In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) has undeniably taken center stage, capturing nearly half of global venture capital funding in recent years. However, this surge in AI investment has not eclipsed other burgeoning sectors; rather, it has catalyzed growth across various industries that either leverage AI or complement its capabilities. As we delve into 2025’s funding trends, five key sectors stand out for their remarkable growth: legal tech, robotics, defense tech, cybersecurity, and fintech. Each of these areas has seen significant increases in venture funding, reflecting a broader trend of technological integration and automation.
Legal Tech: A Sector Embracing Automation
The legal industry, often perceived as traditional and resistant to change, has rapidly embraced technological advancements, particularly in automation. In 2025, legal tech startups raised over $4 billion, nearly doubling the previous year’s total of $2.2 billion. This surge in funding highlights the sector’s increasing recognition of the need for efficiency and modernization.
Key players in this space have attracted substantial investments. Clio, a provider of cloud-based practice management software for law firms, raised an impressive $500 million in equity funding, complemented by an additional $350 million in debt financing. This influx of capital underscores the growing demand for digital solutions that streamline legal processes and enhance client service.
Another notable recipient is Harvey, a startup specializing in AI tools designed specifically for lawyers. With a total of $819 million raised across four funding rounds in 2025, Harvey exemplifies the potential of AI to transform legal workflows, enabling attorneys to focus on higher-value tasks while automating routine processes.
Filevine, which offers a legal operating platform integrating AI for case, document, and lead management, also made headlines with a $260 million Series E funding round. These investments reflect a broader trend within the legal sector, where firms are increasingly adopting technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance client experiences.
Robotics: The Physical Layer of AI
As investors shift their focus from purely software-based solutions to the physical manifestations of AI, the robotics sector has experienced a remarkable boom. In 2025, venture funding for robotics reached nearly $14 billion, marking a staggering 70% increase from the previous year and surpassing even the peak funding year of 2021.
This surge can be attributed to a diverse range of applications, from industrial automation to humanoid robots. Companies like Figure, which specializes in general-purpose robotics, raised $1 billion in a Series C funding round led by Parkway Venture Capital. This funding will enable Figure to further develop its innovative robotic solutions aimed at enhancing productivity across various industries.
Apptronik, a humanoid robotics company, also saw significant investment, raising a total of $734 million between its Series A and Series B rounds. The growing interest in humanoid robots reflects a shift towards creating machines that can interact more naturally with humans, opening up new possibilities in sectors such as healthcare, customer service, and entertainment.
Neuralink, the brain-implant company co-founded by Elon Musk, raised $649 million in a March Series E funding round. This investment highlights the intersection of robotics and neuroscience, as Neuralink aims to develop advanced technologies that could revolutionize human-computer interaction.
Defense Tech: A Response to Geopolitical Shifts
The defense technology sector has witnessed unprecedented growth, driven by geopolitical tensions and an increasing emphasis on national security. In 2025, funding for defense tech soared to an all-time high of $8.5 billion, more than doubling the previous year’s total. This surge reflects a growing recognition of the need for advanced technologies in defense and security applications.
Anduril Industries, a prominent player in the defense tech space, raised a staggering $2.5 billion in a Series G funding round led by Founders Fund. Anduril’s focus on developing cutting-edge technologies, including autonomous drones and surveillance systems, positions it at the forefront of the defense innovation landscape.
Germany-based Helsing also made waves with approximately $693 million raised in a June funding round led by General Catalyst, Accel, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Helsing’s commitment to leveraging AI and machine learning for defense applications underscores the sector’s shift towards data-driven decision-making and enhanced operational capabilities.
Austin-based Saronic, known for its unmanned maritime security vessels, raised $600 million in a funding round led by Elad Gil. This investment reflects the increasing importance of maritime security in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions, as nations seek to protect their waters and critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity: A Growing Imperative
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, the cybersecurity sector has experienced a resurgence in funding. In 2025, global investment in cybersecurity exceeded $18 billion, representing a 26% year-over-year increase. This marks the third-highest annual funding total for the sector in the past decade, highlighting the urgent need for robust security solutions.
Among the top recipients of cybersecurity funding was Cyera, an AI-driven data security platform that raised a total of $940 million across two funding rounds. Cyera’s innovative approach to data protection reflects the growing recognition of the need for advanced security measures in an increasingly digital world.
Saviynt, another AI-based identity security platform, secured $700 million in a Series B funding round led by KKR. This investment underscores the importance of identity management and access control in safeguarding sensitive information and preventing data breaches.
Quantinuum, a quantum computing startup focused on cybersecurity, raised $600 million in a Series B funding round led by NVentures. The intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity represents a frontier of innovation, as organizations seek to leverage advanced technologies to enhance their security posture.
NinjaOne, an IT platform for endpoint management, also garnered attention with a $500 million Series C funding round led by CapitalG and Iconiq Growth. As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, the need for effective endpoint management solutions has never been more critical.
Fintech: A Resilient Sector
The fintech sector has shown remarkable resilience, rebounding with $51.8 billion in funding in 2025, a 27% increase year-over-year. This growth marks the first time since 2022 that fintech funding has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, signaling a renewed investor confidence in financial technology solutions.
Among the largest fintech funding recipients was Polymarket, a predictions marketplace that raised $150 million in a Founders Fund-led round, followed by an additional $2 billion in a deal led by Intercontinental Exchange. Polymarket’s innovative approach to prediction markets reflects the growing interest in alternative investment platforms.
Cryptocurrency exchange Binance also made headlines, raising $2 billion in March through an MGX-led deal. As the cryptocurrency market continues to mature, Binance’s success underscores the increasing acceptance of digital currencies and blockchain technology.
Kalshi, another predictions marketplace, raised $1 billion in a November round led by CapitalG, Paradigm, and Sequoia Capital. Kalshi’s focus on regulated prediction markets highlights the evolving landscape of fintech, where traditional financial models are being challenged by innovative approaches.
Investors in the fintech space have expressed optimism about the future, anticipating continued strong funding and exit activity. Notably, pre-IPO companies such as Plaid, Ramp, Monzo, and Revolut are expected to dominate the funding narrative in 2026, as they prepare for public offerings and seek to capitalize on their growth trajectories.
Conclusion: The Interconnected Future of Innovation
The significant funding growth across these five sectors—legal tech, robotics, defense tech, cybersecurity, and fintech—illustrates a broader trend of technological convergence and integration. As AI continues to drive innovation, adjacent industries are leveraging its capabilities to enhance their offerings and address emerging challenges.
Investors are increasingly recognizing the interconnected nature of these sectors, understanding that advancements in one area can have ripple effects across others. For instance, the rise of legal tech not only streamlines legal processes but also creates opportunities for AI-driven solutions in adjacent fields such as compliance and risk management.
Similarly, the growth of robotics is not limited to manufacturing; it extends to healthcare, logistics, and even personal assistance, showcasing the versatility of robotic applications. As defense tech evolves, it incorporates AI and robotics to enhance national security, while cybersecurity remains a critical consideration in protecting these advanced systems.
In the fintech realm, the integration of AI and data analytics is reshaping financial services, enabling more personalized and efficient solutions for consumers and businesses alike. As these sectors continue to evolve, the interplay between them will shape the future of technology and innovation.
As we look ahead, it is clear that the momentum generated by AI is not a standalone phenomenon; it is a catalyst for transformation across multiple industries. The convergence of technology, automation, and intelligent systems is paving the way for a future where innovation knows no bounds, and the potential for growth and disruption remains limitless. Investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders must remain vigilant and adaptable, ready to seize the opportunities that arise in this dynamic landscape.