Series A Rounds Exceeding $100 Million Increasing

The size of Series A rounds for hot startups is on the rise. So far this year, global startups have secured at least 114 Series A rounds of $100 million or more, a total on track to exceed previous peaks. Many of these early-stage rounds significantly surpass the $100 million threshold.

More than 70% of these substantial Series A rounds have been directed towards AI-focused startups. Notable examples include a $1.2 billion round for River AI and a $900 million financing for Xpeng Robotics. While AI startups attract significant venture capital across all stages, this trend is particularly evident in early-stage funding.

U.S.-based startups have captured approximately half of these large Series A rounds and funding. In the first half of 2026, over three-quarters of global venture capital investment went to American companies, largely due to significant megarounds.

Several factors contribute to the rise in large Series A rounds, including investors' substantial capital reserves and a tendency to reward ambitious ventures. Investors also appear to be in strong agreement regarding which sectors, business models, and founding teams to back.