AI investment Hit $ 110 billion in 2024And in 2025 funding landscape is more competitive than ever. For starting stage startups, it means more money in the market, but also more pressure to stand out.
In techcrunch sessions: AI, Rebecca Belan sitting with three experienced investors: Jill Chase, participant in Capitaling; Kanu Gulati, participant in Khosla Ventures; And Sarah Italson, participant in Excel. They broke as to what they are really looking at when evaluating AI startup from seeds through Series C. Their message to founders? Forget the right pitch. Pay attention to the building trust, avoid the propaganda cycle, and be prepared to copy the moment when you find the product-market fit.
Listen to the full episode of equity To hear about:
- Why VCS says that founders should stop paying attention to the right pitch and focus on building real relationships.
- What to do to go against big incumbents without crushing.
- Why consumers still win focus (and speed), even in B2B AI.
- How agents and automation are already shaping the startup playbook again.
Equity will return on Friday with our weekly news roundup, so stay.
Equity is the flagship podcast of Techcrunch, produced by Theresa Loconasolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday.
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