Global AI VC Investment by Layer
Bar chart showing increasing global AI VC investment from 2014 to 2024, categorized by AI layers.
By Lucidity Insights Research Team 22 January 2025

Global AI VC Investment by Layer

Artificial Intelligence continues to dominate the venture capital landscape in 2024, accounting for 30% of all VC funding globally. AI startups are innovating across multiple layers, driving a surge in investment. Leading the charge is the AI applications layer, which raised a staggering US $51 billion in 2024—a 37% increase compared to the previous year. The AI operational layer experienced the fastest growth, with funding skyrocketing by 344% to US $13 billion.

Meanwhile, the foundational layer saw an impressive US $37 billion in funding, up 56%, as companies focused on developing the essential building blocks of AI technology. AI computing infrastructure also saw significant traction, raising US $9 billion, a 149% jump from 2023. As investment in AI climbs, it's clear the industry is maturing rapidly, with innovation spanning every layer of the ecosystem.