VC funding is not popping back. THIS is the new normal—here's how to adjust. | Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta

Q3 startup data just dropped. We chat with Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta about valuations at pre-seed, seed and Series A. Why the current fundraising environment is the new normal and not about to get much better. We also talk about trends in founder vesting, and why some founders are choosing to vest for longer.

Finally, we go through what to do if you’re stuck with some product-market fit but mediocre growth, and why more exits are happening now than anytime in the fast couple of years.

Why you should listen

• Founders should not expect a return to the fundraising conditions of 2021.
• Competition among founders has increased, raising the bar for fundraising.
• Many startups are still alive despite challenging conditions, adapting to survive.
• Why the professionalization of the startup ecosystem offers more options for founders.
• Startup ecosystems are growing in tier two and three cities.
• What the one-and-done funding model is and how to use it. 

Keywords
State of private markets, early stage funding, SAFEs, startup trends, liquidity, valuations, venture capital, market analysis, fundraising, AI, AI startups, vesting schedules, funding models, startup ecosystems, venture capital

Timestamps
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:33) Top Highlights from Q3 Report
(00:04:45) The market won't get any easier 
(00:06:13) Two Reasons why the SAFE Boom Could Change Things
(00:12:34) Professionalization of the Industry is a Double Edged Sword
(00:17:44) Rounds that are Leading the Market are as Competitive as Ever
(00:22:36) Vesting Schedules
(00:30:05) Best Location to Raise & the One and Done Method

Send me a message to let me know what you think!