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Seed to Series C: What VCs actually want from AI startups

AI investments hit $110 billion in 2024 () , and the funding landscape in 2025 is more competitive than ever. For early-stage startups, that means more money in the market but also more pressure to stand out. At TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Rebecca Bellan sat down with three experienced investors: Jill Chase, Partner at CapitalG; Kanu…

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AI investments hit $110 billion in 2024 () , and the funding landscape in 2025 is more competitive than ever. For early-stage startups, that means more money in the market but also more pressure to stand out.

At TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Rebecca Bellan sat down with three experienced investors: Jill Chase, Partner at CapitalG; Kanu Gulati, Partner at Khosla Ventures; and Sara Ittelson, Partner at Accel. They broke down what they are really looking for when evaluating AI startups from seed through Series C. Their message to founders? Forget the perfect pitch. Focus on building trust, surviving the hype cycle, and being ready for copycats the moment you find product-market fit.

Listen to the full episode of Equity () to hear about:

•

Why VCs say founders are over-indexing on pitch decks instead of relationships

•

What it takes to go up against big incumbents without getting crushed

•

Why consumer focus (and speed) still win, even in B2B AI

•

How agents and automation are already reshaping the startup playbook

Equity will be back Friday with our weekly news roundup, so stay tuned.

Equity is TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Wednesday and Friday. 

Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts () , Overcast () , Spotify () and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X () and Threads () , at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes here () .

Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. We’d also like to thank TechCrunch’s audience development team. Thank you so much for listening, and we’ll talk to you next time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices ()

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CNET

Is The $700 Samsung Galaxy Ultra 2 the Best Smartwatch on the Market?

Well, maybe if you have the budget for it. CNET lead #wearables writer Vanessa Hand Orellana loves the new AI features for hitting the trails, but if you’re a serious athlete there are some drawbacks. Watch ⌚ the full episode on CNET. Video Credits: Host: Vanessa Hand Orellana Scripted by: Vanessa Hand Orellana Producer: Celso…

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22 hours ago

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August 18, 2026

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Well, maybe if you have the budget for it. CNET lead #wearables writer Vanessa Hand Orellana loves the new AI features for hitting the trails, but if you’re a serious athlete there are some drawbacks. Watch ⌚ the full episode on CNET.

Video Credits:
Host: Vanessa Hand Orellana
Scripted by: Vanessa Hand Orellana
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video Editor: Celso Bulgatti

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#galaxywatchultra2 #galaxywatch #samsung #smartwatch #healthtech

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CNET

Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Review: Samsung’s Best and Most Accurate Watch, but Is It Worth $700?

I tested its features, accuracy and battery life, and this is Samsung’s best watch yet. But it’s also the most expensive. Here’s who should splurge on the Ultra 2 and who’s better off with the Galaxy Watch 9. You can find the products mentioned in this article linked below Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Titanium Silver,…

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2 days ago

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August 17, 2026

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I tested its features, accuracy and battery life, and this is Samsung’s best watch yet. But it’s also the most expensive. Here’s who should splurge on the Ultra 2 and who’s better off with the Galaxy Watch 9.

You can find the products mentioned in this article linked below
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Titanium Silver, 47mm
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Titanium Gray, 47mm
*CNET may get a commission on these offers

Read more about the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 on CNET.com:
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Review: Better Battery, Better Galaxy Watch

0:00 Intro
0:48 Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Battery
1:16 Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Processor
2:02 Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Design
2:57 Trail Running with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
3:58 Diving with the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
4:10 Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Health Features
5:45 Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Accuracy
6:21 Should You Buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?

Video Credits:
Host: Vanessa Hand Orellana
Scripted by: Vanessa Hand Orellana
Producer: Celso Bulgatti
Camera: Celso Bulgatti
Video Editor: Celso Bulgatti
Thumbnail Designer: Zooey Liao

Add CNET as a trusted news source
Never miss a deal again! See CNET’s browser extension 👉
Check out CNET’s Amazon Storefront:
Subscribe to CNET on YouTube:
Follow us on TikTok:
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Bluesky:
Like us on Facebook:
CNET’s AI Atlas:
Follow us on X:
Visit CNET.com:

#samsung #samsunggalaxy #galaxywatchultra2 #smartwatch #fitness

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Science & Technology

Mark Zuckerberg Has a Question for AI Doomers

Mark Zuckerberg dropped a 6,500-word letter detailing his vision for “The Path to a Positive AI Future.” Equity takes a closer look at one of his arguments: If you believe AI could eliminate most jobs and humanity’s relevance, why rush to build that future?

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3 days ago

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August 16, 2026

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Mark Zuckerberg dropped a 6,500-word letter detailing his vision for “The Path to a Positive AI Future.”

Equity takes a closer look at one of his arguments: If you believe AI could eliminate most jobs and humanity’s relevance, why rush to build that future?

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