Pioneers of AI Visualizing the AI boom (or bubble), with Carta’s Peter Walker
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Dec 10, 2025 
Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, dives into the realities of the AI investment landscape. He reveals that 35-40% of capital raised is funneled to AI companies, sparking debates on whether we’re in an AI bubble. Walker highlights the rise of vertical AI and innovative hardware-software combinations while contrasting the hype of mega-rounds against more typical valuations. He also discusses the challenges solo founders face in securing funding, the changing dynamics of startup hiring, and how AI can enhance data visualization.
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Shift From White Papers To Personal Storytelling
- Peter built a research team at Carta to turn their startup data into public narratives and visuals.
- He shifted from long reports to personal social posts to better engage the ecosystem.
AI Captures A Large Share Of Startup Funding
- Around 35–40% of capital raised on Carta in 2025 flowed to AI companies, often higher if top giants are included.
- Early-stage funding shows roughly 40% of dollars going to AI startups, indicating concentrated investor interest.
AI Will Soon Be Standard In Software
- Peter expects most software companies will integrate AI within a few years, making 'AI company' labels less meaningful.
- AI will become a default part of software rather than a distinct category.