State of Startups: Everything You Need to Know, with Peter Walker of Carta

In this episode I sit down with Peter Walker, head of insights at Carta, to discuss the sweeping changes in how founders are building and funding startups in 2024. Peter shares fresh data on AI’s outsized influence across every stage, why more founders are bootstrapping, and the real story behind down rounds and bridge rounds. We also dive into founder ownership trends, vesting schedules, and why hiring has slowed even as dry powder sits on the sidelines. If you’re curious about where venture is headed, and how to navigate the current market, this deep dive offers plenty of practical takeaways.

00:00:00 - Why 2024 Feels Different

00:02:00 - Comparing 2024 to 2021 Boom

00:03:58 - Why IPOs and AI Dominate Talk

00:06:17 - Stage-by-Stage Funding Trends

00:09:09 - Bridge Rounds & Down Rounds Return

00:11:24 - Founder Ownership & Vesting

00:14:17 - Solo Founders & AI Bootstrapping

00:19:35 - Equity for Advisors & Early Hires

00:22:50 - Safes, Valuation Caps & Dilution

00:30:37 - Major Slowdown in Startup Hiring

00:38:10 - Geographic Hubs: SF, NYC & Miami

00:43:25 - Venture Funds Struggle With Returns

00:59:22 - 2025 Outlook: IPOs & Efficiency

01:02:03 - Closing Thoughts

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