Raising Series A funding has become increasingly difficult, and startup founders need to be prepared to meet investors' high expectations. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, a panel of investors shared their insights on what they're looking for in their next Series A deals.

Renata Quintini, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Renegade Partners, Corinne Riley, Partner at Greylock, and Elizabeth Yin, Co-Founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, revealed the key factors that will make or break a startup's chances of securing funding.

The investors emphasized that building a strong foundation model AI company is crucial, and startups that don't fit this bill will face a tougher time raising Series A funding. This shift in investor sentiment highlights the growing importance of AI in the startup ecosystem.

For startup founders preparing for their first lettered-round, this insight is crucial. By understanding what investors are looking for, entrepreneurs can tailor their approach to increase their chances of securing the funding they need to grow their business.

The session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 provided valuable guidance for startup founders navigating the challenging funding landscape. As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, staying informed about investor expectations is key to success.