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Here are the 55 US AI startups that have raised $100M or more in 2025
In 2025, the AI sector surged as 55 U.S. startups secured over $100 million each in funding, following 49 similar successful rounds in 2024. Notable investments included Anthropic raising $13 billion and Unconventional AI $475 million. The industry’s momentum appears to continue into 2026 with significant rounds announced early in the year.
Key points
- 2025 saw 55 U.S. AI startups raise over $100 million each, up from 49 in 2024.
- Among them, Anthropic raised $13 billion and Unconventional AI raised $475 million.
- The strong funding trends suggest ongoing investor confidence in AI technologies.
- Comparatively, 2025 had fewer mega-rounds (over $1 billion) than 2024, but more startups raised multiple substantial rounds.
- Elon Musk’s xAI and Sam Altman's Merge Labs announced large funding rounds early in 2026.
Why it matters
- This funding surge reflects the heightened interest in AI post-pandemic, as companies and investors sought technology to enhance operations.
- The trend signifies a broader acceptance and reliance on AI technologies across various sectors, including healthcare and cybersecurity which gained even more attention during the pandemic.
- Historically, tech booms such as the dot-com era have followed similar patterns of vast capital inflow, often leading to consolidation and maturity in the sector.
The momentum in AI funding indicates a vibrant sector poised for continued growth, with significant investments reflecting increasing faith in AI's transformative potential across multiple industries.