AI companies draw record $300bn in venture funding in Q1 2026

3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Apr 30

Crunchbase counted 6,000 startups funded worldwide, while OpenAI raised $122bn in March at an $852bn valuation; xAI secured $20bn and Anthropic $30bn.
S&P Global said generative AI funding topped $140bn in the quarter, exceeding all of 2025, even as overall deal numbers fell and larger rounds dominated.
Investors say enterprises are expanding AI adoption, but analysts warn of a bubble, citing weak near-term profitability, heavy infrastructure and energy costs, and circular financing tied to Nvidia GPU deals.

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