The Bar for Series A is Rising: Insights from GV and Insight Partners

It's never been easier to start a company, but it's never been harder to build something that lasts. At the recent TechCrunch Disrupt event, top-tier investors from Insight Partners, Moxxie Ventures, and GV (Google Ventures) shared a stark reality check for founders aiming for Series A in the upcoming year.

Metrics Over Hype: Proving Product-Market Fit

GV's Sangeen Zeb emphasized that his firm uses a rigorous formula to evaluate startups. They aren't just looking for growth; they're looking for consistency. "Every quarter should outperform the last," Zeb noted, highlighting that repeatable sales and demand patterns are non-negotiable in today's market. Katie Stanton of Moxxie Ventures echoed this, asking founders if they can prove they can repeatedly sell in a massive, growing market.

The AI Filter and Founder Resilience

While AI dominates headlines, Thomas Green from Insight Partners reassured non-AI founders that intrinsic quality still attracts capital. However, for those in the AI space, the differentiation bar is higher than ever. Investors are looking for a "standout path" among incumbents and platform players, prioritizing founders who combine technical expertise with a relentless drive to move faster than the competition.