➀ In 2024, AI accounted for 37% of venture funding and 17% of deals, according to a CB Insights report. AI infrastructure players led the top 5 venture deals, with 4 closing in Q4'24. 74% of AI deals were early-stage in 2024.➁ Global deal activity fell 19% YoY to its lowest level since 2016, with the sharpest drop in China (-33% YoY), Canada (-27%), and Germany (-23%).➂ Despite market uncertainty, early-stage valuations reached a record-high median of $25M in 2024. However, later-stage startups may face challenges raising further rounds if they haven't proven their growth potential.