The AI Startup Secret That's Rewriting How VCs Work

AI startups are achieving 5x returns while rewriting venture capital rules, and traditional VC firms are scrambling to adapt.

In this Alpha Summit panel moderated by Amy Lewin, Jens Hilgers and Jess Bartos reveal the unstoppable AI startup secret forcing VC firms worldwide to completely rethink their investment strategies and operational playbooks.

This conversation explores how AI startups are gaining unprecedented leverage in startup funding negotiations and reshaping the entire entrepreneurship landscape through artificial intelligence innovation.

Discover:

• The AI startup secret separating breakout companies from the rest

• Why traditional VC metrics and software moats no longer work in the AI era

• How AI startups are forcing VCs to rebuild evaluation and diligence frameworks

• Why speed of execution has become a survival skill for founders

• How AI is empowering a new generation of creators and solo builders

• Why foundational model companies are not the only winners in this cycle

• How AI is transforming VC operations, deal flow, and internal decision making

• Why the next decade could be a once in a generation AI supercycle

• The macro risk that could disrupt or derail the entire AI boom

Whether you're an entrepreneur building an AI startup, seeking venture capital, or a VC investing in artificial intelligence companies, understanding this startup secret is critical for navigating the new entrepreneurship economy.

Event: Alpha Summit ’25

Moderated by: Amy Lewin, Editor at Sifted

Panelists-

Jens Hilgers, Founding General Partner BITKRAFT Ventures

Jess Bartos, Partner Notion Capital

Connect with the speakers:

Jens Hilgers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenshilgers/

Jess Bartos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicabartos/

Amy Lewin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyrlewin/