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US VC funding rises 87% year on year to $116 billion in H1 2025, finds GlobalData
US venture capital, VC funding 2025, US startups, AI investment, OpenAI funding, Anthropic funding,
19 Aug 2025
US venture capital deal value increases by 87% to $116 billion in the first half of 2025 while deal count declines by ~4%, according to GlobalData. The US accounts for over 30% of global deal volume and around 65% of total funding value. China and the UK record declines, while India posts double-digit growth in both volume and value.
The US extends its lead in global venture capital in the first half of 2025. New analysis from GlobalData shows that, despite a slight year-on-year fall of around 4% in the number of deals announced, total US VC funding value rises sharply, up 87% to $116 billion compared to H1 2024.
The findings point to a market that prioritises larger investments in high-potential companies, notably in technology-driven areas such as artificial intelligence. The pattern contrasts with several other leading markets, where deal value moderates or declines, underlining the strength of the US funding environment in 2025
Strategic Shift: Fewer Deals, Higher Value
The contrasting trends between deal volume and value illustrate an ongoing transformation in investor priorities. Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, explains:
“This contrast highlights a growing trend where investors are increasingly favouring quality over quantity, underscoring a strategic shift towards larger investments in high-potential startups.
The massive growth in deal value is due to several factors, including an increased focus on technology-driven sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI). Investors are recognising the transformative potential of these areas and are willing to invest larger sums to secure a stake in the next wave of innovation."
This prioritisation of capital efficiency reflects confidence in US-based startups to generate returns at scale, especially those innovating in foundational technologies.
US Leads Globally by Deal Value and Volume
The US maintains a dominant global position in the VC landscape. According to GlobalData’s Deals Database:
- The US accounts for over 30% of global VC deal volume.
- It commands approximately 65% of global VC deal value in H1 2025.
These figures highlight the country's ability to continue attracting large-scale investment despite global uncertainties and market fluctuations.
Global Comparison: Mixed Trends in Key Markets
In contrast to the US, other leading economies show declining or modest performance:
- China, the second-largest VC market, experienced a 6% drop in deal volume and a more than 40% fall in deal value in H1 2025 compared to H1 2024.
- The UK also reported a 14% drop in deal volume and a 12% decrease in deal value.
- India, on the other hand, recorded positive growth, with VC deal volume up by 15% and deal value by 13%, indicating growing investor confidence in its startup ecosystem.
These figures illustrate a divergence in investment momentum across regions, with the US standing out as the most attractive and active VC destination.
Notable Deals in the US
The surge in VC deal value during H1 2025 is also supported by several high-profile funding announcements. Among the largest disclosed transactions in the US:
- $40 billion raised by OpenAI
- $3.5 billion secured by Anthropic
- $3 billion raised by Infinite Reality
- $2.5 billion secured by Anduril
- $1 billion raised by Grammarly
These large-scale deals further reinforce the shift towards bigger funding rounds in innovation-led companies, particularly within AI and defence-tech sectors.
About GlobalData
GlobalData helps 4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 firms, make informed business decisions. By combining comprehensive data, expert analysis, and integrated tools, GlobalData supports innovation and success across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, consumer, financial services, and more.
