pitchbook.com·Jan 16, 2026
The current venture capital environment is increasingly favoring early-stage startup founders, with founders setting deal terms due to high market interest and rapid growth, particularly in AI, though some VCs express concern about potential overexuberance and sustainability.
In the current founder-friendly dealmaking environment, focus on leveraging the competitive dynamics to negotiate favorable terms in Series A and seed rounds. However, remain cautious of potential market exuberance by prioritizing the sustainability and durability of your business model over rapid scaling. Consider strengthening your technical team to capitalize on the AI talent premium, which can further enhance your valuation and attractiveness to investors.