The U.S. artificial intelligence sector continued its robust growth trajectory in 2025, with 55 startups securing funding rounds of $100 million or more, according to TechCrunch data. This surge in investment underscores the sustained confidence in AI's potential across various industries.

In 2024, 49 AI startups achieved funding rounds exceeding $100 million, with three companies securing multiple mega-rounds and seven surpassing the $1 billion mark. While 2025 saw fewer companies reaching the billion-dollar threshold – with Anthropic being the only one to raise two rounds over $1 billion – a greater number of companies, eight in total, managed to close multiple funding rounds. December saw Austin, Texas-based Mythic, a company specializing in power-efficient AI compute, secure a $125 million venture round led by DCVC, with participation from SoftBank, NEA, and Linse Capital.

The influx of capital into AI startups reflects the increasing demand for AI-powered solutions across diverse sectors, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and transportation. This investment fuels innovation, enabling companies to develop more sophisticated algorithms, improve data processing capabilities, and expand the range of applications for AI technology. The rise of companies like Mythic, focusing on efficient AI compute, highlights the growing importance of hardware optimization in the AI landscape.

Looking ahead to 2026, early indicators suggest continued momentum in the AI investment arena. Elon Musk's xAI announced a substantial $20 billion Series E round, and Sam Altman's brain-computer interface startup, Merge Labs, secured a $250 million seed round led by OpenAI. These significant investments in the early weeks of 2026 signal sustained investor appetite for AI-driven ventures. However, it remains to be seen whether this initial surge will translate into a consistently strong year for AI funding. TechCrunch will continue to monitor the industry's progress and provide updates on key developments throughout the year.