.
Why it matters
The $510 billion record is powerful, but heavily concentrated. OpenAI and Anthropic alone account for 43% of the total.
What investors should watch
That means top assets have liquidity while the average startup may face a much tighter funding environment.
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: news.crunchbase.com