• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
NewslettersTerm Sheet

The new realities of venture capital, in 3 charts

Jessica Mathews
By
Jessica Mathews
Jessica Mathews
Senior Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
Jessica Mathews
By
Jessica Mathews
Jessica Mathews
Senior Writer
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 14, 2023, 7:46 AM ET
Investors are taking larger equity stakes in the companies they are backing.
Investors are taking larger equity stakes in the companies they are backing.Pitchbook

At the end of last week, I was putting together some charts based on some new third-quarter valuation data PitchBook released last week.

Recommended Video

And I have to say I was a bit shocked. After all, numbers can sound rather dramatic. But it’s something else entirely when you can see it visualized. Look for yourself at the incredible decline in median growth-stage valuations over the last two years:

That is a nosedive if I’ve ever seen one. But as of now, the valuations still aren’t lower than they were four years ago: They’ve simply come back down to earth.

As investors have regained the upper hand in the negotiations with late-stage companies, they are also taking larger equity stakes in the companies they are backing. See below:

Pitchbook

But what’s interesting is that we’re really not seeing some of these swinging market conditions across the whole ecosystem. Both pre-seed and seed valuations are actually up in 2023 (as of Sep. 30 data), compared to last year, according to PitchBook. And the size of seed deals are actually hitting record highs right now: 

What do you think? Sound in line with your own experience? Drop me a note below, if you like.

Have a good day!

Jessica Mathews
Twitter: @jessicakmathews
Email: jessica.mathews@fortune.com
Submit a deal for the Term Sheet newsletter here.

Joe Abrams curated the deals section of today’s newsletter.

VENTURE DEALS

- Divergent Technologies, a Los Angeles-based developer of digital end-to-end industrial manufacturing systems, raised $230 million in Series D funding. Hexagon AB led the round and was joined by others. 

- VectorY Therapeutics, an Amsterdam, Netherlands-based biotech company developing antibody therapies to treat neurodegenerative diseases, raised €129 million ($138 million) in Series A funding. Forbion and EQT Life Sciences led the round and were joined by MRL Ventures Fund and others. 

- Imprint, a New York City-based provider of co-branded credit cards, raised $75 million in Series B funding. Ribbit Capital led the round and was joined by Thrive Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Lachy Groom, and Moore Specialty Credit.

- Otovo, an Oslo, Norway-based solar and battery storage marketplace, raised €40 million ($42.8 million) in funding. Å Energy, Axel Johnson Group, and Nysnø led the round and were joined by OBOS BBL.

- etaily, a Metro Manila, Philippines-based platform designed to build, manage, and grow ecommerce shops, raised $17.8 million in Series A funding. SKS Capital and Pavilion Capital led the round and were joined by others. 

- Refine Intelligence, a New York City and Ness Ziona, Israel-based AI-powered monitor of money laundering, check fraud, and other scams for banks, raised $13 million in seed funding. Glilot Capital Partners and Fin Capital led the round and was joined by SYN Ventures, Valley Ventures, and others.

- Dotwork, a Georgetown, Texas-based software platform designed to provide unstructured data, key metrics, and software stacks for strategy management, raised $12 million in Series A funding from Jim Crane, Tim Arnoult, Hunter Nelson, Steve Elliott. 

- Solvimon, a Utrecht, Netherlands-based pricing and billing platform for companies, raised €9 million ($9.6 million) in seed funding from Northzone and others. 

- Shekel Mobility, a Lagos, Nigeria-based marketplace for finding, financing, and selling cars for auto dealerships, raised $7 million in funding. Ventures Platform and MaC Venture Capital led the round and were joined by Y Combinator, Rebel Fund, Unpopular Ventures, Maiora Capital, and others. 

- Augmentus, a Singapore-based developer of intelligent and no-code robotics software solutions, raised $5 million in Series A funding. Sierra Ventures led the round and was joined by existing investor Cocoon Capital.

- BrightGo, a San Francisco-based janitorial software company, raised $3 million in seed funding from Costanoa Ventures and Index Ventures.

- OMORPHO, a Portland, Ore.-based retailer of micro-weighted training gear, raised $3 million in seed funding. KB Partners and Thirty-5 Capital led the round and were joined by others.

- CoverSelf, a San Francisco-based healthcare claims and payment accuracy platform, raised $8.2 million in seed funding. BEENEXT and 3one4 Capital led the round and were joined by others.

PRIVATE EQUITY

- Celonis, backed by Blackstone, acquired Symbioworld GmbH, an Aschheim, Germany-based provider of business process and quality management software. Financial terms were not disclosed.

- Greater Sum Ventures acquired a majority stake in Utility Associates, a Decatur, Ga.-based provider of communications technology and services for frontline professions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

- Kaltroco acquired a minority stake in the Dave Cantin Group, a New York City-based provider of financial, transactional, and advisory services to retail automotive groups and their owners. Financial terms were not disclosed.

- Norwest acquired a minority stake in Aesthetic Partners, a Miami, Fla.-based practice management provider for medical aesthetic and plastic surgery practices. Financial terms were not disclosed.

- Tourtellot, backed by Encore Consumer Capital, acquired Ryeco, a Philadelphia, Penn.-based distributor of fruits and vegetables. Financial terms were not disclosed.

EXITS

- General Atlantic agreed to acquire a majority stake in Joe & the Juice, a Copenhagen, Denmark-based juice, coffee, and sandwiches chain, from Valedo Partners. Financial terms were not disclosed. 

IPOS

- UL Solutions, a Northbrook, Ill.-based provider of product testing, inspection, and certification services to the energy, industrial automation, consumer electronics, and other markets, filed to go public. The company posted $2.6 billion in revenue for the year ending September 30th, 2023. UL Standards & Engagement backs the company.

PEOPLE

- AnaCap, a London, U.K.-based private equity firm, promoted Victoria Brown and Graeme Chaffe to partners. 

- ArcLight Capital Partners, a Boston, Mass.-based private equity investment firm, hired Andrew L. Ott as a senior adviser. Formerly, he was with PJM Interconnection.

This is the web version of Term Sheet, a daily newsletter on the biggest deals and dealmakers in venture capital and private equity. Sign up for free.

About the Author
Jessica Mathews
By Jessica MathewsSenior Writer
LinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Jessica Mathews is a senior writer for Fortune covering transportation, defense tech, and Elon Musk’s companies.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Newsletters

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Newsletters

‘I’m still here 12 hours a day’: Luana Lopes Lara on building Kalshi as the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire
NewslettersMPW Daily
‘I’m still here 12 hours a day’: Luana Lopes Lara on building Kalshi as the world’s youngest female self-made billionaire
By Emma HinchliffeApril 10, 2026
11 hours ago
26% of CEOs think the greatest threat to their job security is their own CFO
NewslettersCFO Daily
26% of CEOs think the greatest threat to their job security is their own CFO
By Sheryl EstradaApril 10, 2026
17 hours ago
Defense executives worry Trump’s proposed military splurge could backfire
NewslettersCEO Daily
Defense executives worry Trump’s proposed military splurge could backfire
By Diane BradyApril 10, 2026
19 hours ago
Fortune Brainstorm Tech 2019 in Aspen, Colo. (Photo: Fortune)
NewslettersFortune Tech
Who’s speaking at Fortune Brainstorm Tech 2026
By Andrew NuscaApril 10, 2026
20 hours ago
Dario Amodei
NewslettersTerm Sheet
What Anthropic’s too-dangerous-to-release AI model means for its upcoming IPO
By Beatrice NolanApril 10, 2026
21 hours ago
woman typing on a computer.
NewslettersMPW Daily
The ‘AI gender gap’ narrative is missing the full picture
By Emma HinchliffeApril 9, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

A Meta employee created a dashboard so coworkers can compete to be the company's No. 1 AI token user—and Zuckerberg doesn't even rank in the top 250
AI
A Meta employee created a dashboard so coworkers can compete to be the company's No. 1 AI token user—and Zuckerberg doesn't even rank in the top 250
By Fortune EditorsApril 9, 2026
2 days ago
The U.S. government is spending $88 billion a month in interest on national debt—equal to spending on defense and education combined
Economy
The U.S. government is spending $88 billion a month in interest on national debt—equal to spending on defense and education combined
By Fortune EditorsApril 9, 2026
2 days ago
Mark Cuban admits he made a mistake letting go of the Mavericks: 'I don't regret selling. I regret who I sold to'
Investing
Mark Cuban admits he made a mistake letting go of the Mavericks: 'I don't regret selling. I regret who I sold to'
By Fortune EditorsApril 9, 2026
2 days ago
Schools across America are quietly admitting that screens in classrooms made students worse off and are reversing years of tech-first policies
Innovation
Schools across America are quietly admitting that screens in classrooms made students worse off and are reversing years of tech-first policies
By Fortune EditorsApril 10, 2026
21 hours ago
Scottie Scheffler joined Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in golf's $100M club—and donated his entire Ryder Cup stipend to charity
Success
Scottie Scheffler joined Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in golf's $100M club—and donated his entire Ryder Cup stipend to charity
By Fortune EditorsApril 10, 2026
13 hours ago
'I hate working 5 days': Zoom CEO says traditional work schedules are becoming obsolete—and predicts a 3-day workweek by 2031
Success
'I hate working 5 days': Zoom CEO says traditional work schedules are becoming obsolete—and predicts a 3-day workweek by 2031
By Fortune EditorsApril 9, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.