Amidst lower valuations and declining VC investments, the VC industry experienced a unique trend where early-stage startups gained more investor momentum than mature ones. This shift is due to cost-effectiveness and longer-term potential for early companies, while late-stage startups face funding challenges due to low reserves and high valuations. Oliver Libby anticipated a return of liquidity in the VC market, advising founders to control costs, prioritize quality, demonstrate a path to profitability, align with a purpose, and leverage existing investors for support.