- Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have all dominated 2023 AI investments, overshadowing venture capital firms.
- Big tech's financial power has led to a rapid consolidation in the AI market and inflated startup valuations.
- Despite big tech dominance, VCs like Thrive Capital remain active, focusing on AI application development.
December 27, 2023: A significant shift in Silicon Valley is happening in real time now: big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have taken the lead in investing in generative AI startups this year, surpassing venture capital groups. According to PitchBook, a private market research firm, these tech giants accounted for two-thirds of the $27 billion raised by AI startups in 2023.
The Financial Times recorded that a surge in investment, especially after the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022, shows how Silicon Valley’s biggest players are outcompeting traditional tech investors. Deals like Microsoft’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI and significant funding for San Francisco-based Anthropic from both Google and Amazon have driven AI group spending to nearly triple the previous record of $11 billion set two years ago.
Nina Achadjian, a partner at US venture firm Index Ventures, observed the market’s rapid consolidation around a few foundation models. For traditional venture capitalists (VCs), the challenge has been to invest early and with conviction, requiring deep knowledge of the latest AI research and connections to teams emerging from places like Google DeepMind and Meta.
The challenge for VCs is further compounded by the high costs of building and training generative AI tools, which demand immense computing power and financial resources. As a result, startups often prefer partnering with big tech companies that can provide the necessary infrastructure and financial backing.
This trend has significantly inflated the valuations of AI startups, making it more difficult for VCs to invest in leading-edge technology companies; OpenAI is seeking a valuation of $86 billion in an employee stock sale, almost triple its earlier valuation this year.
However, VCs have not completely withdrawn from the AI investment landscape. Firms like Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz continue to invest in the sector, focusing on companies building applications on top of foundational AI models developed by giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Despite the dominance of big tech companies, there remains optimism about the untapped potential in AI application domains. As Sarah Guo, founder of AI-focused venture firm Conviction, points out, there’s still a vast space for innovative AI applications beyond foundational models.
