Ascend survey: 89% of ~70 early-stage VC-backed startups use AI, many reporting 25–60% smaller teams than in 2021

An Ascend survey of ~70 mostly early-stage, West Coast VC-backed startups finds 89% use AI—often multiple models—to reduce headcount needs and hiring plans, with many founders reporting 25–60% fewer employees required versus 2021 and engineering, marketing, and customer support most affected.

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