Global venture capital funding reached a record $510 billion in the first half of 2026, with OpenAI and Anthropic together accounting for 43 percent of the total.
Massive rounds for artificial-intelligence companies skewed aggregate figures, reflecting investor conviction that foundation-model developers will capture substantial economic value. Traditional software and biotech funding also rose but at a slower pace.
Analysts cautioned that concentration in a few mega-deals masks weaker activity in early-stage markets. Still, the half-year record surpassed prior peaks set during the 2021 technology boom.
Corporate and sovereign investors participated alongside traditional venture firms, extending the pool of capital available to AI startups.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://aitoolsrecap.com/Blog/AINewsJuly2026.aspx