AI Has Opened a New Era in Venture Capital, Says Forerunner’s Kirsten Green
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just disrupting industries—it’s transforming the way those industries are funded. According to Forerunner Ventures founder Kirsten Green, AI is unlocking a brand new chapter in venture capital, offering investors deeper insight, sharper forecasting, and smarter bets.
In a conversation with TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Connie Loizos, Green broke down how her firm is evolving, what sectors are ripe for disruption, and why AI is the new frontier for venture strategy.
From Consumer Trends to AI-Driven Investing
Forerunner Ventures made its name by being ahead of the curve—backing breakout startups like:
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Oura (smart wellness rings)
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Chime (fintech banking)
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The Farmer’s Dog (fresh pet food delivery)
Now, the firm is focusing on how AI enhances deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio monitoring. According to Green, venture capitalists no longer have to rely solely on gut instinct or legacy metrics—AI tools are streamlining decision-making and offering real-time predictive insights.
Venture Capital in the AI Era: What’s Changing?
Green sees several key shifts:
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Smarter pattern recognition – AI tools can rapidly analyze market behavior and startup growth signals.
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Faster deal assessments – Automated analysis of pitch decks, metrics, and team performance.
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Greater inclusivity – Democratized access to data-driven investment strategies allows emerging VCs to compete with the giants.
Forerunner’s strategy now involves identifying AI-native founders—startups that embed AI into their product DNA, not just as a feature.
What It Means for Founders
Startups seeking capital need to understand that AI literacy is now expected. VCs are no longer just asking “What’s your market size?”—they’re asking:
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“How does AI fit into your go-to-market strategy?”
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“What proprietary data will power your AI model?”
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“How defensible is your AI infrastructure?”
If you’re not already integrating AI or machine learning in some form, you might be seen as lagging behind the curve.
