Global venture-backed M&A

Q1 2025 was the strongest quarter for startup M&A since 2021, with $71 billion in global exit value reported. According to Crunchbase data, there were 550 startup M&A transactions — a 26% increase compared to the same period in 2024, and only slightly below the peak recorded in the final quarter of last year.

One of the key highlights was the surge in deals involving artificial intelligence startups: 81 AI-related transactions, up nearly 33% from both Q1 and Q4 of 2024.

The data points to a selective and strategic rebound in M&A activity — with AI standing out as the primary driver of interest.