Typical pre-seed round size for AI / ML startups in Bay Area
Based on 24 Form D filings by Bay Area AI / ML issuers at pre-seed stage, filed Oct 2024 – Oct 2026. Updated monthly. Change any segment to compare.
The numbers
- Median pre-seed raise: $150k
- Middle half of rounds: $100k – $352k
- Filings in sample: 24
- Rounds under $1M: 100%
- Rounds over $5M: 0%
- Updated Oct 2026
Read this number carefully
Form D undercounts small SAFE rounds and rounds that rely on other exemptions. Treat the median as a ceiling for "typical", not a target.