2019 Startup Outlook Report from Silicon Valley Bank

60% of US startup founders are optimistic about 2019’s business conditions, according to Silicon Valley Bank’s tenth annual “Startup Outlook Report”. 

The bank surveyed almost 1400 startup executives.  They were mostly in technology, with some in healthcare and other industries.  Some of their expert (aggregate) opinions include: 

Startup Fundraising is Going Well

71% of US startups surveyed successfully raised capital in 2018.  However, early stage startups, especially those with smaller (or no) revenue, say that raising capital has gotten more difficult since last year. 

This is likely because VCs and private equity firms have been focusing their capital on high-performing startups, investing larger rounds in fewer deals.

Exit by Acquisition more likely than IPOs

While the news is full of unicorns and IPOs, the most common expectation for liquidity among startups surveyed was to be acquired by a larger company.

Hiring Growth but with Challenges

82% of US startups say they expect to increase their workforces in 2019.  This optimistic prediction is tempered, however, by 91% of respondents saying that finding skilled professionals is “somewhat challenging” or “extremely challenging”.

More Useful Startup Info…

The new report also offers sections on:

• the “most promising” investor sectors (AI!)
• the progress of women in startup leadership roles (a big jump!)
• and the top policy concerns of startup CEOs and executives (access to talent, healthcare costs, China trade, cybersecurity, etc.).

Download SVB's free new Startup Outlook Report here.

Thanks to OC Startup Council Gold Sponsor Silicon Valley Bank for this new report, and for sharing the information and graphics above.