MoneyThe story, in brief
VC is changing dramatically — what’s a founder to do?
VC is bifurcating: record AI funding for the few, a funding winter for everyone else. Here's what founders should do.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
Venture capital market structure is shifting dramatically around AI. Founders building outside the AI-mega-round window need new playbooks — debt, revenue-based financing, bootstrapping — to survive a two-speed market.
The key facts
4 to knowVC market splitting into two tiers: concentrated mega-rounds for AI companies vs. constrained access for other founders
Record money flowing to narrow band of AI companies
Founders outside AI mega-rounds facing harder fundraising environment
Alternative funding strategies gaining prominence: angel funding, venture debt, revenue-based financing, bootstrapping to profitability
Go to the source
GeekWiregeekwire.com
Publisher excerpt: Seattle investor and founder Nikesh Parekh argues that venture capital has split in two: record money flowing to a narrow band of AI companies while most founders find it harder than ever to raise. He lays out what founders should do about it, from raising VC to angel funding, venture debt,…