From Infinite AI to AI Reality: What the 4YFN26 AI Data Capsule Reveals

Infinite AI was the central theme of 4YFN26, reflecting the scale of the opportunity AI presents across every industry. Our latest 4YFN26 AI Data Capsule, in partnership with Dealroom.co, shows that the momentum behind the theme is matched by market reality.

Global AI Investment Hits a New High

Global AI venture capital investment is on track to reach $749.1 billion in 2026, with AI companies expected to attract 72% of all global VC funding.

That momentum was clearly visible at 4YFN26. The event brought together an AI startup cohort with a combined value of $9.2 billion, showcasing innovation across multiple sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, manufacturing, semiconductors and others. 

Breakout AI Startups from 4YFN26

Breakout startups are high-momentum companies identified by Dealroom.co based on a combination of factors including growth signals, traction and funding activity. 

The AI capsule highlights 8 standout companies from the 4YFN26 exhibition as some of the most promising AI startups in the ecosystem. Three of the 4YFN26 awards startups are featured on the list: Biorce (Spain, 4YFN26 awards winner), NeuralTrust (Spain, 4YFN26 awards finalist) and Enhans (South Korea, 4YFN Awards Top 20). 

Download the data capsule to view AI breakout startups.

Investors backing AI at 4YFN26

In line with global trends, investors at 4YFN are committed to investing in AI. The European Innovation Council, ENISA, Speedinvest and Google for Startups Accelerator were among the most active backers of startups in the 4YFN26 AI cohort. This reflects the variety of investor profiles behind AI companies at 4YFN26, spanning venture capital, corporate venture capital, public funding and accelerator-backed support.

Looking Ahead to 4YFN27

One thing is clear: AI is no longer a category within the startup ecosystem. It is becoming the foundation on which the next generation of startups is being built. The trends visible in the 4YFN26 AI Data Capsule point to a market that is maturing quickly, with AI moving from experimentation into real-world deployment, investment and scale.

As we look ahead to 4YFN27, this momentum will continue to shape the conversations, companies and communities coming together at the event. Our brand-new Agentic AI conference track will offer a forward-looking space to explore what comes next: how autonomous AI systems are redefining startup innovation, business models and the way technology is applied across industries.