Global AI startup funding hits $510 bn, surpasses 2025's total

Global AI startup funding hit a record $510 billion in the first half of 2026, surpassing the $440 billion raised in all of 2025, Crunchbase data showed. Nearly 40 AI startups achieved unicorn status during the period. In July alone, eight AI startups secured over $1 billion across sectors including healthcare, infrastructure, coding and enterprise automation.