What Do Big Investment Funds Look for in AI Startups? Essential Criteria to Help You Secure Funding

I. Introduction: The Secret to Attracting Big Investment Funds Look for into AI Startups

In a challenging capital market environment, the timeless question for every AI Startup is: What are major funds (Big Investment Funds Look for) really seeking?

On December 5, 2025, the Trà Đá Talk #2 event took place at Icetea Headquarters in Hanoi, sponsored by Icetea AI & Robotics and organized by AI Cademy. The event brought together top investors to provide precise answers on the essential criteria that help AI startups not just survive but thrive.

Moderated by Mr. Long Trần, CEO of VNU Innovation & Startup Incubator and A veteran founder, the discussion delved into practical, experience-based insights, giving founders a clear “mental roadmap” of what Big Investment Funds Look for in today’s groundbreaking technology projects.

II. Event Overview & Leading Investor Participation

Event: Trà Đá Talk #2 – What Are Major Funds Looking For in Startups?

• Format: Panel Talk – Open Q&A – Pitch Spotlight
• Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM, Friday, December 5, 2025
• Venue: Icetea HQ, HUD Tower, Thanh Xuân, Hanoi
• Organizer: Hosted by Icetea Foundation, in collaboration with Hello AICademy

Speakers & Guests:

The event welcomed two big names, offering multi-faceted perspectives:

III. Key Takeaways: What Do Big Investment Funds Look for in AI Startups?

3.1. Panel Talk: Core Criteria for Assessing AI Startups

The two investors spoke candidly about their assessment process and the key points they focus on when examining AI Startups:

• More than Just Capital, It’s Value: VCs don’t just write a check; they look for startups where they can actively help create value (active value-creation), not just provide financing.
• Focus on Survival Capability: The era of “burn money now, figure it out later” is over. Unit Economics, Runway, and the ability to adapt matter more than ever.
• Investing in the Founder Before the Numbers: This is the decisive factor. VCs look for:
  • Commitment and Integrity.
  • Deep Domain Understanding of the business sector.
  • The ability to Lead and Build a Team.
• The Future of AI in Vietnam: The strongest potential lies in focused, vertical AI applications, leveraging real data advantages and deep industry understanding, rather than attempting to “build the next GPT.”

In summary, Big Investment Funds Look for a combination of sustainable business models (Unit Economics) and leadership capability (Founder’s Commitment) in AI Startups.

3.2. Q&A: Direct Advice for Founders

The open Q&A highlighted practical questions:

• Is chasing “hot sectors” a strategy? The speakers emphasized: Chasing “hot sectors” is not a sustainable strategy. It is more enduring to solve a problem you truly understand and care about.
• Opportunity for Young/Student Founders? Young founders still have opportunities if they show long-term commitment, a strong learning mindset, and a grounded, realistic view of their business.
• Partnership: Behind every term sheet is a long-term partnership. Trust, transparency, and alignment are as important as financial results.

3.3. Pitch Spotlight: AI Startups Take the Stage

The program’s highlight was the Pitch Spotlight, where two outstanding AI Startups presented live to ThinkZone Ventures and CyberAgent Capital:

Live feedback from the investors turned this segment into a real-time learning session, focusing on business model clarity, scalability, and unit economics, the factors that Big Investment Funds Look for very closely.

IV. Wrap-Up: Building AI Startups for the Long Run

Trà Đá Talk #2 delivered significant value to the community by offering:

• A sharp understanding of how VCs evaluate AI Startups in the current funding environment.
• A strong reminder of the importance of People (Founders), Commitment, and Real-World Value, beyond just pitch decks and valuations.
• A more grounded view of what it truly means to build and raise capital for AI Startups in the long term.

We extend our sincere thanks to the speakers, moderator, the two pitching startups, and all participants for contributing to an afternoon full of insight and energy. We look forward to welcoming you again at Trà Đá Talk #3!

V. About Icetea Software

Icetea Software is a Vietnamese technology company specializing in building platforms and digital solutions in Blockchain, Web3, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Marketing Services.

Guided by the philosophy “Centered on your future tech”, Icetea aims to connect Vietnamese innovation with global technology, foster a sustainable digital ecosystem, and drive technological creativity for the success and future of every business.

Contact us now! Get prompt consultation from our experienced AI Development IT team.

• Website: iceteasoftware.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/iceteasoftware
• Facebook: Icetea Software
• X: x.com/Icetea_software

Khai ND

Content Director

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