In 2023, approximately 3,200 venture-backed firms in the U.S. went out of business, according to data from PitchBook. These startups had collectively raised about $27.2 billion. Since the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023, this situation has been described as the most difficult year for startups in at least a decade, with many companies quietly shutting down.

So the question is: What is taking place in the early-stage investor community to navigate this re-defined landscape? Is it business as usual or is there a new investor emphasis on quantitative tools to make better decisions on sustainable business models