Global business research and database firm, CB Insights, has again released a list of startups with unicorn status (valuation over US$1 billion).
At least 1,258 unicorns worldwide existed as of Thursday, January 23, 2025. Their accumulated valuation reached US$4,325 billion.
In the top 10 list compiled by *Databoks*, these startup giants not only hold unicorn status, but also include decacorns (valuation over US$10 billion) and hectocorns (over US$100 billion).
SpaceX took first place with a valuation of US$350 billion as of January 7, 2025, achieving hectocorn status. This is up from July 2024, when its valuation was US$150 billion and it held second place.
Elon Musk's space transportation company received funding from Founders Fund, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and Rothenberg Ventures.
SpaceX displaced ByteDance from the top spot in mid-2024. Now, the TikTok parent company sits at number two with a valuation of US$300 billion, up from US$225 billion in July 2024.
ByteDance's investors include Sequoia Capital China, SIG Asia Investments, Sina Weibo, and SoftBank Group.
OpenAI holds third place with a valuation of US$157 billion. This artificial intelligence company received funding from Khosla Ventures, Thrive Capital, and Sequoia Capital.
Fourth is Stripe, with a valuation of US$70 billion—placing it in both the unicorn and decacorn categories. This financial services company was funded by Khosla Ventures, Lowercase Capital, and capitalG.
Fifth is SHEIN, at US$66 billion. This fashion company received funding from Tiger Global Management, Sequoia Capital China, and Shunwei Capital Partners.
Following in the top 10 are Databricks, xAI, Revolut, Canva, and Fanatics.
Here is the top 10 list of giant global unicorn startups as of January 7, 2025:
* SpaceX US$350 billion
* ByteDance US$300 billion
* OpenAI US$157 billion
* Stripe US$70 billion
* SHEIN US$66 billion
* Databricks US$62 billion
* xAI US$50 billion
* Revolut US$45 billion
* Canva US$32 billion
* Fanatics US$31 billion.
(Also read: 10 Largest Unicorn Startups in the World in July 2024)