Top 7 AI Investment Trends: Vertical-Specific Momentum from 2019 to 2024

December 18, 2024

The landscape of AI investments at Seed and Series A stages from 2019 to 2024 reveals fascinating patterns about where venture capital is placing its bets in the AI ecosystem. Let’s dive into the top verticals shaping the AI investment landscape.

1. HealthTech AI

"HealthTech surged with over 70+ investments per quarter in 2021 but remains strong with 20-40 deals even today."

HealthTech investments skyrocketed during the pandemic, driven by the urgent need for digital healthcare solutions. While the 2020-2021 period saw unprecedented peaks of 70+ deals per quarter, the sector has stabilized at 20-40 investments per quarter in recent years. This resilience highlights AI’s role in transforming healthcare, from streamlining diagnostics to enabling personalized medicine. HealthTech remains a cornerstone of AI innovation, with sustained investor confidence in its long-term impact.

2. FinTech AI

"FinTech peaked at 55+ deals during the boom and holds steady with 30-40 investments per quarter today."

FinTech’s ability to weather market fluctuations sets it apart. Starting with a solid 30 investments per quarter in 2019, the sector reached peaks of over 55 deals during 2021’s funding frenzy. Recent quarters continue to showcase robust activity, with 30-40 investments consistently recorded. AI-driven solutions in fraud detection, automated trading, and personalized financial services ensure FinTech’s relevance in both volatile and stable market conditions.

3. Enterprise Software AI

"SaaS investments dipped to 15-25 deals per quarter, while CloudTech and DevOps rose to fill the gap."

Enterprise software has undergone a noticeable shift. While SaaS investments once dominated with 40-50 deals per quarter, they’ve declined to 15-25 in recent quarters. This reduction coincides with the rise of CloudTech and DevOps investments, signaling a pivot toward specialized infrastructure-focused AI applications. Companies are now prioritizing scalable, tailored solutions over broad SaaS tools, reflecting the maturity and precision of enterprise AI innovation.

4. Cybersecurity AI

Cybersecurity stands out as one of AI’s most consistent growth areas. With steady investments of 15-20+ deals per quarter, the sector’s momentum is driven by escalating cyber threats and the need for advanced defense mechanisms. AI’s ability to provide real-time threat detection and predictive analytics makes it indispensable in safeguarding digital ecosystems.

5. CleanTech AI

CleanTech has emerged as a consistent performer, attracting 15-20 investments per quarter. AI’s role in optimizing energy efficiency, advancing renewable technologies, and driving sustainability solutions positions CleanTech as a key growth area. Investors recognize the sector’s potential to tackle climate challenges while delivering measurable impact.

6. Legal Tech AI

Legal Tech is gaining traction, particularly in recent quarters, as AI solutions become increasingly accepted in this traditionally conservative industry. From contract analysis to compliance automation, AI is modernizing legal workflows. This sector’s rise reflects growing recognition of technology’s ability to enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal operations.

7. Consumer AI

"Mobile and e-commerce investments have cooled from pandemic highs, reflecting shifting priorities."

Consumer-focused sectors like Mobile and E-commerce have seen notable declines. Mobile investments dropped from 25+ deals per quarter to a modest 10-15, while E-commerce has similarly moderated. Gaming and AR/VR sectors, though volatile, haven’t achieved the anticipated growth. This cooling trend suggests a shift in investor focus toward enterprise and infrastructure applications where AI’s impact is more tangible.

Key Takeaways: Where AI Investment Is Heading

The AI investment landscape is maturing, with a sharper focus on practical, value-driven applications. Key trends include:

  • Resilience in regulated industries: Healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity remain strong bets for investors.
  • Shift to infrastructure: Enterprise AI is moving toward specialized, scalable solutions.
  • Selective consumer focus: Investments in consumer AI sectors are cooling as the market prioritizes clear ROI.

As the hype cycle fades, the future of AI investments lies in vertical-specific applications that demonstrate measurable impact and long-term value. Investors are placing smarter bets, paving the way for transformative innovation across industries.

* Sources available in the Octagon app

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