Equity January Ventures bets AI's biggest winners won't come from Silicon Valley
Nov 19, 2025
In a captivating discussion, Jennifer Neundorfer, Co-founder and General Partner at January Ventures, reveals how AI is transforming early-stage investing. She emphasizes the potential of AI-driven startups in legacy industries like healthcare and manufacturing, especially those led by underrepresented founders. Jennifer explains the importance of market expertise as a competitive moat, the need for clear differentiation among startups, and highlights geographic hubs outside Silicon Valley nurturing innovative ideas. She shares insights into funding dynamics and the future of venture capital.
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AI Changes How Startups Are Built
- AI is changing not just products but how startups are built, making founders more capital-efficient.
- January Ventures evaluates whether AI is in the company's DNA and how it reshapes go-to-market and team composition.
Build For Where AI Is Going
- Winners will build for where AI is going, not only what's possible today.
- Fast model cycles make building future-proof products and reading customers essential.
Hire Founders Who Can Sell And Serve
- Prioritize founders who can both build and sell their product to customers and investors.
- Over-index on deep market expertise and customer networks as durable moats in AI.