Artificial intelligence companies are leaving crypto startups in the dust, founders warn.

Paul Brody, the former EY global blockchain lead turned CEO of Nightfall Networks, told DL News that it’s a bad time for crypto teams trying to raise capital.

That’s because AI companies are growing so quickly that expectations for new startups have risen sharply, he said.

“What used to be seen as strong early performance — around $2 million in first-year revenue — is no longer enough,” Brody said. “Now, investors expect closer to $4 million.”

In other words, that surge in expectations is making it harder for crypto startups to compete for funding.

Still, Brody sees some room for optimism.

“The one silver lining is…