Venture capitalists are revising their playbooks for AI startups, emphasizing rapid growth, data generation, and strong go‑to‑market strategies. Aileen Lee of Cowboy Ventures described the shift as a “funky time” at TechCrunch Disrupt, noting that traditional metrics are giving way to new variables such as competitive moats and technical depth. Jon McNeill of DVx Ventures highlighted the heightened scrutiny on seed‑stage companies, while Steve Jang of Kindred Ventures stressed the need for both solid technology and robust marketing. The panelists agreed that the AI sector remains early‑stage, leaving room for challengers to unseat incumbents. Read more →

Private equity deal activity peaked in 2021, with total values breaching the $1 trillion mark and average deal sizes topping $1 billion. Since then, many high‑profile tech firms have seen valuations tumble dramatically, yet investors continue to pour capital into speculative AI ventures. The Builder.ai saga illustrates how deep pockets without sector expertise can lead to costly missteps, prompting a call for more specialist, knowledge‑driven investing. A new “Hot Crazy Matrix” framework highlights the danger of large, generic funds chasing hype and the advantage of niche operators who combine size with expertise. Read more →