
For founders looking to raise Series A funding - here's how 20 major startup sectors stack up in terms of valuations and round sizes.
Data from 900 Series A deals over the past year. US only, primary rounds only.
Overall, Series A has been a bit static over the past year. Median cash raised hovers right at $10 million, while the median pre-money valuation is just under $41 million.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀
Renewables / Clean Energy is a clear standout, with high median val and cash. These are companies building in the physical world re: clean tech.
AI is obviously leading (but also in many of the other sector bubbles)
Cybersecurity showing strong metrics at Series A
Hardware and Fintech both above median in both metrics
𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀
Personal / Household (DTC Retail) lags behind the valuation median by quite a lot, as do Food/Beverage fundraises
Medical Device startups have very different dynamics to both Biotech and Healthtech - would love some expert opinions on why!
Note that this data does not include Series A bridge or extension rounds, which kinda mess with the medians. Also only sectors with at least 10 separate rounds in the past 12 months are shown, so apologies if your favorite sector bubble didn't make the cut.
Data for the people 🙏
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