In the US, investments into AI captured half of all VC funding in Q2 –driven by the billion-dollar mega rounds of CoreWeave and xAI. In Europe, a similar trend is occurring. France’s Mistral and the UK’s Wayve both raised hundred million dollar rounds. But behind these megarounds into AI, lies a more complex reality for venture capital, one that is rapidly being shaped and reshaped by unpredictable politics and a constantly shifting economic environment.

 

Beyond the AI sector, valuations continue to show signs of pressure, with flat and down rounds reaching 10-year highs.

Startups and investors hoping for a step-up between rounds are more likely to be disappointed.

 

This panel brings together leading VCs to discuss AI’s impact on investing, current valuations, and how geopolitical and public market trends are affecting both investors and startups. As many startups that raised capital during the pandemic highs return to the market, the panel will explore what’s next for these companies and how both founders and investors should adjust their expectations.