Introduction
Some 3,000 U.S.-based startups on Carta raised pre-seed funding in Q1 2026, adding up to over $2.3 billion in total cash raised. As more data is entered over the next several weeks, we expect the total to reach around $2.9 billion, in line with recent quarters.
Pre-seed funding encompasses two types of unpriced instruments: SAFEs and convertible notes. SAFEs are far more popular and represent the default financing instrument for early-stage startups. In Q1 2026, convertible notes comprised a record low of just 7% of pre-seed rounds and 8% of pre-seed dollars.
The typical pre-seed round is getting smaller in dollar value, while a small number of mega-rounds are balancing out the total amount of cash being invested. In other words, the distribution of the same pool of cash is becoming less evenly distributed. The technological boom in artificial intelligence has contributed to this divergence, creating a more competitive funding market.
Top 5 findings for Q1 2026
The volume of pre-seed capital is stable: Q1 2026 is on track to match Q1 2025 with respect to pre-priced investment. The total quarterly amount of cash raised at the earliest stage of venture is typically hovering between $2.5 billion and $3 billion.
The disappearing middle ground: Rounds between $1 million and $2.5 million accounted for 24% of all pre-seed rounds in Q1 2023, but just 18% of rounds in Q1 2026. The frequency of rounds larger than $2.5 million seems stable, while smaller rounds under $1 million are more prevalent.
AI funding continues to surge: Just a few years ago, AI startups received around 30% of all pre-seed dollars. By Q1 of this year, they hit the 50% mark, in line with what we’ve seen at later stages of venture capital.
Keep your eyes on the South: The rise of startups in the South isn’t a new story, but Q1 was particularly notable in this regard. The South overtook the Northeast in overall share this quarter. Plus, the Miami metro area was the third largest pre-seed funding hub, eclipsing Los Angeles and Boston.
SAFEs vs. convertible notes: Valuation caps on SAFEs have trended upward in recent quarters, but caps on convertible notes have fluctuated greatly and haven’t always increased with round size.
Key trends
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