Global startup investment has more than doubled in the last decade, now reaching about $300 billion a year. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, many are asking: Could investment double again in the next ten years?

Three major trends have fueled this rise: the spread of investment beyond the U.S., the rise of $100 million-plus “megarounds,” and a surge in funding to AI startups.

1. AI Leads the Way in Startup Investment

AI-related startups received over $100 billion in funding in 2024, making up nearly one-third of total global investment. This marks a massive increase from $57 billion in 2023. U.S.-based AI startups captured 45% of that funding, highlighting America’s continued dominance in this sector.

AI companies include those building foundational AI systems, infrastructure, and applied tools across industries. Experts expect this trend to reshape industries like healthcare, manufacturing, robotics, defense, and software over the next 10 to 20 years.

2. Megarounds Dominate the Venture Capital Landscape

Megarounds—funding deals of $100 million or more—have become the new norm in startup investment. In 2024, these large deals made up more than half of all funding, continuing a trend seen in previous years like 2018 and 2020.

This shift means fewer smaller deals are being made. Back in 2010, investment rounds under $50 million made up 72% of the market. By 2024, that share had dropped to just 38%.

3. Investment Expands Beyond U.S. Borders—Then Swings Back

While investment outside the U.S. grew strongly after 2014, the recent AI surge has reversed that trend. In 2016, international startups received more than half of all global investment, but in 2024, U.S. companies received 56% of the total—largely due to major AI-related deals.

4. 2021: A Record-Breaking Year for Investment

Venture investment hit an all-time high in 2021, more than doubling compared to the previous year. This spike was short-lived, with activity slowing in 2022 as tech stock values dropped and IPOs stalled. Still, the growth from 2014 to 2024 marked a solid doubling of the venture market.

For perspective, between 2010 and 2020, startup investment grew sevenfold, though it started from a smaller base.

5. The Future of Investment in a World Powered by AI

Industry leaders believe AI will expand the software market by up to three times, creating new investment opportunities and larger companies. Dharmesh Thakker of Battery Ventures predicts that successful startups could be valued at $100 billion to $500 billion—far larger than the $2 billion to $10 billion IPOs of past years.

As AI transforms labor and increases efficiency, investment is expected to flow into companies that can scale fast and compete globally. This could lead to a new wave of “decacorns”—startups valued at over $10 billion—hitting the public markets.

What’s Next for Startup Investment?

With AI still in its early stages and funding cycles lasting decades, the next ten years hold big questions: Will startup investment keep growing? Can new technologies spark another wave of global investment? And will venture capital keep supporting companies from their earliest stages?

One thing is clear: The landscape of global startup investment has changed—and the AI revolution is just beginning.