PitchBook: US venture funding hit $412.7B in H1 2026, up 30% on all of 2025, with AI startup funding accounting for 86%, or $355.9B; Q2 saw seven $1B+ rounds
THE SO WHAT
When 86% of $412.7B in US venture goes into AI and seven rounds clear $1B in a quarter, capital is over-concentrating into a narrow thesis. Founders outside AI should expect tougher fundraising but less competition, while AI founders should assume a crowded field and underwrite to consolidation.
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