You Have to Start Early in AI: Axiom Founder Venkatachalam

Axiom Partners founder Sandhya Venkatachalam emphasized early-stage AI investment as critical for venture capital success in a Bloomberg interview, citing rapid valuation growth in the sector. Venkatachalam warned that delayed AI funding risks missing transformative opportunities, as valuations surge amid accelerating technological adoption and competitive pressure. The discussion highlighted how VC firms are adjusting strategies to prioritize AI startups with scalable infrastructure, reflecting broader industry shifts toward long-term AI integration. She noted that rising valuations stem from AI’s cross-sector impact, from healthcare to finance, demanding proactive capital deployment to secure high-potential ventures. The interview underscored the urgency for investors to build AI expertise early, as late-stage entries face steeper costs and limited access to top-tier innovation.