This year has been all-encompassing for investors and founders. In the year As 2021 seemed to slow the pace of venture capital growth, the startup and VC worlds spun on their axes practically overnight, with “growth at any cost” replaced by a fast-paced, business-focused new dynamic. Investing.
For 2023, then, investors seem to be focused on relatively safe and bearish trends. Xfund Vice President Jadyn Bryden and Lightship Capital Principal Alexis Alston told TechCrunch that they are focused on generative artificial intelligence.
“I’m excited to see how AI can contribute to previously human-driven areas of business such as sales, social media, marketing and content development,” Alston said.
According to Richard Kirby, general partner at Equal Ventures, vertical software is a good subsector to look at. “What it looks like in practice is software that provides some workflow improvements to a category that allows a company to monetize various financial services,” Kerby said. Some of the areas we test include supply chain, logistics, insurance, construction and e-commerce enablement.
Investors agree that not much is likely to change when it comes to funding underrepresented founders. While Alston said she was concerned about the declining numbers, Bryden said she believes more venture dollars are going to black founders because there are “more and more diverse investors every year.”
“It’s a slow progression,” she said, noting that more diversely-led companies are emerging to support black founders. “Having black decision-makers at the table can be a great way to ensure that black founders are represented on the board.”
Read Full survey here Find out what these investors expect in 2023, what laws and policies they’re watching, and the best way to shape them.
