Core Insights - The Chinese venture capital market is at a turning point, characterized by a structural transformation and a focus on capturing opportunities amidst uncertainty [1] - The "WAVES New Era 2025" conference gathered top investors and innovators to discuss AI technology, globalization, and value reassessment [1] Investment Trends - Investors are increasingly focusing on early-stage investments in AI, with many firms actively participating in seed and angel rounds [4][5][6] - The emergence of younger founders and the rapid pace of technological change in AI are reshaping the investment landscape [9][10] Market Dynamics - The current AI startup environment is perceived as less crowded compared to previous tech waves, indicating potential for growth and innovation [33][35] - High valuations for AI startups are driven by competitive dynamics and the need for firms to position themselves within hot sectors [26][28] Investment Strategies - Investors emphasize the importance of understanding the unique backgrounds and capabilities of founders, particularly in the context of rapidly evolving technologies [14][16] - The traditional metrics for assessing product-market fit (PMF) are being reevaluated, with a shift towards more dynamic indicators that reflect the fast-paced nature of AI development [22][23] Future Outlook - The consensus among investors is that AI will continue to be a major driver of economic growth, suggesting that opportunities for startups will persist in the coming years [35] - Founders are encouraged to focus on practical execution and iterative development rather than getting caught up in long-term uncertainties [32][34]