Riding on the Wave of AI-Affinity, 36 Startups Graduated to Unicorn Status in 2025

In the pulsating world of startups, 2025 has proven to be a year of milestones. 36 companies reached the lucrative unicorn status, driven by AI enthusiasm fueling an investor frenzy. These VC-backed newcomers straddling AI and beyond, have painted a fascinating global startup landscape. Using extensive data from Crunchbase and PitchBook, the rise of these companies has been traced, their value now reaching over a staggering $1 billion each.

Often synonymous with AI, the current tech unicorn league, surprisingly, also represents startups from varied sectors. For instance, Loft Orbital from the cosmic realm of satellite space companies, and Kalshi, the blockchain-based trading site, have made remarkable entries.

Similarly, Gecko has cast a spell with its data-gathering robotics that climb, crawl, swim, and fly. It secured a $121 million Series D and achieved a valuation of $1.6 billion. Born in 2013, the startup has raised a healthy sum of $340 million so far with Cox Enterprises and Drive Capital amongst the investors.

Another triumphant startup is Meter, a managed Internet infrastructure service provider for enterprises. It bagged a $170 million Series C, which lead to its valuation soaring to $1.38 billion. Since its inception in 2015, Meter has collected over $250 million in funding, with significant contributions from General Catalyst, Sequoia Capital, Sam Atlaman, and Lachy Groom.

Last but not least is Teamworks, a sports software company that climbed the unicorn ladder after a $247 million Series F funding. With a current valuation of $1.25 billion, it has secured over $400 million in funding from investors including Seaport Capital and General Catalyst since its founding in 2006.

As the year continues to unfold, one can only anticipate how many more startups will join the unicorn club. The tech industry, regardless of sector and geographical boundaries, is fostering an unprecedented era of innovation and investor confidence.