What 25,000 startup applications reveal about seed-stage fundability

An analysis of 25,000 startup applications by Aaron Golbin, co-founder and general partner at LvlUp Ventures, identifies patterns among the most fundable seed-stage companies. According to Golbin, successful startups tend to establish a clear go-to-market strategy early and experiment with distinctive marketing channels rather than relying on conventional approaches.

The analysis suggests that distribution and focused execution serve as lasting competitive advantages for early-stage companies. Golbin also points to diversified financing strategies, rapid iteration and learning cycles, and treating AI as foundational infrastructure rather than an add-on feature as key traits of fundable startups in the current environment.