A unicorn startup is a private company (not listed on the stock market) That is worth $1 billion or more. The word “unicorn” is used because Such companies are scarce—just like the mythical unicorn.
The term was first used by a business expert named Aileen Lee in 2013 to describe these rare
and valuable startups.
unicorn startup in india
What Makes a unicorn startup?
For a company to be called a unicorn, it must:
Be a private company (not yet public)
Have a value of $1 billion or more
Usually grow very fast and use new ideas or technology Often get money from investors and venture capital firms.
The Growth of Unicorn Startups in India
India has become one of the top countries in the world for startups. Over the last few years, the number of unicorn startups in India has grown rapidly. A unicorn startup is a private company that is valued at $1 billion or more. These startups are using technology and new ideas to solve real-world problems, and they are making a big impact on the Indian economy.
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unicorn startup growth in india 2025
How the Growth Started
India’s startup journey began to rise after 2015 when more people started using smartphones and the internet. Government programs like Startup India, better digital payments, and investor interest helped many startups grow quickly.
By 2020, India had around 30 unicorns. But the real boom came in 2021, when more than 40 new unicorns were added in just one year! This was the fastest growth India had ever seen in the startup world.
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Why Are Startups Growing So Fast in India?
There are many reasons:
Young Population: India has millions of young, tech-savvy people.
Cheap Internet: One of the lowest internet costs in the world.
Digital Payments: Apps like UPI made online payments easy for everyone.
Investor Interest: Many Indian and foreign investors are funding startups.
Global Thinking: Many startups now build products for the whole world, not just India.
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Examples of Unicorn startups
Here are some companies that started as unicorns:
Airbnb – Helped people rent homes instead of hotels.
Byju’s – An Indian app that helps students learn online.
Stripe – Makes online payments easy.
OYO – Offers budget hotel rooms in India and other countries.
These companies all became unicorns before they were famous.
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How Does a Become a Unicorn startup?
Becoming a unicorn is not easy. It usually needs:
A unique and useful idea
A business that can grow fast
A strong team and good leadership
Big support from investors
A product or service that people all over the world can use
Unicorns in 2025
As of mid-2025, India has over 110 unicorn startups, making it the third-largest country in the world for unicorns—after the USA and China. Many of these new unicorn startup are in areas like:
Fintech (Finance + Technology)
Edtech (Education + Technology)
Healthtech (Healthcare + Technology)
E-commerce
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Why Are Unicorn Startups Important?
Unicorn startups are important because they:
1. Create jobs
2. Solve big problems using new ideas
3. Show future trends in technology and business
4. Attract investors and media attention
Many people look up to unicorns as examples of success.
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Conclusion
To sum it up, a unicorn startup is a young company worth over $1 billion. These startups grow fast, bring new ideas, and change the way people live and work. Even though they are rare, they show that big dreams can come true with hard work and smart thinking.
