Benchmark Capital Discusses AI Investment Trends at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Benchmark Capital raised a total of $2 billion in 2026, including $750 million for its flagship fund and $1.25 billion for its first growth fund. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, general partners Jack Altman, Peter Fenton, Chetan Puttagunta, Everett Randle, and Eric Vishria discussed the significant role of AI in venture capital, noting that AI companies captured 61% of the global venture capital investment in 2025, amounting to $258.7 billion out of a total of $427.1 billion. They highlighted that 73% of AI investment value came from deals exceeding $100 million. Benchmark co-led a $25 million Series A funding round for Cerebras Systems, which was co-founded by Andrew Feldman, and currently holds a 9.5% stake in the company following its IPO. Vishria emphasized that investment decisions are bets on technologies and founders that could shape the next decade, stating, 'The best opportunity does not always arrive looking like the consensus winner.' The conference will take place from October 13-15, 2026, with a registration deadline of September 25, 2026.