Global Startup and Venture Capital News - November 11, 2025: Record Investments in Artificial Intelligence, IPO Market Reinvigoration, Mega Rounds, Consolidation, and Renewed Interest in Crypto Startups
As of early November 2025, the global venture capital market is confidently on the rise after several years of decline. Investors worldwide are actively funding technology startups again: record deals are being made, IPO plans are back on the agenda, and major venture funds are re-entering the scene with substantial investments. Governments across various countries are ramping up support for innovation, aiming to keep pace in the global tech race. As a result, startup ecosystems are once again experiencing an influx of private capital, providing young companies with the resources for accelerated growth.
Recent statistics confirm this revival: in the third quarter of 2025, the global volume of venture capital investments reached around $97 billion, representing an approximately 38% increase compared to the previous year, and slightly above the previous quarter's levels. This marks the best quarterly performance since 2021 and the fourth consecutive quarter where investment volumes have exceeded $90 billion. Following the "venture winter" of 2022-2023, startup funding has been steadily growing for four consecutive reporting periods, reflecting a return of investor confidence. The primary contribution to this growth has come from mega rounds in the artificial intelligence sector, although an increase in investments is observed across all stages—from seed to late-stage. Nearly two-thirds of all venture investments in the past quarter were directed toward companies in the U.S., but activation is also notable in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, underscoring the global nature of this upswing.
Key Trends of the Day for Venture Investors and Funds
- Return of Megafunds and Major 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 raising valuations and accelerating the scaling of leaders.
- Revival of the IPO Market. The window for exits is reopened—an increase in both the number and quality of listing applications.
- 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 and liquidity trajectories.
- Renewed Interest in Crypto Startups. Growth in funding for infrastructure and consumer Web3 applications.
- Local Focus: Russia and the CIS. New funds and ecosystem development programs emerge amidst limited access to external capital.
The Return of Megafunds: Big Money Back in the Market
Major institutional players and venture firms are resuming fundraising and launching new megafunds with a focus on advanced technologies. The return of "big checks" increases competition for the best deals, shortens closing times for rounds, and creates a liquidity cushion for later-stage startups. For entrepreneurs, this means a broader selection of partners and funding strategies, and for LPs, 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 of generative AI leaders are approaching the trillion-dollar mark, and the number of unicorn companies is rising. The concentration of deals in top projects raises the bar for quality and scalability requirements, making selection more stringent in the early stages.
Examples of Notable Rounds in Recent Weeks
- Harvey (USA) — $150 million for legal AI development, valuation ~ $8 billion.
- Synthesia (UK) — $200 million for scaling its video generation platform.
- Fireworks AI (USA) — $250 million (Series C) for AI platforms 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, tech companies are returning to public markets. Successful listings in fintech and digital assets have confirmed demand for quality issuers, and reduced 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 offers an alternative to expensive private rounds.
Beyond AI: Healthcare, Climate, and Space
Biotech and healthcare are attracting double-digit capital volumes thanks to the merger of data, AI, and clinical practices. Climate tech is gaining traction due to the demand for sustainable materials and electric mobility, while space and defense startups are being propelled by a rising demand for satellite services and security. This diversification reduces the risks of overheating one niche and contributes to the resilience of the global startup market.
Consolidation and M&A: Mega Deals Change 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 accelerated 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, and consumer Web3 applications are gaining backing from top funds. Institutional interest is rising in the context of a move towards clearer regulations and the proliferation of exchange-traded products based on digital assets. This broadens the investor base and enhances the sector's resilience.
Local Perspective: Russia and CIS Countries
In the region, new funds and corporate initiatives are launching, accelerators and grant programs are becoming active. With limited access to international capital, there is a shift towards achieving product-market fit in local markets, exporting to friendly jurisdictions, and developing import-independent technologies. Key barriers—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 metrics on profit, unit economics, and capital intensity.
- Portfolio Balance. Combine AI leaders with biotech, climate tech, and software infrastructure to reduce correlations.
- Readiness for Exits. Update secondary deal strategies and monitoring for IPO windows in 2026.
- M&A Stream. Build early connections with strategic acquirers for potential synergies.
- Geographic Diversification. Consider the activation of the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.
Cautious Optimism
The startup market has visibly 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. The approach of investors remains selective: capital is directed toward the most promising companies and sectors, with increasing discipline in selection. The main intrigue lies in whether high expectations around AI will be met and whether other sectors can narrow the funding gap. As of November 11, 2025, the baseline scenario is moderately positive, with a focus on asset quality, thoughtful diversification, and readiness for exit windows in 2026.
