Cut through the AI hype and learn what really gets funded in 2025 | TechCrunch

AI investments hit $110 billion in 2024, and the funding landscape is more competitive than ever. This panel at TechCrunch Sessions: AI features three expert panelists: CapitalG partner Jill Chase; Kanu Gulati, a partner at Khosla; and Accell partner Sara Ittelson.

They talked about why people are probably too worried about crafting the perfect pitch when they should be focused on building relationships; how to compete against establishment players; and why businesses should assume that if they are successful, bad actors will find your product.

Most importantly, perhaps, the panelist discuss whether it’s actually possible to compete against AI incumbents, or if everyone’s exit strategy is just M&A.