In a world where fundraising dynamics are shifting at lightning speed, the founder of AngelList boldly proclaims that we are on the brink of a tech revolution fueled by artificial intelligence. But wait,are we really witnessing a transformation, or just a hype-laden frenzy in an AI-obsessed landscape?

We are allegedly in one of the most monumental technology supercycles of all time. AI isn’t just another buzzword; it’s being heralded as the ultimate game-changer that will redefine the very fabric of how we build companies. But hold on,does this sound like an overblown claim to you?

Think back to the seismic impact of Amazon Web Services (AWS) on the cloud computing arena. It opened the floodgates for a wave of software innovation, but is AI really set to do the same, or are we merely caught up in the hype? For the first time ever, human-level intelligence is supposedly at our fingertips, promising a radical shift that demands every product and industry to rethink its very existence. 

At the core of this so-called "intelligence utility," large model companies are churning out capabilities, while entrepreneurs scramble to create applications that utilize this new substrate to solve problems. Every layer of this so-called technological stack is advancing simultaneously. 

As AI technology matures and replaces select human jobs, AI-native startups are supposedly scaling like never before. But what does this mean for those seeking funding? The stakes have been raised, and investors are changing their standards for early-stage companies. Just a couple of years ago, promising metrics could land you a Series A; now, a startup must stand out in a saturated field boasting real revenue and high growth rates. 

The fundraising landscape is turning into a battleground. While pre-seed and seed stages remain relatively untouched, once a product hits the market, the need for momentum becomes essential. If your growth isn’t among the crème de la crème, prepare for fierce competition.

Founders need to accept that venture capital is a relative race. Investors are sifting through increasingly impressive options, and today's median startup is simply outpacing the rest. The bar is not just raised; it's been catapulted into the stratosphere. 

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs are advised to choose their battles wisely. With many categories already overcrowded,think AI copilots and assistants,only a select few will emerge victorious. 

The true goldmine lies in discovering untapped problems,areas where AI can finally deliver real solutions. But as the substrate develops, new categories burst onto the scene faster than we can label them. Listening to the user demands for innovation becomes not just crucial but imperative. 

Let’s not forget: venture capital is fundamentally a high-stakes game. If you’re looking to build a stable, profitable company, venture funding may not be your best bet. But if you’re in it for a world-altering impact, you better buckle up because the ride will be wild!

At AngelList, we’re keeping a close eye on these shifting sands. Our mission? To provide innovative ways for investors and founders to connect, whether by enabling emerging managers to deploy capital or by creating products like Roll Up Vehicles (RUVs) that facilitate smaller investments from a wider network. 

Welcome to the emergence of a barbell market: on one end, colossal multistage firms ready to deploy billions; on the other, nimble solo general partners and micro funds ready to pounce.