Start-up funding surge: U.S. tech raises hit ~$676 million in recent week

U.S. private-venture deals in tech and AI surged to about $676.1 million in the week ending October 17 – a ten-fold increase from the same time last year. The boom was driven by a large quick-commerce round (~$450 million) and increased investor appetite for AI workflow startups. At the same time, funding durations and exit visibility remain longer, and many firms are still expected to focus on cost discipline. The rebound signals investor confidence returning to earlier-stage deals even amid macro uncertainty.