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 similar funding milestones, with three companies closing multiple mega-rounds and seven securing rounds exceeding $1 billion. While the number of billion-dollar rounds decreased in 2025, with Anthropic being the only company to raise two rounds over that amount, the number of companies securing multiple rounds significantly increased to eight, indicating a broadening base of investor interest.

The influx of capital is fueling innovation and expansion within the AI landscape. Companies are leveraging these funds to develop advanced AI models, enhance computing infrastructure, and explore new applications across sectors like healthcare, finance, and autonomous systems. The substantial investments reflect the market's anticipation of AI's transformative impact on business operations and consumer experiences.

The AI industry's momentum appears poised to continue into 2026. Early indicators include Elon Musk's xAI announcing a $20 billion Series E round and Sam Altman's brain-computer interface startup, Merge Labs, raising a $250 million seed round led by OpenAI. These developments suggest that investor appetite for AI ventures remains strong, particularly in areas pushing the boundaries of technological innovation.

One example of a company attracting significant investment is Austin, Texas-based Mythic, which secured $125 million in venture funding in December. Led by DCVC with participation from SoftBank, NEA, and Linse Capital, Mythic is focused on developing power-efficient compute solutions tailored for AI applications. This funding will likely enable Mythic to scale its production and further refine its technology, addressing the growing demand for energy-efficient AI hardware.

While the early months of 2026 show promise, the long-term trajectory of AI investment remains to be seen. Market conditions, regulatory developments, and technological advancements will all play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future. TechCrunch will continue to monitor these trends, providing insights into the evolving dynamics of the AI sector.