The Spark Blog

Recently, I met with a friend who's an early-stage startup investor.

He's a veteran high-tech expert, with experience ranging from software developer to senior executive positions at some of the world's leading tech companies.

I asked him: Has anything changed lately in your decision-making process for seed-stage startup investments?

"Oh, absolutely," he said. "Everything has changed."

"Generative AI has kicked up a heavy cloud of dust, and visibility is near zero. Startups that were highly promising just two months ago, having secured strong seed investments, now find themselves urgently pivoting after dramatic market announcements reshaped their entire landscape."

"The waves are turbulent, and everyone's following the elephants' path. It's nearly impossible to tell what's right and what's not."

"So," I asked, "are you holding back on investing?"

"Partially, yes," he responded, "but when I see a strong team, I still invest. Because ultimately, I trust the team above all—they're the ones who'll navigate this stormy, fog-covered sea better than anyone else."