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Startup office by Proxyclick Visitor Management System on

Top 25 Unicorn Startups in 2023

Every year, thousands upon thousands of entrepreneurs take the plunge, determined to make their mark on the world. In fact, according to a recent report, over 4 million businesses were started in 2022 alone. That’s right, 4 million!

But let’s face it, not all startups are created equal. Some fizzle out before they’ve barely started, while others skyrocket to success, leaving their competitors in the dust. These are the unicorns, the mythical creatures of the startup world, and they are the subject of this article.

Before we dive in, let’s define what we mean by ‘unicorn’. No, we’re not talking about the mythical horse with a horn on its head. In the startup world (and for this article), a unicorn is a company that has achieved a valuation of over $1 billion. Think Google, Facebook, and other former unicorns that have become household names.

With so many new players entering the game, it’s more important than ever to identify those that are truly innovative and have the potential to make a lasting impact. So, join us, and let’s explore the top 25 unicorn startups in 2023.

1. ByteDance

Bytdance’s biggest product as of yet, TikTok. by Jonathan Kemper on

ByteDance is the tech giant behind the viral sensation known as TikTok. It was founded in 2012 by Chinese entrepreneurs Zhang Yiming, Liang Rubo, and a team of others.

ByteDance has in the last few years taken the world by storm with its addictive social media apps. TikTok, and its Chinese counterpart Douyin, have become the go-to platforms for anyone looking to showcase their dance moves, lip-sync skills, or just their general ability to make people laugh. See our article on the most famous TikTok people here!

But ByteDance is more than just a one-hit (well, two) wonder. The company has also dabbled in other ventures, such as news aggregator Jinri Toutiao and the education app Gogokid.

With its finger on the pulse of what makes the younger generation tick, ByteDance is a force to be reckoned with in the tech and internet industry. As of January 2023, Bytedance has a valuation of over $220 billion.

2. SpaceX

Entrance to SpaceX offices by Bruno Sanchez-Andrade Nuño –

Founded by a man who some consider the real-life Iron Man, Elon Musk, in 2002, SpaceX has quickly become one of the most exciting and innovative companies on the planet. The company is working towards the goal of colonizing Mars and making humans an interplanetary species.

is revolutionizing the aerospace industry with its reusable rockets, and making space travel more accessible and affordable. With man’s seemingly insatiable desire to leave Earth and explore the final frontier, SpaceX is paving the way for a new era of space exploration. As of January 2023, SpaceX has a valuation of $137 billion.

Talking about space exploration, see our article on the solar system here!

3. Shein

Shein is an online fashion retailer. It was founded in 2008 by Chris Xu, under the name ZZKKO before changing to SheInside and then changing to Shein in 2015.

Shein has its headquarters in Singapore and it has quickly become one of the hottest names in the fast fashion industry. As of April 2022, Shen was valued at $100 billion but as of January 2023, the company’s valuation has plummeted to $64 billion.

While this might sound bad for Shein’s future, lowering the company’s valuation could be a ploy to attract more investors and funding or to gain a competitive advantage in the market. Only time will tell.

4. Stripe

The headquarters office of payment services company Stripe in San Francisco (see logo) by HaeB –

Stripe is a fintech company taking the payments industry by storm. It was founded in late 2009 by two brothers Patrick and John Collison. In rather fascinating form, the company has dual headquarters; in South San Francisco (USA) and Dublin (Ireland).

With its sleek user interface and seamless integration with websites and mobile apps, Stripe is making it easier than ever for businesses to accept payments from customers all over the world. This includes deals with major players such as Ford Motor Company, Spotify, and Twitter. As of March 2023, Stripe is valued at $50 billion, a drop from 2022’s valuation of $95 billion.

5. Checkout.com

If you’ve ever made an online purchase, chances are you’ve interacted with the powerhouse that is Checkout.com. Founded in 2012 by Guillaume Pousaz (under the name Opus Payments), this London-based fintech unicorn is shaking up the payments industry in a big way.

The company provides payment processing services to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to multinational corporations. Some of the company’s biggest clients include; Netflix and Pizza Hut. With a valuation of $40 billion (as of the end of 2022), Checkout.com is one of Europe’s most valuable startups.

6. Databricks

The Databricks_Logo by Databricks –

Databricks was founded in 2013 by a group of researchers from UC Berkeley. They are; Ali Ghodsi, Andy Konwinski, Ion Stoica, Patrick Wendell, Reynold Xin, Matei Zaharia, and Arsalan Tavakoli. This group is also credited as the founders of Apache Spark.

Put simply, Databricks is a tech company working on simplifying how companies work with big data. This is by providing automated cluster management and IPython-style notebooks. As of 2023, Databricks has a valuation of $38 billion.

7. Revolut

Logo Revolut by Revolut –

Founded in 2015, Revolut is a British-Lithuanian neo-bank and fintech company that has taken the world by storm from the moment it started. Based in London, the company was founded by Nikolay Storonsky (CEO) and Vlad Yatsenko (CTO).

Revolut allows users to hold and exchange multiple currencies at the touch of a button, all without the need for a traditional bank account. It has expanded rapidly over the years and as of 2020, Revolut is operational in Japan and the USA with over 16 million customers globally. Revolut is currently valued at a whopping $33 billion.

See other startups in the UK here!

8. Epic Games

This is a logo for Epic Games by Epic Games –

In the video game industry, Epic Games is like the boss-level character. Tim Sweeney founded it in 1991. Yes, even having been around all these years, Epic Games is still technically a startup.

The company is headquartered in North Carolina. Its first name was Potomac Computer Systems, before morphing into Epic MegaGames, and finally settling on its current name. Epic Games is most famous for creating games such as Fortnite, Gears of War, and Unreal Tournament.

However, the company’s influence goes way beyond just games. It is also responsible for creating the most successful video game engine in history, the Unreal Engine. That’s the name of the engine and not an adjective describing it although yes, it is ‘unreal’.

With all this success, you might expect a revolving door of directors, but Epic Games has had the same vice president, Mark Rein, since 1992, proving that some things in this ever-changing industry can still stay consistent. As of the end of 2022, Epic Games was valued at $32 billion.

9. Telegram

Telegram app icon on smartphone screen by Yuri Samoilov –

Founded in 2013 by brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging and voice-over-IP service, that allows users to send messages, photos, and videos. The app has been the most downloaded app in 2021, which is a clear sign that it is the future of messaging.

With its commitment to privacy and security, Telegram is giving WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger a run for their money. As of March 2023, Telegram is valued at $30 billion. While currently private, reports are suggesting that Telegram could go public very soon.

10. OpenAI

OpenAI’s logo by Andrew Neel on

OpenAI is one of the most influential and innovative companies in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Founded in 2015 by a group of tech luminaries, including Twitter CEO Elon Musk, PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, and renowned AI researcher Demis Hassabis.

It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing AI. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company has quickly become one of the most prominent voices in the AI community. This is more so with the launch of the groundbreaking GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) technology.

Having launched ChatGPT (GPT-3) in November 2022, it quickly became a hit. In March 2023, the company launched GPT-4. In January 2023, OpenAI was valued at a whopping $29 billion and I might be biased but the future is bright.

Learn more about ChatGPT here!

11. Canva

A 3D image of Canva’s logo by Rubaitul Azad on

Canva is the one-stop shop for all your design needs. It was founded in 2012 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams. The Aussie-born company has its headquarters in Sydney, Australia.

Canva has proven that creativity knows no bounds. Whether you’re designing a social media post, a presentation slide, or even a wedding invitation, Canva’s got you covered. Canva’s investors include some heavyweights in the tech industry, such as Sequoia Capital, Blackbird Ventures, and Felicis Ventures. As of 2023, Canva is currently valued at around $25 billion.

12. Chime

Chime Financial, Inc. Headquarters in San Francisco (Logo atop the building) by Suiren2022 –

Move over, old-fashioned banking! Chime is here to do your job better! Founded in 2013 by Chris Britt and Ryan King, this financial technology company is based in San Francisco, California, and is quickly becoming a household name.

Chime offers fee-free banking services, while also eliminating the need for physical branches. Yes, No more standing in long lines or being greeted by a bored teller. Actively revolutionizing the banking industry is no small feat and this is shown by Chime’s valuation. Since the end of 2022, Chime has had a valuation of $25 billion.

13. Instacart

Instacart logo on smartphone by Marques Thomas on

Instacart was founded in 2012 by Apoorva Mehta, an ex-Amazon employee, Max Mullen, and Brandon Leonardo. This San Francisco-based company is changing the game when it comes to grocery shopping. From fresh produce to pantry staples, Instacart offers same-day delivery from your favorite local stores, saving you time and energy.

Instacart is currently operational in Canada and the USA but it’s only a matter of time before they expand beyond. As of January 2023, Instacart was valued at $10 billion. This is a massive drop in their valuation (nearly 60% drop) from the 2022 valuation which was $24 billion.

14. Discord

A 3D rendition of Discord’s logo by Alexander Shatov on

Founded in 2015 by Jason Citron and Stan Vishnevskiy, this Silicon Valley start-up has turned the gaming and communication world on its head. Discord is a communication platform that allows users to create their own servers and channels for group chat, voice chat, and even video chat.

With over 350 million registered users, Discord has over 150 million active monthly users. Not too shabby for an 8-year-old startup! As of early 2023, Discord has a valuation of $15 billion and the future looks bright.

15. Reddit

by Brett Jordan on

Reddit is the ultimate rabbit hole of the internet. Headquartered in San Francisco, it was founded in 2005 by the University of Virginia roommates Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian.

Reddit is a social media platform where users can share content and engage in discussions on any topic imaginable. From cute cat pictures to cutting-edge science, Reddit has it all. This massive online platform has become one of the most visited websites on the internet. 20th most visited according to 2022 statistics. Currently valued at a $15 billion valuation, reports suggest that Reddit could go public but at a lower valuation.

16. GoPuff

This is a logo for goPuff by goPuff –

GoPuff is an on-demand convenience store delivery service. It was founded in 2013 by two Drexel University students, Yakir Gola, and Rafael Ilishayev, and has its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Despite a 2018 controversy over its apps recording user personal data and transmitting it to an analytics company, GoPuff has continued to grow at an astonishing rate. GoPuff’s valuation has steadily increased over the years from a valuation of $4 billion in 2019 to $15 billion as of early 2022.

17. DJI

A DJI drone controller by Samuel Hof on

DJI is a company that has revolutionized the drone industry. It was founded in 2006 by Frank Wang, a young Chinese entrepreneur. DJI has its headquarters in Shenzhen, China, and has grown to become one of the most recognized drone manufacturers globally.

The company is renowned for its Phantom and Mavic series drones. What sets DJI apart is its focus on innovation and technology. The company invests heavily in research and development, which has led to groundbreaking inventions such as obstacle avoidance and image stabilization technology. As of early 2023, DJI is valued at approximately $15 billion.

18. Plaid Inc.

Plaid Inc. connects banks and fintech companies, making it easier for people to manage their finances online. It’s like a financial conductor, coordinating transactions and account data across different platforms.

The company was founded by Zach Perret and William Hockey in 2013 and the company is based in San Francisco. With operations in the US, Canada, and the UK, Plaid Inc. has been making waves in the global finance industry.

In early 2020, Visa announced its intention to acquire the company for $5.3 billion. However, the deal was scrapped due to data privacy concerns raised by the Department of Justice. However, don’t worry, Plaid Inc. is still going strong, as shown by its current valuation of 13.4 billion.

19. Grammarly Inc.

since its founding in 2009 by Alex Shevchenko and Max Lytvyn, Grammarly has become a household name in the tech industry with its mission to improve communication through the power of AI.

The company’s growth over the years is a testament to the power of never giving up. Also, I think a share of thanks should go to the incessant YouTube ads that have plagued our screens for years. I’m sure you’ve had to deal with them too. As of the end of 2021, Grammarly has been valued at $13 billion.

20. Swiggy

swiggy logo by Swiggy –

Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy has become a force to be reckoned with in the Indian food delivery industry. The company is headquartered in Bangalore, India, and operates in more than 500 cities across the country.

But here’s a fun fact – before Swiggy, the company launched a hyperlocal delivery service called Bundl, which was ultimately halted and then rebranded into the Swiggy we know and love today. Having established itself as a major player in the industry, Swiggy has grown immensely over the years. The company is currently valued at $10.7 billion.

21. Getir

Getir branded motorcycles by Donald Trung Quoc Don –

Getir is a Turkish company based in Istanbul and founded by Turkish entrepreneur, Nazım Salur in 2015. It is an on-demand delivery service (yes, another one on the list) that is quickly becoming a household name in Turkey and beyond.

From groceries to snacks, toiletries to pet food, Getir’s fleet of speedy couriers will have it at your door in no time. As a show of intent to dominate the industry, Getir acquired their competitors, Gorrilas, for $1.25 billion. Talk about swallowing your competition whole! Getir is now valued at close to $12 billion.

22. Gusto

Gusto HQ logo as of July 24, 2019, by Agvishere –

When it comes to payroll and HR solutions, Gusto is the go-to for businesses across all 50 states in the US. It was founded in 2011 by Tomer London, Edward Kim, and Joshua Reeves. Gusto provides cloud-based payroll, benefits, and human resource management software simplifying the back-end operations of businesses.

While currently only operational in the USA, it looks like it’s only a matter of time before they expand beyond the American borders. As of May 2022, the company was valued at $9.5 billion.

23. Bolt

Bolt’s self-driving car by Alexander Corkhill –

Bolt is a ride-hailing company that operates in over 40 countries and 200 cities, making it one of the fastest-growing ride-sharing companies in the world. It was founded in 2013 by Markus Villig who was only 19 years old at the time.

Originally called Taxify, Bolt has undergone a few name changes in its short history, but its commitment to providing affordable and reliable transportation remains the same. As of May 2022, Bolt had a valuation of around $8 billion.

24. Dream11

Dream11 logo by Himalayan7914 –

Dream11 is a company that has been literally making dreams come true for sports fans in India since its founding in 2008. Founded by Harsh Jain and Bhavit Sheth, Dream11 has its headquarters in Mumbai, India.

The company is a fantasy sports platform that allows users to create virtual teams and participate in online leagues based on real-life sports events. In a rather dramatic fashion, the company was accused of operating an illegal online gambling platform in 2017. The case made its way to the Bombay High Court, which ruled in favor of Dream11, stating that the game is one of skill and not chance, making it legal.

The case was nothing more than a stumbling block as the company has only gone from strength to strength. As of November 2021, Dream11 has had a valuation of $8 billion.

25. 1Password

A screenshot of 1Password for Windows by AgileBits –

1Password is a password manager that has quickly become one of the most popular and trusted solutions for people who want to keep their online accounts safe and secure. It was founded in 2006 by two Canadian developers, Dave Teare, and Roustem Karimov.

The idea for 1Password came to Teare and Karimov when they realized that they were using the same weak password for multiple online accounts, leaving them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. They set out to create a solution that would make it easy for people to use strong, unique passwords for each account without having to remember them all.

One thing that 1Password definitely has going for it, is a catalog of famous investors who have helped with its branding and marketing. This includes; Ryan Reynolds, Robert Downey Jr., and Justin Timberlake. As of early 2023, the company is valued at $6.8 billion.

In conclusion, this list is not exhaustive as there are other ‘unicorns’ that have been left out. Even though these companies are considered “unicorns” with a valuation of over a billion dollars, success is not guaranteed.

It is important to note that startups, regardless of their valuation, face a multitude of challenges and obstacles that can lead to their failure. One example of this is the company, Theranos, which was once valued at $9 billion but ultimately failed due to fraudulent practices.

Therefore, while it is exciting to see the rise of new startups, we must also be cautious and keep in mind that even for a “unicorn” startup, sustained success is not a given.