In the second half of 2024, the seed funding market for marketplaces is projected to reach $81 million, indicating a recovery in the sector, according to data from Carta. This marks a notable improvement as the market for seed rounds had previously bottomed out. The trend highlights a shift in venture capital dynamics, with median seed round sizes increasing by 53% since 2020, even after adjusting for inflation. Factors contributing to this shift include AI-driven cost efficiencies and a rise in 'seed-strapping', where founders are able to scale with less capital. This trend is prompting discussions about the sustainability of such capital efficiency in the startup ecosystem, as some founders are reportedly reaching revenues of over $100 million without requiring additional funding. However, there are concerns that this trend may not last, as the venture capital landscape continues to evolve and adapt to new market conditions.