BusinessJuly 10, 2026
unicorn
/ˈjuːnɪˌkɔːrn/
Definition
A privately held startup company that has achieved a valuation of at least $1 billion.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'unicornis,' meaning 'having one horn.' The term was adopted by business terminology in 2013 to describe startups as rare and magical successes.
In the news
In this article, the term highlights how established billion-dollar companies are struggling to secure new funding as investors prioritize the current AI boom. It underscores the competitive nature of the venture capital market where even high-value startups face fundraising hurdles.
Billionaire exodus? California drew 10 times more venture capital than any other state this year
Read the full article ↗Los Angeles Times