Renana Ashkenazi at InvestAI 2025 – The VC Playbook for Generative AI
Q: What was InvestAI, and why did Grove Ventures sponsor it?
A: InvestAI 2025 brought together a community of builders, investors, as well as operators navigating the fast-moving generative AI space. From keynotes to fireside chats and panels, the event spotlighted the trends shaping how startups are built—and backed—in this transformative era. Therefore, Grove Ventures was proud to sponsor this dynamic gathering.
Q: What did Renana Ashkenazi speak about?
A: Grove Ventures’ Renana Ashkenazi delivered a keynote titled:
“The VC Playbook for Generative AI: Signals, Sandtraps, and Standouts.”
She broke down how the generative AI investing landscape has shifted—and what both founders and investors need to re-evaluate.
Q: What were the key takeaways from her keynote?
A:
- Ideas aren’t aging well: In generative AI, a promising concept from six months ago might already be outdated. The speed of evolution has outpaced the typical startup build cycle.
- Capital is still there—but conviction isn’t: Despite $45B invested in generative AI in 2024, deal volume has dropped 76% in 2025, signaling investor hesitation and a need for sharper diligence.
- Great tech isn’t enough: Products must integrate into real workflows, delivering value, usability, and ROI. In Renana’s words: “The magic has to make money.”
Q: Why does this message matter especially now?
A: With generative AI moving from hype to operational reality, founders must focus on execution, distribution, and utility. Therefore, Renana’s talk called for rigor over romance – a reminder that real impact and business alignment must back strong narratives.
Q: Who made this gathering possible?
A: Huge thanks go to Uri Eliabayev and the Machine & Deep Learning Israel team for organizing InvestAI, as well as the guests for joining and fostering candid, high-signal conversation in the heart of the ecosystem.
Looking to understand where generative AI investing is really heading?
🔗 Watch Renana’s full session here