This note examines the environment for venture-backed startups in emerging tech as they navigate the current crisis, and delves into the impact of COVID-19 on several of PitchBook's emerging tech research verticals, including foodtech, healthtech, information security and AI & ML. Our analysis finds that while VC deal volume was down 28% in the Great Recession, deal activity was down a modest 5% and actually increased for angel & seed deals. This suggests that startups will still have the opportunity to find investors, though deal sizes are likely to be much lower.
Coronavirus crisis: Follow PitchBook's continuing coverage.