CIBC Advisors Highlight Changing AI Fundraising Dynamics

Daniel Lee and Amy Olah of CIBC report in June that Toronto-based Blue J drew intense investor interest as VCs lower ARR thresholds from about $5 million to $2–$3 million, accelerating deal velocity. They say investors favor AI startups embedding deeply into regulated workflows (tax, legal, healthcare), urge founders to prepare cleaner data rooms and consider venture debt, and predict improved liquidity into 2026.