Consumer VC: Venture Capital I B2C Startups I Commerce | Early-Stage Investing I Brands The $400B Question: How AI Is Redefining Venture Capital and the Future of Startups
Aug 11, 2025
Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital and the significant impact of AI in the industry. He discusses the challenges startups face in securing funding, particularly the troubling gap from seed to Series A. Walker details why valuations are stable despite fewer deals and how mega funds are reshaping investment dynamics. He highlights the frustrations of limited partners and the need for founders to focus on strong business fundamentals to thrive in this turbulent climate.
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Consumer VC Is More Cyclical
- Consumer VC experiences bigger swings than other sectors, with higher highs and lower lows.
- That makes fund-founder fit and sector knowledge more critical for returns.
Match Founders With Right-Sized Funds
- Do match your fundraising targets with investors who understand consumer and have appropriate check sizes.
- Avoid shotgun approaches; prioritize funds that can actually support your business model.
Thesis Drift Grows With Fund Size
- Many funds experience thesis drift as they scale AUM and chase larger opportunities.
- Maintaining specialization across successive funds is rare but valuable for repeat performance.
