Would you turn down $100 billion? Some of the world’s biggest startups didn’t — and these record-breaking funding rounds didn’t just shape their companies, they transformed entire industries.
For business and agency owners, these deals reveal more than just big numbers. They signal where markets are shifting, where competition is rising, and where opportunities exist. From AI and fintech to space exploration, these funding rounds define the future of innovation.
Let’s break down the 10 largest startup funding rounds of all time — including the latest multi-billion-dollar deals in the last year — and what they mean for businesses just like yours.
Table of Contents
- SoftBank Vision Fund – $100 Billion (2017)
- WeWork – $14.2 Billion (2019)
- SpaceX – $13.3 Billion (March 2023)
- Uber – $13.2 Billion (2018)
- Databricks – $10 Billion (December 2024)
- OpenAI – $6.6 Billion (October 2024)
- Stripe – $6.5 Billion (March 2023)
- xAI – $6 Billion (May 2024)
- ByteDance (TikTok) – $5 Billion (December 2020)
- Generate Capital – $1.5 Billion (February 2024)
- Largest Startup Funding Rounds: Final Thoughts
- Largest Startup Funding Rounds FAQs
1. SoftBank Vision Fund – $100 Billion (2017)
Goals: Create the world’s most powerful tech investment vehicle.
Key info: Launched in 2017, the SoftBank Vision Fund raised over $93 billion in its initial closing in May of that year, with contributions from investors such as Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Mubadala Investment Company, Apple, Qualcomm, and Foxconn. The fund aimed to reach a total of $100 billion, positioning itself as the largest technology investment fund globally.
Funding: SoftBank's aggressive investment strategy led to significant stakes in companies like Uber, WeWork, and ByteDance. While this approach resulted in notable successes, it also faced high-profile challenges, exemplified by the financial difficulties of WeWork. The fund's strategy involved deploying substantial capital into high-risk, high-reward ventures, reshaping the landscape of venture capital.
Takeaways: Venture capital can accelerate growth but necessitates prudent investment strategies and robust governance to mitigate risks. The experience of the SoftBank Vision Fund highlights the importance of due diligence and balanced risk management in large-scale investments.
2. WeWork – $14.2 Billion (2019)
Goals: Disrupt traditional office leasing and scale flexible workspace solutions.
Key info: WeWork raised approximately $14.2 billion over multiple funding rounds to expand globally. However, its aggressive growth strategy led to financial instability and a failed Initial Public Offering (IPO) attempt in 2019. The company's valuation plummeted from a peak of $47 billion to as low as $10 billion during the IPO fallout.
In November 2023, WeWork filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing unsustainable lease obligations and declining occupancy rates exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding: Investors initially bought into WeWork’s vision, but poor financial planning and governance issues led to a dramatic fall from grace. The company’s valuation plummeted when financial inconsistencies and leadership issues came to light.
Takeaways: Startups must balance expansion with sustainable business practices to avoid overvaluation pitfalls. Strong governance and realistic growth strategies are critical for long-term success.
3. SpaceX – $13.3 Billion (March 2023)
Goals: Advance space travel, satellite deployment, and interplanetary exploration.
Key info: In August 2020, SpaceX secured $1.9 billion in funding, marking its largest single fundraising round to date and increasing its valuation to $46 billion.
Funding: The substantial investment reflects strong confidence in SpaceX's ambitious projects, including the development of the Starship program and the expansion of the Starlink satellite constellation.
Takeaways: Businesses aiming for long-term success should consider positioning themselves in industries poised for future demand. Securing a diverse mix of private and public funding sources can provide financial stability, especially for capital-intensive sectors like aerospace.
4. Uber – $13.2 Billion (2018)
Goals: Achieve global dominance in ride-sharing and mobility services.
Key info: Uber raised a total of $13.2 billion across multiple funding rounds prior to its IPO in 2019. This substantial capital enabled the company to aggressively expand its operations, invest in autonomous driving technology, and outpace competitors in the ride-sharing industry.
Funding: Significant investments came from entities such as SoftBank Vision Fund, which acquired a 15% stake in Uber for $7 billion in 2018, and Toyota, which invested $500 million in August 2018. These investments underscored confidence in Uber's growth potential despite regulatory challenges worldwide.
Takeaways: Rapid expansion can provide market dominance but must be balanced with profitability and regulatory compliance. Diversified funding sources can help businesses weather market fluctuations.
5. Databricks – $10 Billion (December 2024)
Goals: Establish itself as the leader in AI-driven data analytics and cloud computing.
Key info: In December 2024, Databricks secured a monumental $10 billion in its latest funding round, elevating its valuation to $62 billion. Investors included Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz. The funds are aimed at scaling AI-powered analytics and enhancing enterprise cloud solutions.
Funding: Databricks' funding round was highly competitive, with major tech investors vying for a stake in the AI and data analytics space. The company capitalized on the growing demand for AI-driven insights, positioning itself as a core infrastructure provider for enterprise AI.
Takeaways: AI-driven analytics and big data are prime investment areas. Businesses should explore AI integrations to stay competitive and enhance decision-making processes. Additionally, securing strategic investors can accelerate growth and technological advancements.
6. OpenAI – $6.6 Billion (October 2024)
Goals: Advance AI capabilities and maintain leadership in generative AI technologies.
Key info: OpenAI raised $6.6 billion in October 2024, pushing its valuation to $157 billion. Microsoft, Nvidia, and Thrive Capital led the investment, betting on the increasing demand for AI-driven automation and innovation.
Funding: OpenAI’s funding negotiations were fueled by rising competition in AI. Microsoft strengthened its existing partnership, ensuring deep integration of OpenAI’s models into its ecosystem. The investment also aimed to bolster OpenAI’s cloud computing resources and research initiatives.
Takeaways: AI adoption in business is accelerating. Companies should explore automation and AI-powered solutions to enhance efficiency and innovation. Strong strategic partnerships can provide both funding and infrastructure to scale AI capabilities effectively.
7. Stripe – $6.5 Billion (March 2023)
Goals: Expand its fintech ecosystem and support global digital transactions.
Key info: In March 2023, Stripe raised $6.5 billion at a reduced valuation of $50 billion, nearly half its peak of $95 billion. The funding round, led by investors such as Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital, was aimed at stabilizing the company’s financial position while continuing to invest in its core business.
Funding: Amid rising fintech competition, Stripe leveraged its dominance in online payments to secure capital for future innovation, particularly in embedded finance and cross-border transactions. The funding was partially used to provide liquidity for long-time employees and address tax obligations.
Takeaways: Fintech innovation remains crucial for modern businesses, but fluctuating market valuations can impact funding dynamics. Companies should stay updated on payment technologies, embedded finance trends, and strategic capital management to navigate shifting investor expectations and maintain financial health.
8. xAI – $6 Billion (May 2024)
Goals: Compete with OpenAI and revolutionize AI safety and transparency.
Key info: Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, raised $6 billion by December 2024, valuing the company at $24 billion. The funding supports the development of AI models prioritizing safety and interpretability.
Funding: With AI becoming increasingly central to global tech, xAI attracted investment from high-profile firms eager to back alternatives to dominant AI leaders. The funding round was driven by investor interest in AI ethics and Musk’s track record of industry disruption.
Takeaways: AI competition is intensifying. Businesses should monitor advancements in AI safety and regulation to remain ahead of industry shifts. Investments in ethical AI can differentiate startups in a rapidly evolving market.
9. ByteDance (TikTok) – $5 Billion (December 2020)
Goals: Expand TikTok’s global reach and enhance its advertising revenue model.
Key info: In December 2020, ByteDance secured $5 billion in funding, increasing its valuation to $180 billion. This investment aimed to scale TikTok's global operations and advertising capabilities, reinforcing its dominance in short-form video content.
Funding: Despite regulatory scrutiny, ByteDance attracted investors by demonstrating TikTok's unparalleled user engagement and monetization potential. The company's data-driven advertising model and viral content strategy were significant draws for investors.
Takeaways: Social media platforms must balance growth with regulatory challenges while continuously evolving monetization strategies. Effectively leveraging user data can drive substantial revenue but must be managed with transparency and compliance.
10. Generate Capital – $1.5 Billion (February 2024)
Goals: Expand investments in sustainable infrastructure projects, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource management.
Key info: In February 2024, Generate Capital, a San Francisco-based green infrastructure investor and operator, raised $1.5 billion in funding. This substantial investment was led by the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, among other investors. The funds are intended to support a variety of infrastructure projects, such as community solar systems, municipal wastewater treatment, and fleet electrification.
Funding: This funding round reflects the growing investor interest in sustainable and renewable energy projects. Generate Capital has previously raised significant funds, including a $1.1 billion round in early 2023 and a $1 billion round in 2021, bringing its total funding to $4.2 billion.
Takeaways: The substantial investment in Generate Capital underscores the increasing importance of sustainable infrastructure in addressing global environmental challenges. Businesses should consider the implications of integrating renewable energy solutions and sustainable practices into their operations. Staying informed about advancements in green infrastructure can provide a competitive edge and contribute to long-term sustainability goals.
Largest Startup Funding Rounds: Final Thoughts
The largest startup funding rounds reflect more than just significant capital raises; they serve as indicators of shifting market trends and investor confidence. While some companies secure funding to fuel rapid expansion, others leverage capital to stabilize their operations in volatile environments.
However, securing funding is only one piece of the puzzle. Jaime Jorge, CEO and co-founder of Codacy, emphasizes that startup evolution is an ongoing cycle of trying, learning, adapting, and iterating.
He explains that each interaction with the market is a learning opportunity — one that often challenges initial assumptions and business plans, ultimately pushing a startup toward adaptations that resonate with the market. According to Jorge, these iterations are continuous, highlighting “the importance of agility and learning in shaping not just our pitch, but the strategic trajectory of our venture.”
This iterative process is what separates successful startups from those that fizzle out. Funding alone doesn’t guarantee success — what matters is how startups use that capital to refine their products, respond to market feedback, and adapt to industry shifts.
To maximize your market expansion efforts and avoid costly mistakes, consult with expert business strategists who can tailor the right approach for your brand.
Largest Startup Funding Rounds FAQs
1. How do funding rounds impact a startup’s long-term success?
Funding rounds provide startups with the necessary capital to scale operations, develop new products, and expand into new markets. However, raising large amounts of funding also brings challenges, such as increased investor expectations, pressure to achieve rapid growth, and potential dilution of ownership. Startups must balance aggressive expansion with financial sustainability to avoid over-reliance on external funding.
2. How does a company's valuation affect its ability to secure funding?
A company’s valuation plays a crucial role in determining how much capital it can raise and on what terms. A high valuation can attract investors and signal strong market confidence, but it also raises expectations for growth and profitability. Conversely, a declining valuation may make it harder to secure funding or require more favorable terms for investors, as seen in Stripe’s recent funding round. Companies must carefully manage their valuation to ensure continued investor interest and long-term financial stability.
3. What role do venture capital firms play in these massive funding rounds?
Venture capital (VC) firms provide capital and strategic guidance, helping startups refine business models, connect with industry leaders, and overcome growth challenges. Their backing brings credibility, attracting additional investors, but also comes with expectations for rapid scaling, profitability, and a clear exit strategy through acquisition or IPO.
