Blog of Intellectual Capital

View the “First Look” report.

Background
This report analyzes the terms of 200 venture financings closed in the first quarter of 2018 by companies headquartered in Silicon Valley.

Overview of Results
Valuation Results Remain Strong But Have Flattened
Valuation results were generally flat in Q1 2018 compared to the prior quarter. Overall, valuation metrics are well above historical averages, but have plateaued since Q3 2017.

Up rounds exceeded down rounds 75% to 15%, with 10% flat in Q1 2018, an increase from Q4 2017 when up rounds exceeded down rounds 70% to 19%, with 11% flat.

Internet/Digital Media Continues to Score Highest Valuation Results
Similar to the prior quarter, the internet/digital media industry recorded the strongest valuation results in Q1 2018 compared to the other industries, with an average price increase of 101% and a median price increase of 59%.

However, the valuation results for the internet/digital media industry were moderately weaker compared to the prior quarter. In contrast, the software, hardware and life sciences industries all recorded stronger valuation results in Q1 compared to the prior quarter.

This quarter we are giving you, our readers, a “First Look” report that allows us to provide you the top-line trends for venture capital financings of Silicon Valley companies in Q1 more quickly. This “First Look” will be followed in several weeks with a more in-depth “Full Analysis” that will provide a broader perspective and include coverage of venture capital financings in other geographies drawing on data from a variety of industry reports.