The buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) is deafening, and for good reason. Investment in AI has skyrocketed, jumping a staggering 62% to $110 billion in 2024 alone, even as overall startup funding has cooled down. If you’re a founder in the AI space, you might think just slapping “AI” onto your company name is enough to attract investors. Think again. The AI landscape is evolving rapidly. The initial hype around foundation models is giving way to a more pragmatic focus: real-world applications, intelligent AI agents, and, crucially, long-term profitability. So, what are Venture Capitalists (VCs) truly seeking now? It’s all about startups that can translate groundbreaking tech into sustainable, impactful businesses. Decoding What VCs Want: Investment Stages Unveiled Want to know the inside scoop on securing funding for your AI startup? Look no further than Bitcoin World Sessions: AI, happening on June 5th at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. This is your chance to hear directly from top-tier VCs – Zeya Yang (IVP), Jill Chase (CapitalG), and Kanu Gulati (Khosla Ventures) – as they dissect exactly what catches their eye at every stage of investment, from those crucial seed rounds to the Series C milestones. These aren’t just talking heads; they’re active investors with proven track records and deep industry insights. Meet the VC Power Panel: Zeya Yang (IVP): A name synonymous with success, Zeya’s portfolio boasts investments in game-changing companies like Grammarly and Figma. She’s known for her hands-on approach, working closely with founders to sharpen their product-market fit and fuel growth. Jill Chase (CapitalG): Leading CapitalG’s AI investment strategy, Jill has her finger on the pulse of emerging AI use cases, ML, data infrastructure, and enterprise tech. Her recent investments include promising ventures like Magic, /dev/agents, Motif, and Abridge. Kanu Gulati (Khosla Ventures): Kanu brings a wealth of technical expertise to the table, with over a decade of experience as a research scientist at Intel and Cadence, and as a founding engineer at multiple startups. He’s backed AI leaders like PolyAI, Kognitos, and Moonhub. These VCs are not just observers; they are shaping the future of AI funding . They’ve seen countless pitches, navigated market shifts, and understand what truly separates a flash-in-the-pan idea from a lasting, impactful company. Bitcoin World Sessions: AI provides an unparalleled opportunity to tap into their collective wisdom. Navigating the AI Startup Landscape: What VCs Seek So, you’re building an AI startup ? That’s fantastic! But to truly capture the attention of VCs, you need to go beyond just the technology. Here’s what these experts will likely be evaluating: Real-World Problem Solving: Is your AI solving a genuine pain point? VCs are moving away from purely theoretical AI and towards solutions with clear, practical applications and demonstrable value. Sustainable Business Model: Ingenuity is great, but investors need to see a path to profitability. How will your AI startup generate revenue and achieve long-term financial stability? Traction & Growth Potential: Early traction is a powerful signal. Show VCs that you’re not just building in a vacuum – demonstrate user engagement, customer acquisition, and a clear roadmap for scaling. Strong Team: VCs invest in people as much as ideas. Highlight your team’s expertise, experience, and ability to execute. A passionate and capable team is crucial for navigating the challenges of the AI space. Adaptability and Innovation: The AI field is constantly evolving. VCs are looking for startups that are not only innovative today but also possess the agility to adapt to future technological shifts and market demands. Don’t Miss Bitcoin World Sessions: AI Bitcoin World Sessions: AI isn’t just another tech conference; it’s a focused deep dive into the intersection of AI and investment. It’s a prime opportunity to understand the current pulse of AI startups and what it takes to secure funding in this competitive landscape. By attending, you’ll gain: Direct insights from leading VCs actively investing in AI. Networking opportunities with investors, founders, and industry experts. Actionable strategies to refine your pitch and attract investment. A competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. This is your chance to get ahead of the curve and understand the nuanced expectations of VCs in the AI domain. Don’t just be in the AI conversation; lead it. Secure Your Spot and Save Ready to unlock the secrets to AI funding ? Join the conversation at Bitcoin World Sessions: AI on June 5th at UC Berkeley. Early bird deals are available now, saving you up to $210! Register here to take advantage of these savings. Become a Bitcoin World Sessions: AI Sponsor Is your company looking to make a significant impact in the AI space? Consider sponsoring or exhibiting at Bitcoin World Sessions: AI. Contact our sponsorship sales team to explore opportunities and elevate your brand visibility. Stay Updated on Bitcoin World Events Don’t miss out on the best deals and special promotions for future Bitcoin World events! Stay informed about upcoming sessions and be the first to grab exclusive offers. Learn more about Bitcoin World Events . By Rebecca Bellan, Senior Reporter, Transportation for Bitcoin World. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features.
