OFF-MUTE 🔈
🙌 We’re finally seeing positive signs in the economy.
🗓️ It's been a slow, strange year with most investments going to seed rounds—creating an unusual hourglass shape in the funding landscape.
🌄 However, there is light on the horizon: mega rounds are on the rise, some hotly anticipated IPOs are in the queue, and AI and climate tech companies are starting to hit growth stage.
💡 So, what’s the state of things heading into Q4 and 2024? Our President Jason Morris offers his perspective and a few predictions:
💸 Watch early bets turn into long-term wins. “We expect to see a balancing out of venture investment as the IPO market thaws and a lot of the early bets in generative AI and climate hit growth stage. This will require companies to scale quickly and build brands with customer, partner and talent audiences. We will be on the lookout for a bounce back in growth rounds (Series B, Series C), especially in the back half of 2024.”
🙊 Stand out after laying low. “Many companies weathered layoffs, downrounds and budget reductions in 2022 and 2023. It’s also been one of the more challenging IPO environments of my lifetime. Brands that chose to lay low will begin to re-emerge. It’s a great time to crystalize your corporate narrative based on the current media climate.” Which brings us to Jason’s next point.
🔮 Prepare for a competitive market in 2024. “As we see more companies test the public markets, the environment will become more competitive. We recommend that you double down on your business story, identify the most effective ways to earn third-party validation and plan ahead. Don’t forget to bring in your communications team early—the more time we have to think, develop assets, strategize and prepare, the better the outcome.”
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