## The Changing Standards of Series A Fundraising - Lessons from Top Investors

The current Series A fundraising market is no longer what it used to be. Data shows that the flow of capital has decreased, but the size of each deal has increased. This reflects a reality: investors are becoming more cautious, especially as the AI wave is transforming the entire industry landscape.

In discussions with investment experts from leading funds, three key perspectives stand out. First, finding the right product-market fit is no longer optional but mandatory. Investors will check whether sales are steadily increasing and if the subsequent quarter outperforms the previous one. This is not a one-time check but an ongoing process.

Second, demonstrate the ability to sell and grow at scale. The question investors ask is very clear: can you prove that you can sell sustainably? Do you have the capacity for consistent growth in a huge and developing market? If you cannot answer these questions, fundraising will be more difficult.

Third, not every startup should pursue venture-scale funding. A straightforward observation from experts: only accept large amounts if you believe the company can truly become a giant enterprise. Most companies should not chase high-level venture funds or accept hundreds of millions of dollars. This means you need to evaluate clearly: is this path suitable for you or not?

### The Human Factor - Passion and Perseverance

Beyond hard numbers, investors emphasize the role of the founding team. They look for founders with genuine passion and the ability to persevere through the long journey of building a company from scratch. As experts share: "Passion remains the most important thing."

In addition to passion, investors also seek founders who combine industry expertise with technical skills. An even higher standard is strategic thinking—the ability to constantly ask how to outpace competitors and how to avoid giving up.

### In the context of AI - Opportunities and Challenges

The AI wave has created pressure on startups outside the AI tech sector. However, investors remind us: just because you are not an AI company does not mean you lack attractive assets or intrinsic quality. Every company still has opportunities if its core value is strong enough.

Conversely, AI companies are facing a crowded market with both new competitors and existing large enterprises. To stand out, experts revert to fundamental principles: where can you differentiate? What is the most prominent path forward?

### Conclusion - Standards Remain High

Despite market volatility and increasing demands, investors maintain their core priorities. Standards are very high, but if the results can be extremely large, they are willing to take the risk. That’s why startups need to understand clearly: Series A is not for everyone, but only for those truly prepared.