GLOBAL NEW UNICORN COUNTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2026 HAVE ALREADY SURPASSED 2025'S TOTALS

Summary from the TLDR Founders newsletter

In the first half of 2026, 195 companies became unicorns, surpassing the entire 2025 total. Robotics and AI sectors led this surge, while notable companies like China-based DeepSeek and Seychelles-based OKX reached valuations of $50 billion and $25 billion, respectively. The US and China were dominant, with fast-follow funding rounds rapidly increasing valuations, particularly in AI and semiconductor startups.