The Bar for Series A is Rising: Insights from GV and Insight Partners
Top VCs from GV and Insight Partners reveal the new standards for raising Series A. Learn why repeatable growth and defensibility are the most critical factors for 2026.
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.
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