Unicorn Startups of 2023: A Year of Innovation and Investment
The world of technology and innovation is constantly evolving, with AI at the forefront of an investor frenzy that has seen numerous startups achieve unicorn status in recent months. Using data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, JS has been keeping track of the VC-backed startups that have joined the billion-dollar club so far this year. While many of these unicorns are AI-related, there are also some surprises in industries like satellite technology and blockchain.
This list is continuously updated throughout the year, showcasing the latest powerhouse startups that have crossed the $1 billion valuation mark.
June
Linear — $1.25 billion: Linear is a software development product management tool that recently raised an $82 million Series C, bringing its valuation to $1.25 billion. With investments from firms like Accel and Sequoia Capital, Linear has raised over $130 million since its founding in 2019.
Gecko — $1.62 billion: Gecko specializes in data-gathering robotics that can navigate various terrains. With a recent $121 million Series D funding round, the company is now valued at $1.62 billion. Investors like Cox Enterprises and Drive Capital have contributed to Gecko’s total funding of over $340 million.
Meter — $1.38 billion: Meter offers managed Internet infrastructure services to enterprises and recently raised a $170 million Series C, reaching a valuation of $1.38 billion. With backing from General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, and others, Meter has raised more than $250 million in total funding since its establishment in 2015.
Teamworks: Teamworks is a sports software company that secured a $247 million Series F, valuing the company at $1.25 billion. Since its founding in 2006, Teamworks has raised over $400 million from investors like Seaport Capital and General Catalyst.
Thinking Machines: Founded by OpenAI alum Mira Murati, Thinking Machines is an AI research company that raised a staggering $2 billion seed round, giving it a valuation of $10 billion. Investors in this round include a16z and Nvidia.
Kalshi — $2 billion: Kalshi is a prediction markets company that recently raised an $185 million Series C, reaching a valuation of $2 billion. With investments from Sequoia and Global Founders Capital, Kalshi has raised more than $290 million in total funding since its establishment in 2018.
Decagon: Decagon is a customer service AI agent company that raised a $131 million Series C, valuing the company at $1.5 billion. With support from investors like a16z and Accel, Decagon has raised over $231 million since its founding in 2023.
May
Pathos — $1.6 billion: Pathos is a drug development company that secured a $365 million Series D, giving it a valuation of $1.6 billion. With investments from General Catalyst and Altimeter Capital Management, Pathos has raised more than $460 million since its inception in 2020.
Statsig — $1.1 billion: Statsig is a product development platform that recently raised a $100 million Series C, reaching a valuation of $1.1 billion. Investors like Sequoia, Mardona, and ICONIQ Growth have contributed to Statsig’s total funding of around $153 million.
SpreeAI — $1.5 billion: SpreeAI is a shopping tech company that recently reached a valuation of $1.5 billion after an undisclosed funding round. With investments from The Davidson Group, SpreeAI has raised more than $20 million since its founding in 2020.
Function — $2.5 billion: Function is a health tech company that recently raised a $200 million round, giving it a valuation of $2.5 billion. Backed by a16z, Function has raised over $250 million in total funding since its establishment in 2020.
Owner — $1 billion: Owner is a restaurant marketing software company that secured a $120 million Series C, reaching a valuation of $1 billion. With investments from Headline, Redpoint Ventures, SaaStr Fund, and Meritech Capital, Owner has raised more than $180 million since its founding in 2018.
Awardco — $1 billion: Awardco is an employee engagement platform that recently raised a $165 million Series B, valuing the company at $1 billion. With support from General Catalyst, Awardco has raised more than $230 million since its inception in 2012.
April
Nourish — $1 billion: Nourish is a dietitian tele-health company that recently raised a $70 million Series B, reaching a valuation of $1 billion. With investments from Index Ventures and Thrive Capital, Nourish has raised more than $100 million since its founding in 2020.
Chapter — $1.38 billion: Chapter is a Medicare guide health tech company that secured a $75 million Series D, valuing the company at $1.38 billion. With backing from XYZ Venture Capital and Narya, Chapter has raised $186 million in total funding since its establishment in 2013.
Threatlocker — $1.2 billion: Threatlocker, a data protection company based in Orlando, recently raised a $60 million Series E, giving it a valuation of $1.2 billion. With investments from General Atlantic and StepStone Group, Threatlocker has raised more than $200 million since its founding in 2017.
Cyberhaven — $1 billion: Cyberhaven, a data detection company, raised a $100 million Series D in April, reaching a valuation of $1 billion. With investments from Khlosa Ventures and Redpoint Ventures, Cyberhaven has raised more than $200 million since its launch in 2015.
March
Fleetio — $1.5 billion: Fleetio, an Alabama-based startup that simplifies fleet operations with software, recently raised a $454 million Series D at a valuation of $1.5 billion. With investments from Elephant and Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Fleetio has raised $624 million in total funding since its inception in 2012.
The Bot Company — $2 billion: The Bot Company, a robotics platform founded in 2024, secured a $150 million early-stage round, giving it a valuation of $2 billion. With total funding of $300 million, The Bot Company is poised for further growth and innovation.
Celestial AI — $2.5 billion: Celestial AI, an AI company based in California, raised a $250 million Series C led by Fidelity, valuing the company at $2.5 billion. With investments from BlackRock and Engine Ventures, Celestial AI has raised over $580 million in capital to date.
Underdog Fantasy — $1.3 billion: Underdog Fantasy, a sports gaming company founded in 2020, recently raised a $70 million Series C, reaching a valuation of $1.3 billion. With investments from Spark Capital, Underdog Fantasy has raised more than $100 million in total capital.
Build Ops — $1 billion: Build Ops, a software company founded in 2018, secured a $122.6 million Series C, valuing the company at $1 billion. With investments from Founders Fund and Fika Ventures, Build Ops has raised $273 million in total funding.
Insilico Medicine — $1 billion: Insilico Medicine, a drug research company founded in 2014, raised a $110 million Series E at a valuation of $1 billion. With investments from Lilly Ventures and Value Partners Group, Insilico Medicine has raised over $500 million in total capital.
Olipop — $2 billion: Olipop, a popular probiotic soda company founded in 2018, recently raised a $137.9 million Series C at a valuation of $1.96 billion. With investments from Scoop Ventures and J.P. Morgan Growth Equity Partners, Olipop has raised $243 million to date.
Peregrine — $2.5 billion: Peregrine, a data analysis and integration platform launched in 2017, secured a $190 million Series C, reaching a valuation of $2.5 billion. With investments from Sequoia and Fifth Down Capital, Peregrine has raised more than $250 million in total funding.
Assured — $1 billion: Assured, an AI company specializing in claims processing, raised a $23 million Series B, valuing the company at $1 billion. With investments from ICONIQ Capital and Kleiner Perkins, Assured has raised over $26 million to date.
February
Abridge — $2.8 billion: Abridge, a medtech company founded in 2018, recently raised a $250 million Series D at a valuation of $2.75 billion. With investments from Elad Gil and IVP, Abridge has raised more than $460 million in total funding.
OpenEvidence — $1 billion: OpenEvidence, a medtech company founded in 2017, secured a $75 million Series A at a valuation of $1 billion. With investments from Sequoia Capital, OpenEvidence has raised $135 million in total funding.
Hightouch — $1.2 billion: Hightouch, a data platform founded in 2018, recently raised an $80 million Series C at a valuation of $1.2 billion. With investments from Sapphire Ventures and Bain Capital Ventures, Hightouch has raised $171 million in total funding.
January
Kikoff — $1 billion: Kikoff, a personal finance platform founded in 2019, recently reached a valuation of $1 billion after an undisclosed funding round. With investments from Female Founders Fund, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Steph Curry, Kikoff has raised $42.5 million to date.
Netradyne — $1.35 billion: Netradyne, a computer vision startup founded in 2015, secured a $90 million Series D, reaching a valuation of $1.35 billion. With investments from Point72 Ventures, Netradyne has raised significant capital for its innovative technology.
Hippocratic AI — $1.6 billion: Hippocratic AI, a healthcare models company founded in 2023, recently raised a $141 million Series B, valuing the company at $1.64 billion. With investments from Kleiner Perkins, Hippocratic AI is making waves in the healthcare industry.
Truveta — $1 billion: Truveta, a genetic research company founded in 2020, raised a $320 million round, valuing the company at $1 billion. With investments from CVCs from Microsoft and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Truveta is at the forefront of genetic research.
Clay — $1.25 billion: Clay, an AI sales platform founded in 2017, recently secured a $40 million Series B, reaching a valuation of $1.25 billion. With investments from Sequoia, First Round, Boldstar, and Box Group, Clay is revolutionizing the sales industry.
Mercor — $2 billion: Mercor, a contract recruiting startup founded in 2022, recently raised a $100 million Series B, valuing the company at $2 billion. With investments from Felicis, Menlo Ventures, Jack Dorsey, Peter Thiel, and Anthology Fund, Mercor is changing the recruiting landscape.
Loft Orbital — $1 billion: Loft Orbital, a satellite company founded in 2017, secured a $170 million Series C, giving it a valuation of $1 billion. With investments from Temasek and Tikehau Capital, Loft Orbital is leading the way in satellite technology.
This post was updated to reflect what Peregrine does.
