AI Dominates Venture Funding as Data and Distribution Emerge as Startup Moats

Artificial intelligence captured 80% of Q1 2026 venture funding, according to analysis from Web3 events founder Rime Salmi. As AI commoditizes traditional competitive advantages in technology startups, Salmi argues that only data and distribution remain viable moats for new ventures in the current landscape. The observation reflects a fundamental shift in startup strategy and investor priorities, where these two factors distinguish viable AI companies from the rest.