Discover How 24% of Unicorns Owe Their Existence to the US Government

There’s much more to Silicon Valley’s narrative of groundbreaking startups than the archetypical garage-originated, unicorn-aspiring dream we tend to imagine. A recent study cracks open this perpetuated myth, revealing a seldom-publicized reality: a significant 24% of ‘unicorns’ - privately held startups valued over $1 billion - owe their existence to an unlikely source. The United States government winds up being the influential force behind these gilded-statue companies.

Yes, that’s right. Uncle Sam isn’t just the bureaucratic entity that startups navigate around, but he is, in fact, a venture capitalist in disguise. Providing a noteworthy edge through subsidies, contracts, and loan guarantees, the government, in many cases, is a cornerstone for these Silicon Valley successes.

This underscores the quintessential yet often overlooked role of governmental aid in the creation and growth of unicorns. This revelation shatters a prevailing belief in an autonomous Silicon Valley, drawing attention to the inherent symbiosis between startups and the government. By invigorating enterprises with funding and facilitating advanced research projects, the government indirectly influences the nascent stages of these companies.

Let this serve as a reminder of the unseen forces shaping the startup world. Silicon Valley’s ‘unicorns’ are as much a product of governmental assistance as they are of individual entrepreneurial spirit. This recognition calls for a shift in our perspective, understanding that being a unicorn is not just about inventing the next big thing, but also about harnessing the power and opportunities afforded by cooperative ventures with the government.