According to recent PitchBook data, just 12 U.S. venture firms raised over 50% of all venture capital in the first half of 2025, with Founders Fund alone securing $4.6 billion—more than double the total raised by all 44 first-time fund managers combined. This continued consolidation of capital among elite firms underscores a growing preference for startups with scale-ready, high-impact potential.
For technology entrepreneurs, this trend reinforces the importance of building a high-quality, defensible patent portfolio early. The largest venture firms are likely to increasingly target startups with IP that protects core innovations, supports long-term market advantage, and aligns with their strategic investment theses in frontier technologies. Regardless of whether you intend to take VC funding, these landscape shifts may have an impact on your company. To position for this environment, startups should consider: (1) prioritizing high-value, defensible patents; (2) aligning IP assets with investor focus areas; (3) leveraging IP as a key asset in fundraising; (4) building your IP portfolio early to establish credibility; (5) structure IP for licensing or acquisition opportunities; and (6) considering alternative capital strategies that maximize IP value while preserving equity.
To plan a patent strategy for building high-quality, defensible patent portfolio that align with your ultimate business goals, contact Timothy Snowden at Definitive Patents, a member firm of Synchrony IP.
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