为什么 2025 年的种子轮团队人数减半，却能干更多事？

Core Insights - The article emphasizes a significant shift in startup dynamics, where efficiency and results are prioritized over team size and growth metrics. In the new investment climate, investors are more interested in how effectively a small team can deliver substantial outcomes using limited resources [1][3]. Group 1: Team Size and Structure - By 2025, the average team size of seed-stage startups has decreased by 44%, from 11 to 6 members, yet these companies have not stalled; instead, they leverage AI tools to enhance productivity [1][9]. - The trend of smaller teams utilizing AI tools is replacing the traditional model of larger teams. A 6-member team can achieve outputs previously requiring 20 members, providing a competitive edge for resource-constrained startups [2][4]. - The average employee count for seed-stage startups has dropped by 21% compared to five years ago, with A-round startups seeing a 29% reduction. This shift is largely attributed to the rise of AI, allowing founders to operate with leaner teams [28][31]. Group 2: Talent Acquisition and Compensation - AI/ML engineers continue to hold pricing power, with their salaries rising consistently over the past 18 months, particularly for top talent. Startups need to focus on attracting 1-2 key engineers rather than expanding their workforce indiscriminately [2][8]. - The effectiveness of stock options as a talent attraction tool is diminishing. With reduced equity incentives and lower employee willingness to exercise options, startups must offer more competitive cash compensation or create compelling narratives to attract talent [10][11]. - The average salary for startups has steadily increased, with a 5.8% rise from April 2022 to June 2025. AI/ML engineers have seen significant salary growth, with a median increase of 9.1% in early-stage companies [56][59]. Group 3: Investment Trends - Investors are increasingly favoring companies that demonstrate high efficiency and early validation of unit economics, moving away from the previous focus on aggressive growth strategies. The new standard is to achieve more with less funding [11][2]. - The report serves as a survival guide for entrepreneurs, highlighting that success now hinges on building efficient, AI-enhanced small teams that can quickly deliver results [3][4]. Group 4: Geographic and Industry Trends - Approximately 86% of startups adjust salaries based on employee location, with this practice being more common in smaller companies. This adjustment aims to ensure employees can maintain a similar standard of living regardless of their location [44]. - In 2025, the hardware sector has the highest recruitment-to-turnover ratio, with 1.3 new hires for every employee that leaves, although this is the lowest ratio seen in seven years [24].