According to a CB Insights report, artificial intelligence (AI) startups are on track to capture more than half of total annual venture capital funding for the first time by 2025. AI companies have raised 51% of total funding in 2025, indicating a historic shift in investor focus on the sector.
Key Highlights
- AI startups secured $192.7 billion of $366.8 billion in global venture funding in 2025.
- U.S.-based AI companies received 85% of global AI funding, with four of seven largest deals.
According to the report, "AI companies have captured 51% of total venture funding in 2025 so far, putting 2025 on track to be the first year in which AI startups receive the majority of funding."
The United States continues to lead global AI growth, accounting for 85% of all AI funding and 53% of total deals this year.
Four of the seven largest AI funding rounds were secured by companies headquartered in the United States. This dominance highlights the United States' growing strength in AI innovation, as well as its ability to attract large-scale investments from global venture capitalists.
Overall, according to the report, venture funding in all industries surpassed USD 90 billion for the fourth consecutive quarter, reaching USD 95.6 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025.
Total annual funding increased to USD 310 billion in Q3, the highest level since 2022.
Despite the increase in funding value, deal volume has fallen to its lowest point since the fourth quarter of 2016. This reflects increased investor selectivity, as investors write larger checks to fewer companies.
The median deal size has also increased, indicating a clear trend toward more concentrated investments in promising industries like AI.
Also Read: PE/VC Investments in India Hit $26.4B Across 593 Deals in 1H 2025
Within the AI ecosystem, the humanoid robot segment emerged as one of the most active markets. Industrial humanoid robots closed 17 transactions in Q3'25, more than any other market segment.
Furthermore, healthcare humanoid robots closed seven deals, placing them just outside the top ten most active markets. Two new humanoid unicorns emerged in the third quarter, bringing the total number of humanoid robot unicorns to four.
The surge in AI investment marks a watershed moment in the global venture capital landscape, with 2025 poised to be the first year in which artificial intelligence receives the majority of startup funding.
