Navigating Growth in a Shifting Investment Landscape

From the post-pandemic highs to a global cooldown driven by rising interest rates and cautious investors, the startup funding landscape has been a rollercoaster. While past strategies may no longer hold value, a few key trends are emerging, reshaping the investment environment: a heightened focus on capital efficiency, earlier profitability, and sustainable scalability. What will 2025 hold for startup fundraising? Are there distinct regional trends shaping the European market? What best practices are emerging to secure early-stage and seed funding in this new reality? While some sectors—particularly AI—continue to dominate investment flows, how can startups outside this space differentiate themselves and attract capital in an increasingly selective market? As investors refine their strategies and founders adapt, what new models will define the next wave of startup fundraising?