Two years ago, being an AI founder meant being ahead of the curve. Today, you're right in the thick of it, and the curve is moving faster than ever. Venture capital (VC) funding for AI startups has surged dramatically, with global investments exceeding $100 billion in 2024, marking an 80% increase from $55.6 billion in 2023[1][7]. But this isn't another speculative hype cycle like crypto or direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. This time, the stakes are higher, the questions tougher, and the focus sharper.
Across these conversations, one thing has become clear: the next decade will belong to founders who treat AI not as a buzzword but as a transformative tool to solve real, urgent problems. If you're building or planning to raise capital in this space, here's what you need to know about why VCs are doubling down on AI and how you can rise to meet this moment with inspiration and motivation.
AI Is No Longer Experimental: It's Foundational
Not long ago, AI was relegated to R&D departments a curiosity rather than a necessity. It was experimental, often siloed off from core business operations. Fast-forward to 2025, and that era is over. AI has become a foundational infrastructure across industries. It powers fraud detection systems in banking, predictive engines in logistics, and customer service workflows in the enterprise worldwide[2][4]. Much like how cloud computing reshaped business operations over the last two decades, AI is now transforming decision-making.
I hope you enjoyed this podcast. Don't forget to check out the full article
If this sparked some thinking (or challenged a few assumptions), here’s how you can stay connected and go deeper:
Follow me on LinkedIn for regular insights on startup growth, founder psychology, venture capital trends, and real-world tactics.
Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter to get fresh, founder-first content in your inbox—no fluff, just the strategies and stories that matter.
Check out the Start Up Growth Hacking Resource Centre – it’s packed with articles, podcasts, curated lists, legal templates, fundraising tools, and proven playbooks for founders ready to start, grow, and scale smarter.
If you prefer this content in an audible form, you can listen to an AI interpretation of the article on Spotify or Apple.
Share this post