Funding criteria for startups in an unpredictable exit market
During periods when acquisitions decelerate and public markets fluctuate, the usual startup storyline of fast expansion leading to an obvious exit becomes far less dependable. Investors adjust what they look for, and founders must shift in response. A fundable startup today focuses less on forecasting an imminent liquidity event and more on showing resilience, efficient use of capital, and the ability to build lasting value despite unclear exit pathways.Capital Efficiency as a Core SignalWhen exits become harder to foresee, investors place greater emphasis on how well a startup turns capital into measurable traction, reflecting a wider market reality in which…
