Crunchbase is a business data platform that tracks companies, funding and deals, and its data is widely used to follow startup and tech trends. Recent coverage draws on its figures: 58 venture-backed companies valued at $1B+ went public in H1 2026, raising $110.8B, with SpaceX alone accounting for $86B; US tech layoffs reached at least 94,046 from January to August 2026, up 16.8% year over year, with AI cited in 33% of events; and at least 114 Series A rounds of $100M or more have been raised this year, over 70% to AI startups.
2026 IPO Market Reopens Selectively, Favoring Scaled CompaniesCrunchbase data shows 58 venture-backed companies valued at $1B+ went public in H1 2026, raising $110.8B, but SpaceX alone accounted for $86B, indicating a rebound dominated by exceptional scale. Datasite saw a 32% increase in capital-raising project kickoffs and 33% in IPO-related subsets, suggesting future listing activity may rise.
US Tech Layoffs Outpace 2025 as Spending Shifts to AICrunchbase data shows US tech layoffs reached at least 94,046 from January to August 2026, up 16.8% year over year, with May's 31,513 cuts the highest since March 2023. Many cuts came as companies redirected spending to AI and restructured; AI was cited in 33% of layoff events, up from 1% in 2024.
Jumbo Series A rounds on the rise, led by AI startupsAt least 114 Series A rounds of $100M or more have been raised globally this year, the highest annual total in years, with over 70% going to AI-focused startups, per Crunchbase. US startups account for about half of these deals, including large rounds for River AI and Xpeng Robotics.
The A.I. Daily