AI isn't killing startup jobs — it's creating them.

Mercury surveyed 1,500 early-stage founders. Key findings:

• 79% of AI-adopting startups are hiring MORE because of AI
• AI companies 3x more likely to actively scale teams
• 68% of AI-forward companies growing headcount vs 28% non-adopters
• AI adopters 2x more likely to seek larger funding rounds

Hiring surge spans growth roles: biz dev (44%), sales (43%), marketing (42%), customer service (42%).

Why? AI amplifies humans rather than replacing them. Founders automate routine tasks, then invest saved time/capital into revenue-generating roles.

Full report: https://mercury.com/blog/startup-economics-report-2025

Brewed by Startup Beaker.