While the market continues its retreat from the highs of 2021, funding for VC-backed companies saw an uptick in Q1 2024, increasing 12% from the $29.4b raised in Q4 2023. Deal volume saw its lowest levels since 2012, as investors scrutinize value propositions and look for clear paths to growth from founders. The only exception to that rule are companies in the artificial intelligence (AI) space. AI-related companies raised $5.6b in Q1, which accounted for 17% of VC investment this quarter. Prior to last year, AI represented 10% of investment on average between 2013–22. READ MORE