AI & Machine Learning Startup Benchmarks 2026

Based on data from 87 startups in The Founders' Group network.

Key Metrics

Median MRR
$2K
Monthly recurring revenue
Median ARR
$50K
Annual recurring revenue
Median Burn Rate
N/A
Monthly cash burn
Median Runway
18 mo
Months of runway remaining
Avg Team Size
2.7
Full-time team members
Median LTV:CAC
N/A
Lifetime value to acquisition cost
Avg Gross Margin
N/A
Revenue after COGS
% With Revenue
35.6%
Startups generating revenue
% Profitable
0.0%
Startups currently profitable
Avg YoY Growth
N/A
Year-over-year revenue growth

Grade Distribution

A
10 (11%)
B
26 (30%)
C
20 (23%)
D
4 (5%)
F
27 (31%)

Top Cities

San FranciscoSeattleHoustonDix HillsSingapore

How Do You Compare?

Enter your metrics below to see how you compare against AI & Machine Learning startups in our network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many AI & Machine Learning startups are in the benchmark?
Our benchmarks are based on 87 AI & Machine Learning startups in The Founders' Group network. Data is refreshed regularly as new startups join.
What metrics matter most for AI & Machine Learning startups?
Key metrics include MRR growth rate, burn rate relative to runway, and unit economics (LTV:CAC ratio). The specific thresholds vary by funding stage — pre-seed founders should focus on product-market fit signals, while seed-stage startups need strong retention and growth rates.
How are grades calculated?
Grades are based on a composite score across 6 tiers: Survival & Truth (revenue, burn, runway), Engine Health (LTV, CAC, unit economics), Retention (churn, NRR), Growth Efficiency (MoM/YoY growth), Market & Narrative (TAM, competition), and Traction & Team. Each tier is weighted and the final score maps to a letter grade.

Related Benchmarks

Pre Seed
Seed
Saas
Marketplace

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