State of Startups: Everything You Need to Know, with Peter Walker of Carta

In this episode I sit down with Peter Walker, head of insights at Carta, to discuss the sweeping changes in how founders are building and funding startups in 2024. Peter shares fresh data on AI’s outsized influence across every stage, why more founders are bootstrapping, and the real story behind down rounds and bridge rounds. We also dive into founder ownership trends, vesting schedules, and why hiring has slowed even as dry powder sits on the sidelines. If you’re curious about where venture is headed, and how to navigate the current market, this deep dive offers plenty of practical takeaways.00:00:00 - Why 2024 Feels Different00:02:00 - Comparing 2024 to 2021 Boom00:03:58 - Why IPOs and AI Dominate Talk00:06:17 - Stage-by-Stage Funding Trends00:09:09 - Bridge Rounds & Down Rounds Return00:11:24 - Founder Ownership & Vesting00:14:17 - Solo Founders & AI Bootstrapping00:19:35 - Equity for Advisors & Early Hires00:22:50 - Safes, Valuation Caps & Dilution00:30:37 - Major Slowdown in Startup Hiring00:38:10 - Geographic Hubs: SF, NYC & Miami00:43:25 - Venture Funds Struggle With Returns00:59:22 - 2025 Outlook: IPOs & Efficiency01:02:03 - Closing Thoughts___Connect with Rex on social media:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexsalisbury/Twitter: https://twitter.com/rexsalisburyTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rex.salisburyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rexsalisbury/

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