Here are the 17 US-based AI companies that have raised $100m or more in 2026 | TechCrunch
Summary
In early 2026, 17 U.S.-based AI startups raised over $100 million each, indicating a strong trend in AI funding, with several companies achieving valuations in the billions.
Why It Matters
This article highlights significant investment trends in the AI sector, showcasing the rapid growth and interest in AI technologies. Understanding these funding patterns can inform investors, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders about market dynamics and emerging players.
Key Takeaways
- 17 U.S. AI startups have raised over $100 million in 2026.
- Three companies achieved funding rounds exceeding $1 billion.
- The trend indicates a robust investment climate for AI technologies.
- Valuations for several startups have reached multi-billion dollar levels.
- Investors from major firms are actively participating in these funding rounds.
Nearly 20 U.S.-based AI startups have raised mega rounds of $100 million or more in 2026 — and it’s been less than two months. If the first few weeks of 2026 are any indicator, the AI startup market is in for another year of monster funding rounds at eye-watering valuations. U.S. AI startups raised more than $76 billion through megarounds in 2025, per TechCrunch’s count. Will startups see the same success in 2026? Time will tell. Here are all the U.S.-based AI startups that have raised $100 million or more thus far: February Simile, which builds AI to mimic human decisions, raised a $100 million Series A round led by Index Ventures. The round was announced on February 12 and included Hanabi Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, and multiple angel investors. Anthropic announced a $30 billion Series G funding round that valued the AI research lab at $380 billion on February 12. More than 30 investors participated in the round including Founders Fund, Coatue, and Nvidia, among many others. Media generation platform Runway raised a $315 million Series E round that valued the company at $5.3 billion. This funding was led by General Atlantic and was announced on February 10. Nvidia, Fidelity, and Felicis also invested, among others. Goodfire, an AI research lab, announced a $150 million Series B round on February 5. B Capital led the round with participation from Juniper Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Menlo Ventures. The round valued the company at $1.25 bill...
