Almost 40 new unicorns have been minted so far this year — here they are

The year 2026 is witnessing a remarkable surge in startups achieving unicorn status, largely fueled by the current excitement surrounding artificial intelligence. Utilizing insights from Crunchbase and PitchBook, TechCrunch has compiled a list of venture-capital-backed startups that have reached valuations of $1 billion or more this year. While many of these emerging companies are centered around AI technologies, there are also notable entrants from diverse sectors such as healthcare and cryptocurrency. One standout is Positron, an AI semiconductor firm founded in 2023, which recently completed a $230 million Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to over $300 million from prominent investors like Valor Equity Partners and Jump Trading. Skyryse, a semi-automated flight operating system established in 2016, has raised over $540 million, including a recent $300 million Series C round, with backing from firms such as Autopilot Ventures and Fidelity. In the crypto space, TRM Labs has emerged as a crucial player, helping businesses combat fraud. Founded in 2018, it secured $70 million in its Series C funding and has attracted around $219 million from investors like Bessemer Venture Partners and PayPal Ventures. Meanwhile, Midi Health, a telemedicine platform focused on menopausal health, raised $100 million in its Series D round, totaling over $250 million in funding to date. Lunar Energy, known for its home energy storage batteries, also raised $102 million in Series D funding, accumulating over $230 million overall. Bedrock Robotics, which utilizes AI to automate construction equipment, has gained significant traction, raising $270 million in its Series B round and achieving a valuation of $1.8 billion. Other notable unicorns include Fundamental, Goodfire, and Oxide, each contributing to the diverse landscape of innovation across industries. As the year progresses, this list will continue to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the startup ecosystem driven by technological advancements and investor enthusiasm.