Global Startup and Venture Capital News for November 11, 2025: Record Investments in Artificial Intelligence, IPO Market Revival, Mega-Rounds, Consolidation, and Renewed Interest in Crypto Startups
As of early November 2025, the global venture capital market is firmly on the rise after several years of decline. Investors around the world are actively funding technology startups once again: record deals are being closed, plans for IPOs are back on the agenda, and the largest venture funds are returning to the stage with substantial investments. Governments in various countries are ramping up support for innovation, eager to keep pace in the global technology race. Consequently, private capital is once again flooding into startup ecosystems, providing young companies with the resources needed for accelerated growth.
The latest statistics confirm this revival: in Q3 2025, the global volume of venture capital investments reached approximately $97 billion, which is roughly 38% higher than a year ago and slightly above the previous quarter’s level. This marks the best quarterly performance since 2021 and is the fourth consecutive quarter where investment volume has exceeded $90 billion. Following the "venture winter" of 2022-2023, startup funding has steadily increased for four reporting periods in a row, reflecting a return of investor confidence. Mega-rounds in the field of artificial intelligence have made a significant contribution to this growth; however, investment increases are being observed across all stages—from seed to late-stage. About two-thirds of all venture investments in the last quarter were directed towards companies in the US, but activity is also noticeable in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, emphasizing the global nature of this upswing.
Key Trends for Venture Investors and Funds
- Return of Mega Funds and Large Investors. Record funds are saturating the market with capital and enhancing risk appetite.
- Record Investments in AI and a New Wave of Unicorns. Large rounds are boosting valuations and accelerating the scaling of leaders.
- Revival of the IPO Market. The exit window is back open—increases in both the quantity and quality of listing applications are being observed.
- Diversification Across Sectors. Venture investments are flowing into fintech, climate tech, biotech, space, defense, and SaaS.
- Consolidation and M&A. Strategic deals are creating new growth trajectories and liquidity.
- Renewed Interest in Crypto Startups. Growth in funding for infrastructure and consumer applications related to Web3.
- Local Focus: Russia and CIS. New funds and ecosystem development programs are emerging amid limited access to external capital.
Return of Mega Funds: Big Money Back in the Market
Major institutional players and venture firms are resuming fundraising efforts and launching new mega funds with a focus on advanced technologies. The return of "big checks" is intensifying competition for the best deals, shortening round closure timelines, and creating a cushion of liquidity for late-stage startups. For entrepreneurs, this means a wider choice of partners and funding strategies, while for LPs, it provides access to diversified portfolios in a growing market.
Record Investments in AI and a New Wave of Unicorns
Since the beginning of 2025, AI startups have become a magnet for capital, concentrating a significant share of global investments in technology. Cumulative valuations for leading generative AI companies have approached the trillion-dollar mark, with the number of unicorns on the rise. The concentration of deals in top projects raises the bar for quality and scalability requirements, making selection processes more stringent at early stages.
Recent Notable Funding Rounds
- Harvey (USA) — $150 million for developing legal AI, valuation ~ $8 billion.
- Synthesia (UK) — $200 million for scaling a video generation platform.
- Fireworks AI (USA) — $250 million (Series C) for an AI platform in genomics and healthcare.
- Legora (Sweden) — $150 million, valuation ~$1.8 billion, legal software with AI elements.
- Armis (USA) — $435 million pre-IPO at a valuation of $6.1 billion (IoT cybersecurity).
Revival of the IPO Market and Exit Prospects
After a two-year hiatus, technology companies are returning to public markets. Successful listings in fintech and digital assets have confirmed demand for quality issuers, while a decrease in regulatory uncertainty in certain segments enhances the likelihood of new placements in 2026. For venture funds, this opens a liquidity window and improves DPI metrics, while for founders, it provides an alternative to costly private rounds.
Beyond AI: Healthcare, Climate, and Space
Biotech and healthcare are attracting double-digit volumes of capital, thanks to the merging of data, AI, and clinical practices. Climate tech is gaining momentum driven by demand for sustainable materials and electric mobility, while space and defense startups are receiving a boost from rising demand for satellite services and security. Such diversification reduces the risks of overheating in a single niche and contributes to the resilience of the global startup market.
Consolidation and M&A: Mega Deals Changing the Landscape
Strategic acquisitions in cybersecurity, fintech, AI, and software infrastructure are forming new centers of competence. For corporate buyers, M&A is a way to accelerate product roadmaps, while for startups, it offers a path to scaling through access to distribution channels and infrastructure. For investors, these deals mean faster exits and a redistribution of capital into new investment opportunities.
Renewed Interest in Crypto Startups
The crypto industry is showing signs of a thaw: funding for infrastructure solutions (stablecoins, custody, compliance) is increasing, while consumer Web3 applications are receiving backing from top funds. Institutional interest is growing amid a push for clear regulations and the proliferation of exchange-traded products for digital assets. This broadens the investor base and enhances sector resilience.
Local Perspective: Russia and CIS Countries
In the region, new funds and corporate initiatives are launching, accelerators and grant programs are being activated. With limited access to international capital, the focus is shifting to product-market fit in local markets, exports to friendly jurisdictions, and import-independent technologies. Key barriers such as the cost of capital and access to global technologies are stimulating the search for niche strategies and partnerships.
What Investors Should Do: Practical Guidelines
- Focus on Quality Deal Flow. Strengthen scoring based on profitability metrics, unit economics, and capital intensity.
- Portfolio Balance. Combine AI leaders with biotech, climate tech, and software infrastructure to reduce correlations.
- Readiness for Exits. Update strategies for secondary deals and monitor IPO windows for 2026.
- M&A Stream. Build early connections with strategic buyers for potential synergies.
- Geographical Diversification. Consider the revitalization of the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
Measured Optimism
The startup market has noticeably revived: new records in funding volumes are being set, high-profile IPOs are on the horizon, and venture funds are forming large pools of capital. Investors' approach remains selective: capital is directed towards the most promising companies and areas, and discipline in selection is increasing. The main intrigue is whether high expectations around AI will be justified and if other sectors can narrow the funding gap. As of November 11, 2025, the baseline scenario is moderately positive, focusing on asset quality, thoughtful diversification, and readiness for exit windows in 2026.
