Crunchbase: four AI firms took 65% of Q1 VC funding

Crunchbase data shows four companies raised $188B in Q1 2026, 65% of global venture investment, while only 20% went to non-AI firms and deal count fell 30%. The author, who built a multibillion-dollar company without VC, urges founders to prioritize customers and revenue over fundraising.

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• Asia Q3 Startup Funding Hits $38.5B, AI Takes 55%2026-10-16
• 38 Companies Join Crunchbase Unicorn Board In September, Led By Semiconductor, Fintech And Space Tech2026-10-14