Artificial intelligence continues to attract investors. According to the latest data from PitchBook, more than 60% of venture capital funding allocated in the first quarter of 2025 went to AI startups. This trend illustrates the meteoric rise of this technology in the global tech landscape.
Unprecedented Dominance
- 60% of VC Investments: Of the $49 billion in venture capital raised in Q1 2025, nearly $30 billion went to AI-related projects, marking a significant increase from previous years.
- Focus on Fundamental Models: Investors are primarily focusing on infrastructure, such as large language models (LLMs), AI development tools, and data platforms.
AI in search of concrete applications
- Less interest in specialized use cases: Vertical applications of AI in fields such as healthcare, education, and finance are struggling to attract as much capital. Investors prefer long-term structural bets on generic tools.
- A wave of consolidation: Application-oriented startups are often acquired or absorbed by large technology groups, leaving little room for independent differentiation.
A signal for crypto and Web3?
What this implies:
- AI is once again becoming the center of gravity of technological innovation, to the detriment of other sectors such as blockchain or the metaverse.
- Web3 projects will need to integrate AI to remain attractive in the face of the massive redirection of capital flows.
Persistent risks:
- An overconcentration of investments in a few major AI players, threatening the balance of innovation.
- Excessive valuations reminiscent of previous speculative bubbles, with sometimes unrealistic expectations.
Conclusion
AI is establishing itself more than ever as the main driver of global venture capital in 2025, capturing the majority of funding at the expense of other emerging sectors. While the enthusiasm is undeniable, it nevertheless calls for vigilance regarding the imbalances it creates. For other innovative industries, particularly crypto, it is time to reevaluate their strategies in the face of a financing ecosystem redefined by artificial intelligence.
