Global startup funding surged to approximately USD 510 billion in the first half of 2026, surpassing the USD 440 billion invested throughout 2025, according to KrASIA. AI companies led this growth, accounting for around 80% of venture capital funding in the first quarter of 2026.
Notably, OpenAI raised USD 122 billion in a single funding round at a post-money valuation of USD 852 billion in March 2026. Shortly after, Anthropic secured USD 65 billion in May 2026, achieving an even higher valuation of USD 965 billion and overtaking OpenAI.
These figures highlight the rapid expansion and investor confidence in AI technology. For Japanese markets, this trend underscores the increasing importance of AI innovation and investment as local firms consider strategic positioning in global tech ecosystems.